It has been revealed that Onishi Ryusei and Fujiwara Joichiro of the popular group Naniwa Danshi will play Ninjutsu Academy graduates Sakuragi Seiemon and Wakaoji Kanbei, respectively, in the upcoming movie version of the anime Nintama Rantaro: Dokutake Ninja Corps Strongest Strategist. The characters played by Onishi and Fujiwara are completely original characters devised by the original author Amako Soubei, and their names are derived from the place names of Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Naniwa Danshi are also in the spotlight for performing the theme songs for the film, Arigato Kokoro ni (From the Heart) and Yuuki 100% (100% Courage).
Onishi and Fujiwara will play Sakuragi Seiemon and Wakaoji Kanbei, who are Ninjutsu Academy graduates who work with Yamada Rikichi, the son of Yamada Sensei and a popular freelance ninja, and are seniors of the school by one year.
Onishi, who is trying voice acting for the first time in this work, commented after finishing the dubbing, "Everything was fresh and a new experience. But I felt reassured because I had a senior (Fujiwara) who has experience in dubbing next to me." He also revealed that Morikubo Shoutaro, who plays Zadotaka Konnamon, was present during the dubbing as an acting instructor. Fujiwara, who is appearing as a voice actor for the second time, said, "I was curious about what kind of role (my role) was, and as I progressed, I thought, 'This is quite difficult!' I was very anxious because it was all new to me, but having Morikubo-sensei by my side was really reassuring!" When asked about his interactions with director Fujimori Masaya, Onishi reflected, "He taught me very carefully about 'Nintama Rantaro' and the process of dubbing, and he would suggest things like, 'Why don't you try it a little more like this?' It was a short time, but I learned a lot, and I enjoyed working as a voice actor." Fujiwara said, "Especially in the fighting scenes, he gave us detailed instructions to not just make sounds, but to make sure they had a real meaning. But when we were wondering how to do it, Morikubo gave us specific instructions. The team of Director Fujimori and Morikubo created a very comfortable environment for us to work in." With Morikubo giving acting guidance on how to make sounds in action scenes, Onishi and Fujiwara showed signs of improving with each take.
After the recording, Fujiwara commented, "He was kind and created a better environment for us, so we were able to work freely. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (laughs)." Onishi said, "Morikubo supported me a lot, and I was able to entrust myself to him so much that I don't think there's anyone I could feel more comfortable with."
"Dokutake Ninja Corps Strongest Strategist" is the first animated film of "Nintama Rantaro" in about 13 years since "Nintama Rantaro the Movie: Ninjutsu Academy All Out!," which was released in 2011. It is the first film adaptation of the novel "Novel Failed Ninja Rantaro: Dokutake Ninja Corps Strongest Strategist," based on the original manga "Failed Ninja Rantaro" by Amako Soubei. After being challenged to a duel by Tasogaredoki ninja Moroizumi Sonnamon, Doi-sensei goes missing, and while Yamada-sensei and the sixth graders of the Ninjutsu Academy search for Doi-sensei, a white darkness creeps into the school... The story is set to be released on December 20th.
