Witch on the Holy Night: Japan Release Date, IMAX Screenings and the January International Release
The short answer first: Witch on the Holy Night opens in Japanese cinemas on 20 November 2026, with IMAX screenings from day one. It is ufotable's film of TYPE-MOON's visual novel, and it then reaches US and Canadian cinemas on 29 January 2027.
Japan release date and IMAX screenings
The Japanese opening is set for 20 November 2026, and IMAX is part of the plan from the start rather than something added later. If you are in Japan and you want the biggest screen version, you do not have to wait for a second run.
Ahead of the opening, a new IMAX visual was unveiled on 31 October. It puts the two leads, Aoko Aozaki and Alice Kuonji, front and centre, and it gives a good sense of the mood the film is going for. Quiet, magical, and a little mysterious.
US and Canada release in January 2027
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures release the film in US and Canadian cinemas on 29 January 2027. It will be available subtitled and dubbed, so viewers can pick the version they prefer.
A quick note for readers elsewhere, including India. Only the US and Canada are confirmed for that 29 January date in the announcements we have seen. No India release date has been confirmed, so we are not listing one here. If that changes, we will update this article.
Staff, music and theme song
- Studio: ufotable
- Source: TYPE-MOON's visual novel
- Director: Masaru Takeuchi
- Chief director: Hikaru Kondo
- Music: Hideyuki Fukasawa
- Theme song: "Yoru to Ao" by supercell
ufotable is the studio behind Demon Slayer, so expectations for the visuals are understandably high. A film built around magic, set mostly at night, plays right into what the studio does best: rich colour, careful lighting and scenes that feel painted as much as animated.
Main cast
- Haruka Tomatsu as Aoko Aozaki
- Kana Hanazawa as Alice Kuonji
- Yusuke Kobayashi as Soujyuro
Aoko and Alice carry the story, which is why they are also the faces of the IMAX visual. Soujyuro is the third lead, and the dynamic between the three of them is the heart of the original visual novel. Fans of the game have waited a long time to see that brought to the screen.
Quick questions
When does Witch on the Holy Night open in Japan?
It opens in Japanese cinemas on 20 November 2026. IMAX screenings run from day one, so you can see it in IMAX on the opening date itself.
When is Witch on the Holy Night releasing in the US and Canada?
Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures release it in US and Canadian cinemas on 29 January 2027, in both subtitled and dubbed versions. No other international dates are confirmed here.
Who made Witch on the Holy Night, and who is in it?
It is ufotable's film of TYPE-MOON's visual novel. Masaru Takeuchi directs, with Hikaru Kondo as chief director and music by Hideyuki Fukasawa. The cast includes Haruka Tomatsu as Aoko Aozaki, Kana Hanazawa as Alice Kuonji and Yusuke Kobayashi as Soujyuro.