The official website for the live-action adaptation of Kaiji Kawaguchi's political-military manga The Silent Service has revealed that the sequel film will premiere in Japan on September 26, 2025. Titled Hokkyokukai Daikaisen (translated as The Great Sea Battle of the Arctic Ocean), the upcoming movie promises an intense continuation of the saga.
A teaser image has been shared, showcasing the submarine Yamato plunging into icy waters amidst the Northern Lights. Additionally, a behind-the-scenes video highlighting the production, which spanned from August to October, has also been released.
Kawaguchi's original manga, serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine from 1988 to 1996, consists of 32 volumes with over 32 million copies sold in print and digital formats.
The first live-action feature film, produced by Amazon Studios, debuted in Japan on September 29, 2023, marking Amazon’s initial foray into Japanese theatrical cinema. The movie grossed 1.37 billion yen (approximately 9.02 million USD) during its domestic run. Following the film, an eight-episode web drama series, The Silent Service Season One - The Battle of Tokyo Bay, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in February 2024.
The sequel centers on two key narratives: The Great Sea Battle of the Arctic Ocean, a high-stakes torpedo skirmish in the frigid northern seas, and the Yamato Election, an episode adapted into a TV special during the manga’s original run.
"In this sequel, after escaping Tokyo Bay, Yamato faces its most formidable and perilous encounter with the U.S. military," said Takao Osawa, the film's lead actor and producer. "Simultaneously, the political subplot features Prime Minister Takegami’s general election campaign, reflecting contemporary Japanese politics. New characters are introduced, significantly impacting Yamato's fate. The film is packed with more action, suspense, and emotional depth than its predecessor. The interplay between Yamato, the U.S. military, politicians, and media adds layers of complexity, delivering a cinematic experience that surpasses expectations. I eagerly anticipate audiences experiencing this in theaters," Osawa added.
Sequel Synopsis
In the frigid Arctic waters, Yamato dives deep, accompanied by the haunting strains of Mozart’s music. The nuclear-powered submarine, nicknamed the "Great and Powerful Peace," had previously overwhelmed the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Battle of Tokyo Bay and is now en route to New York. As it approaches the Bering Strait—the critical juncture between the United States and Russia—a formidable submarine appears in pursuit.
"Sink the nuclear terrorist Yamato!" orders President Bennett, deploying a cutting-edge U.S. submarine far superior to Yamato.
Meanwhile, Japan holds a general election to dissolve the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Takegami publicly supports Yamato, tying his political fate to the submarine's mission. Whether Yamato survives or is destroyed will shape the nation's future.
Under the shimmering aurora borealis and amidst the icy Arctic Ocean, Captain Shiro Kaieda must navigate Yamato through its most daunting challenge. The epic battle begins against a backdrop of frozen seas and floating ice, where survival and destiny hang in the balance.