The voice actors who will play the seven dwarfs in the Japanese dub of Disney's first live-action feature-length animated film "Snow White" (directed by Mark Webb, released on March 20th) have been announced. The seven dwarfs will be played by a Akio Otsuka-studded cast, including Yoshio Kojima as the teacher, Kojima Yoshio as Gokigen, Satoshi Hino as Teresuke, Daisuke Namikawa Satoshi as Kusemi, and Namikawa Daisuke as Nebosuke. It has been announced that Tsuda Atsuhiro of the comedy duo "Diane" will voice the angry one of the seven dwarfs.
It was also announced that Kazuhiko Inoue will play Snow White's father, the good king who once ruled a kingdom filled with kindness, and Kazuya Nakai will play Quigg, a friend of Jonathan, Snow White's "soulmate."
Otsuka, who plays the teacher in The Seven Dwarfs, commented, "I've been in this job for a long time, but a role like this is rare, or rather, it might be the first time. I had to act, but more than anything, I had to sing! This was really tricky (laughs). Don't underestimate the songs just because you know them, it's an incredible arrangement and a terrifying challenge for an amateur like me! I did my best, so I hope everyone enjoys it at the theater♪."
Hirakawa, who plays Teresuke, said, "It is a true honor to be involved in Snow White, which is loved all over the world and which I have been familiar with since I was a child, as a voice actor, and especially as one of the seven dwarfs. I cherished every word I spoke. The original audio is of course wonderful, but I hope that many people will also enjoy the dubbed version. Hai-ho ♪."
Kojima, who plays Gokigen, said, "Piya! Gokigen Oppappi! I practiced it many times at home, so my one-year-old son now laughs when I say "Hi-ho". The singing and timing were difficult, but I was encouraged on set by people saying it was okay, it was okay, so I recorded it with great determination! I would be happy if people who watch it feel happy! I would like to ask people to include Piya and the others in my own live performances as well! Thank you!"
Namikawa, who plays Nebosuke, said, "I'm appearing in Snow White! What a wonderful word. All the characters are strong. The voice actors are strong as well. As Nebosuke is the one in the group, I gave my all to playing him. I worked hard on the singing, so please pay attention. It's a fascinating production, so I hope you'll come to the theater!"
Hino, who plays Sneezy, commented, "I am thrilled to be able to participate as one of the voice-over members in 'Snow White,' the origin of Disney princesses. I personally had a lot of fun playing the role of Sneezy with all my heart and soul! I hope that many people will enjoy it at the theater."
The film is a live-action musical adaptation of the 1937 animated feature film "Snow White." In the Japanese dubbed version, actor Sakura Kiryu plays Snow White, Junki Kono of the global boy band "JO1" plays Jonathan, Kanato Tsukishiro, a former member of the Takarazuka Revue, plays the Queen, and voice actor Junichi Suwabe plays the Magic Mirror.
