Tokyo Godfathers[a] is a 2003 adult anime Christmas tragicomedy adventure film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The film stars live-action actors such as Toru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, and Aya Okamoto as the lead voice actors.

Kon was inspired by the 1948 American film 3 Godfathers to make the film.[3] Unlike Kon's other films, Tokyo Godfathers is grounded more in realism.[4][5] However, as is typical of Kon's work, the film includes devices that are not straightforward, and Kon himself called it a twisted sentimental story.[6]

Tokyo Godfathers was released in Japan on November 8, 2003, and in North America on January 16, 2004.[7][8] It won the Excellence Award at the 2003 Japan Media Arts Festival[9] and Best Animation Film at the 58th Mainichi Film Awards.
Tokyo Godfathers

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Satoshi Kon
Screenplay by
Keiko Nobumoto
Satoshi Kon
Story by Satoshi Kon
Produced by
Shinichi Kobayashi
Masao Takiyama
Taro Maki
Starring
Tōru Emori
Yoshiaki Umegaki
Aya Okamoto
Cinematography Katsutoshi Sugai
Edited by
Takeshi Seyama
Kashiko Kimura
Music by
Keiichi Suzuki
Moonriders

Production
company
Madhouse
Distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan

Release dates
August 30, 2003 (Big Apple Anime Fest)
November 8, 2003 (Japan)

Running time 92 minutes
Country Japan
Language Japanese
Budget $2.4 million[1]
Box office $847,106