It has been announced that actress Rina Arashi will be appearing as a voice actor in the original animated feature film " Paris ni Saku Etoile, " directed by Goro Taniguchi , known for the anime series " Code Geass " and "One Piece Film Red." This will be Arashi's first time acting as a voice actor in an anime, and she will play Chizuru, a girl who meets the main character Fujiko in Paris. It has been announced that actress Ami Touma will be voicing Fujiko, and Touma and Arashi co-starred in the TV drama "Chihayafuru: Meguri" (NTV). In "Paris ni Saku Etoile," Touma will play Fujiko, who dreams of becoming a painter, and Arashi will play Chizuru, who aspires to be a ballerina, playing two girls chasing their dreams.
Arashi commented, "I've always wanted to be a voice actor since I was little, but I never thought the day would come when I would be able to take on the challenge; it really feels like a dream. Chizuru is the only daughter and heir of the Naginata family, but she becomes drawn to ballet when she encounters it at a young age. I also learned ballet as a child, so I felt a commonality with her and was very drawn to her strength, as she overcomes her conflicts and moves forward towards her dreams. When I found out I would be able to play the role, I was so happy that my heart and body jumped for joy. Although I struggled with the difficulty of conveying emotions with just my voice, I gave it my all. I think this work will encourage people of all ages and genders, whether they are chasing their dreams or have come to a halt, and make them want to cherish their own lives."
It has also been announced that actor Saotome Taichi will be playing the role of Ruslan, a young man living in the same apartment as Fujiko. Saotome said, "Seeing the characters in this story single-mindedly take on challenges and live their lives despite the harsh circumstances reminded me of the passion and courage that I had lost. This film is filled with caring for others, self-belief, and many other beautiful things, so please come see it at the theater."
The Teaser trailer has been released on YouTube. It begins with Fujiko's powerful words, "I want to become a painter!", and then Fujiko recalls seeing Chizuru dancing in Yokohama some time ago, to which Chizuru confides, "Dancing makes me happy."
The film will be produced by Arbo Animation, with character designs by Kondo Katsuya, who has worked on Studio Ghibli films such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," teaming up with director Taniguchi for the first time. The script will be written by Reiko Yoshida.
Set in Paris in the early 20th century, this film tells the story of two Japanese girls who, despite difficult times, refuse to give up and reach for the stars. Fujiko, who dreams of becoming a painter, and Chizuru, who is passionate about ballet, meet by chance in Yokohama and, as if drawn by fate, are reunited in Paris. The story follows the two girls' struggles in pursuit of their dreams. Release date: March 13, 2026.
