Award-winning Japanese anime set for February release in China

A poster for "Sayoasa", in which the orphaned boy Erial holds the fingers of his adopted mother Maquia. The film, which goes by the English name "Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms", will open in cinemas in China on February 22. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Promotion has begun in China for the Japanese anime "Sayoasa", also known as "Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms". Posters have appeared in cities ahead of the film's theatrical release on February 22.

The film tells the story of Maquia, a girl from a clan whose members stop aging in their mid-teens. She finds and adopts a baby boy named Erial, who has lost his parents. The story follows their changing relationship as Erial grows up but Maquia does not.

Directed by Mari Okada, "Sayoasa" won the Golden Goblet Award at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival.

A poster for "Sayoasa" picturing Maquia playing with Erial. The award-winning Japanese anime will open in cinemas in China on February 22. [Photo provided to China Plus]