As the original novel introduces many recurring characters who appear in later Moomin novels, the film similarly works as a prequel to the 1990 anime series "Moomin". International version of the film feature a new musical score composed by Pierre Kartner whereas the original, Japanese release of the film mainly recycles Sumio Shiratori's score from the anime series. The Japanese version, however, has new opening and ending songs—"Shiawase no morugaane" and "Kono uchuu he, tsutae tai", respectively, both sung by Emiko Shiratori.