The girl group ME:I, who sings the Japanese version of the end song "Beyond ~Koete Yukou~" of the latest hit Disney Animation Studios production "Moana 2" (directed by Dave Derrick Jr. et al.), appeared at a stage greeting to commemorate the release in Tokyo on December 19th.
ME:I was selected by the "national producers" in "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS," the first girls' version of Japan's largest survival audition program, the third installment of the series "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN," where "JO1" and "INI" debuted, and will debut in 2024. They are set to make their first appearance at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen on New Year's Eve this year. Ten members attended the event: RINON, SHIZUKU, KEIKO, MIU, RAN, MOMONA, KOKONA, COCORO, AYANE, and SUZU.
At the event, they performed "Beyond ~Koete Yukou~". After finishing the song, member MOMONA commented, "It was a really refreshing sight, I could see everyone's faces very clearly, and while singing, I was able to feel our voices and sing with all my heart once again." During the recording, SUZU said, "I sang the song while overlapping myself during the audition with Moana, who tries to overcome doubts and anxieties in order to protect those she loves."
When asked about the reaction of those around her when it was decided that she would sing the Japanese version of the ending song, KOKONA commented with a smile, "When I told my family, everyone was so happy. I also received messages from friends saying things like, 'I went to the cinema and listened to the song,' and 'The song was really wonderful,' and it made me so happy."
When asked about her aspirations for next year, RAN said, "My goal for next year is to 'get over my anxiety.' I am a worrier. I tend to carry a big Boston bag even when I don't really need that much, so next year I would like to buy a mini bag and become the kind of person who can get around with just that. I've turned 20 now, so I want to go for a slightly more minimalist and pretty look."
"Moana 2" is a sequel to the previous film "Moana" (released in Japan in March 2017), which was produced in 2016. Three years after the previous film, the main character Moana, who has a special bond with the sea, is spending time with her family and friends, but when she learns of a legend that "if she reaches an island at the end of the sea, the curse will be lifted," she decides to become the one "guide" in a thousand years that connects all the seas, and to embark on a dangerous voyage. The film depicts her embarking on another adventure with Maui, the demigod who adventured with her in the previous film, and new companions. The film was released on December 6th, and in the 13 days up to the 18th, it attracted 1,469,424 viewers and made a box office revenue of 2,057,146,900 yen (including the pre-release on December 5th), making it a huge hit.
