It has been announced that Genta Matsuda of the popular group "Travis Japan" will be the voice actor for the main character, Lion-kun, in the theatrical anime "Tabekko Doubutsu THE MOVIE," based on the popular snack "Tabekko Doubutsu" (Ginbis). This will be Matsuda's first time starring in an anime. It was also announced that actor Koji Mizukami will be making his voice acting debut as Elephant-kun, and Akari Takaishi will be playing the heroine, Pegasus-chan.
Matsuda, who plays Lion-kun, commented, "I was honestly happy when I received the offer. Lion-kun is the leader of the Tabekko Animals and is brave. However, he also has a childish side, and he is a character who grows through the presence of his friends, various environments, and encounters, becoming stronger and braver. He also has a sense of humor, so he's a character I personally love."
"The movie is filled to the brim with Lion-kun's straightforwardness and cuteness, and the other characters are also incredibly cute and soothing. There are a variety of characters, and the movie is packed with cuteness, healing, laughter, warmth, coolness, and lots of happiness. I would be happy if lots of people come to love Tabekko Animals. Be sure to check it out at the theater!"
Mizukami, who plays Elephant, commented, "I have auditioned for voice acting jobs several times in the past, but I was never able to take advantage of the opportunities due to lack of ability. When I was asked to do this, I was happy, but at the same time, I struggled with my inexperience. However, through the recording of this production, I was able to once again experience, in my own inexperience, the amazing skills of the people in the voice acting world, which I was grateful for."
"The Elephant I play is like a wife to Lion. He understands Lion's personality well, he steps out when it's time to and watches over him when it's time to. But he's also able to make decisions when it's time to, so he's the kind of character that everyone would want to have by their side. Sweets have been a part of my life since I was a child. I was the kind of child who would eat up any sweets in front of me in an instant. That feeling from back then has remained with me even as an adult, and I'm very happy to be able to be involved in 'Tabekko Animals' as Elephant," she said.
Takaishi, who plays Pegasus-chan, said, "Pegasus-chan is a character who captivates people with her singing voice, but despite her cute appearance, she has a strong sense of justice and a brave, cool side that tries to protect her friends, so I am also fascinated by her inner self. It was a truly luxurious challenge to be able to voice such a wonderful character. Will the sweets that are always close to us be able to save "the world" in the movie? Please look forward to it!"
In addition to Matsuda, Mizukami, and Takaishi, it was announced that the cast will include Fujimori Shingo as Monkey, Inori Minase as Hippo, Ozawa Ari as Rabbit, Nao Toyama Inori as Cat, Fumihiko Tachiki as Giraffe, Tachiki Fumihiko as Crocodile, and Mamiya Kurumi as Chick.
"Tabekko Animals" is a biscuit series shaped like various animals that was released in 1978. Based on the theme of "delicious, fun, and learning through eating," the biscuits have the alphabet of animals written on them. They are sold in over 20 countries around the world, including Japan. In recent years, goods with animal motifs have also become popular.
In the theatrical anime, Tabekko Animals will take on the mission of defeating an enemy plotting to take over the world. It will be directed by Takekiyo Jin of "After School Midnighters" and produced by Marza Animation Planet, which has also produced "Lupin the Third: The First," "Sonic the Hedgehog," and "Captain Harlock." It will be released on May 1st.
◇Comment from Shingo Fujimori, who plays Saru-kun
I was very happy to receive the offer to play Saru-kun. I just had a daughter recently, and I really want her to like the character. Saru-kun is a very lovable character with a lively and cute personality, but at the same time, he is also cute in his cool and slightly nihilistic side, so he was a very rewarding character to play. Anyway, everyone is cute! I love how Lion-kun is a gentle and soothing character with no hint of the king of the beasts.
◇Comment from Shouta Aoi, who plays Kaba-chan
I'm very happy to be able to take part in such a lovely and happy production! The hippo I play is the mood maker for everyone! Not only that, he also has the role of keeping everyone together! A thrilling development awaits, so don't miss it until the end! The Tabekko Animals that we love to eat every day! They talk, move, and go on adventures! Please look forward to it!
◇Comment from Ari Ozawa, who plays Usagi-chan
This time, I will be playing the role of Usagi. My name is Ozawa Ari. I am so happy to be able to appear in "Tabekko Animals," which I have known since I was a child, and it still feels like a dream. The rabbit I play is always cheerful and loves cute things. She is good friends with the cat, and the two of them are always together in the movie, so please enjoy! Delicious sweets bring back happy memories along with the joy of eating them. I hope you will watch this movie with your favorite sweets and make it one of your happy memories.
◇Comment from Inori Minase, who plays Neko-chan
When I was chosen to play the role of Neko-chan, I was so happy that I had to ask my manager over and over again if it was true (laughs). I was excited by the possibility of working as a voice actor. The Neko-chan I play is a mysterious character who is caring and considerate towards her friends, even though you might think she has a sharp and sarcastic remark. Cats have impressive eyes! I hope you will pay attention to Neko-chan's eyes in this work too! She is a "foodie animal" that is always in the snack corner of the kitchen! Now that I'm an adult, I also love asparagus! Sweets have always been a relaxing companion for me during rest.
◇Comment from Nao Nao Toyama, who plays Kirin-chan
I've loved "Tabekko Animals" since I was little, so much so that I would buy merchandise and lottery tickets, so I was really happy to see everyone moving in the movie! The giraffe I play is a gentle and timid girl. She's so cute, following everyone around. Singing and dancing on a big adventure! The Tabekko Animals are adorable at every moment, and I love them even more now. First of all, please watch with an open mind. An unexpected thrill awaits you...!!! Enjoy!
◇Comment from Fumihiko Tachiki, who plays Wani-kun
When I heard that I would be playing the role of Crocodile, I couldn't help but check the packaging, wondering if there was a Crocodile in Tabekko Animals (laughs). But I was thrilled to be able to play a character from a popular national snack! I was able to confirm my unique Crocodile voice once again, and the recording was a lot of fun. The kind-hearted Crocodile's reliable actions are a source of comfort to everyone. I was particularly particular about the ad-lib scenes outside of the lines. Speaking of snacks, I love coconut sables, and I ate a lot of them as a child and grew up. Now that I'm a little older, I've also started eating asparagus! I'm happy that I can still eat those snacks. They are an indispensable part of life! They still add color to my sweet and happy times, which are different from meals.
◇Comment from Kurumi Mamiya, who plays Hiyoko-chan
Tabekko Animals!! Everyone knows these snacks! When I was a child, I would line them up on my desk and be scolded like a manzai comedian: "Don't play with your food!!" "We're studying English!" I'm sure there are others who have experienced this. I was so happy to be able to become one of these characters. Hiyoko-chan loves to chat and always looks like she's having fun. I hope you'll pay attention to her doing her best with her small body for her favorite members.
