Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass (1980)
A bittersweet 1980 animated short from Toei Animation, following a girl with a crystal glass body aboard the Galaxy Express.
Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass - Movie Information
- Original Title: 銀河鉄道999 ガラスのクレア
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Nobutaka Nishizawa
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 17m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 14, 1980 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Galaxy Express 999 - Spécial 2 - Claire, la fille au corps de verre (FR), 은하철도 999: 유리의 클레아 (KR), Галактичний експрес 999: Скляна Клер (UA), Ginga tetsudô Three-Nine: Garasu no Kurea (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass - Plot
While travelling on the Galaxy Express with Maetel, Tetsuro befriends Claire who was forced by her mother to exchange her organic body for crystal glass. When danger threatens Tetsuro, Claire tries to help him.
Where to Watch Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass
Looking for where to watch Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nobutaka Nishizawa
Main Cast
- Yoko Asagami
- Masako Nozawa
- Masako Ikeda
- Kaneta Kimotsuki
- Hitoshi Takagi
- Nobuyo Tsuda
Writers
- Leiji Matsumoto
- Keisuke Fujikawa
Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass - FAQs
What is Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass about?
The film follows Tetsuro and his companion Maetel aboard the Galaxy Express, where they meet Claire, a young woman whose mother forced her to replace her organic body with crystal glass. When Tetsuro faces danger, Claire steps in to protect him, making for a poignant and bittersweet short story.
What makes Claire's character so memorable in this film?
Claire is one of the most emotionally resonant characters in the Galaxy Express 999 universe. Her glass body — imposed on her by her own mother — serves as a haunting metaphor for lost humanity and innocence. Her selfless act of protecting Tetsuro gives the short film a genuinely moving, tragic conclusion.
Is Claire of Glass connected to the Galaxy Express 999 movie?
Yes, Claire of Glass is a companion short to the 1979 Galaxy Express 999 theatrical film, sharing the same universe, characters, and creative DNA from Leiji Matsumoto's manga. It was released in Japan in March 1980 and features the same core cast, including Masako Nozawa and Masako Ikeda.
Who are the main voice actors in this film?
The voice cast includes Yoko Asagami as Claire, Masako Nozawa as Tetsurou Hoshino, and Masako Ikeda as the enigmatic Maetel. Kaneta Kimotsuki voices the Conductor, Hitoshi Takagi serves as Narrator, and Nobuyo Tsuda voices the Phantom Mother.
Who directed and wrote Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass?
The short was directed by Nobutaka Nishizawa and produced by Toei Animation. The screenplay was written by Keisuke Fujikawa, based on the original manga and characters created by the legendary Leiji Matsumoto, the visionary behind the entire Galaxy Express 999 franchise.
Is Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass based on the manga?
Yes, the film draws from Leiji Matsumoto's acclaimed manga series Galaxy Express 999, which ran in Monthly Manga Shōnen from 1977 to 1981. Matsumoto's original story and characters form the creative foundation of this short, with Keisuke Fujikawa adapting the screenplay.
What are some similar films to watch after this?
If you enjoyed this short, the 1979 Galaxy Express 999: The Movie is the natural next watch. Fans of classic Japanese sci-fi animation may also enjoy Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie (1982) and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), both of which share themes of humanity, identity, and the cosmos.
How long is Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass?
At just 17 minutes, Claire of Glass is a short film — but it packs a surprising emotional punch into its brief runtime. It's a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Galaxy Express 999 universe, and a touching bonus chapter for longtime fans of Leiji Matsumoto's work.
More About Galaxy Express 999: Claire of Glass
Explore further details and databases for this film.