Napping Princess

Set against a Japan racing toward the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, Napping Princess follows Kokone Morikawa, a bright but distracted high school student who lives with her widowed father, a gifted mechanic with a secret. Whenever she closes her eyes and drifts off, she slips into a vivid dream world where a squad of motorized machines battles a spreading magical threat. The two realms bleed into one another as Kokone discovers clues about her family, her past, and the link between her father and the enigmatic devices that power both worlds. The tension between exams and adventure pulls her in every direction, suggesting the truth of who she is lies at the intersection of memory, love, and invention. No spoilers.

Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, this original feature comes from Production I.G and blends a contemporary drama with a vivid fantasy adventure. It presents a young heroine caught between her daily life and a dream world where machines and magic collide.

Box office details for Napping Princess are not widely publicized and the film did not become a box office phenomenon. It opened in Japanese theaters in 2017 and later saw limited international distribution, with a modest financial footprint overall worldwide.

The film did not land major nominations at the big award bodies, and its reception rested more on its artistic craft than accolades. Viewers and genre fans noted Kamiyama's kinetic visuals and careful character work, even as some critics felt pacing and tonal shifts lingered, appearing uneven to some audiences.

Critics see the film as a thoughtful blend of coming of age and fantasy. The core ideas revolve around memory and identity, and the bond between Kokone and her mechanic father. The dream world acts as a mirror for growing up, balancing curiosity with duty that resonates with everyday life.