On April 7th, Genta Matsuda of the popular group "Travis Japan" appeared at the preview screening of the theatrical animation "Tabekko Dobutsu THE MOVIE" (directed by Takekiyohito, to be released on May 1st) held at Shinjuku Wald 9 (Shinjuku, Tokyo). Matsuda plays the main character, Lion-kun, in the film, and this is his first time starring in an anime. When asked about the highlights of the film, he said, "The ending is completely unexpected, and it's full of cuteness, kindness, strength, and all sorts of things... but wow! I feel like I'm going to tell you!" He was so overwhelmed with thoughts that he almost gave away the ending.
In reference to the film's story of "the Tabekko Dobutsu saving the world just by being cute," Matsuda was asked "What would you like to save the world with?" She answered with a smile, "I'm sure there are a lot of cute and wonderful idols, but I would like to save the world with Travis Japan alone!"
Appearing at the event were voice actors including Matsuda, Koshi Mizukami who plays Elephant, Takaishi Akari Takaishi who plays Pegasus, Fujimori Shingo who plays Monkey, Aoi Shouta who plays Hippo, Ozawa Ari who plays Rabbit, Inori Minase Inori who plays Cat, Nao Toyama who plays Giraffe, and Ohno Ririaana who plays Pero, as well as director Takekiyo, screenwriter Ikeda Tetsuro, and 10 of the Tabekko Dobutsu.
The film is an animated feature film based on the popular snack "Tabekko Dobutsu" (Ginbis). The Tabekko Dobutsu take on the mission of defeating an enemy plotting to take over the world. In Sweets Land, where sweets and humans live together in harmony, the singing and dancing super idols "Tabekko Dobutsu" are extremely popular, but Pegasus-chan is captured by the evil Cotton Candy Army, who are trying to eliminate all sweets in the world and take over the world. For the sake of their precious friend, the Tabekko Dobutsu, who are only fluffy and cute but have zero fighting ability, take on the 1000% impossible "Pegasus-chan rescue mission."
The film will be directed by Takekiyo 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."
