"Elio" to have Kayo Noro, Mayurika Nakatani, Tomokazu Seki as Japanese voice actors

It was revealed on June 19th that talent Kayo Noro will be a voice actor in the Japanese version of Disney & Pixar's new animated film "Elio" (released August 1st). Noro will voice Uuuuuu, the guide to Communiverse, the "world of stars" where the main character Elio is invited.

Other cast members include Nakatani from the comedy duo "Mayurika" as Melmac, a radio geek who works for Elio's aunt Olga, voice actor Tomokazu Seki as Helix, the ambassador from the planet Farubinum, Miyuki Sawashiro as Questa, the ambassador from the planet Gorm, Takehito Koyasu as Tegmen, the ambassador from the planet Tegmeg, and Koyasu Takehito as the Universal User Manual created by Ova, the ambassador from a peace-loving planet. A part of the scene from the Japanese version where Elio and Woooo meet in the Communiverse where Elio is invited has also been released.

The protagonist of "Elio" is a boy named Elio who loves space and feels lonely after losing his parents, who were his biggest supporters. Elio was thinking that somewhere in this vast world, there must be a "true place for me". His sad wish is answered, and he is invited to the dreamlike "Comniverse" where representatives of the stars gather. There, he meets Grodon, an alien boy who is just as lonely as him. "I love you just the way you are"... A threat that will shake the "world of the stars" approaches before the two who share a heart. The key to saving them lies in a "promise" made by the two lonely people... This is the story.

The film will be directed by Madeline Sharafian, who served as story artist on "Coco" (2017), Domee Shi, director of "Me and the Red Panda" (2022), and Adrian Molina, who wrote and co-directed "Coco."

Woooo, played by Noro, is a high-tech helper computer that acts as a guide for the Communiverse. A liquid like a drop of water, she supports Elio's life in the Communiverse with various abilities, and is a cute character who sometimes makes sarcastic remarks.

Before entering the entertainment industry, Noro was such a big Disney fan that she worked as a cast member at Tokyo DisneySea (Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture), and after auditioning in the US, she was cast as a voice actress. When asked how she felt when she was chosen to voice Wuuuuu, Noro said, "I was incredibly happy. I was so happy that when I saw the trailer for another film at the cinema, I thought, 'I'm going to be a voice actress too,' and tears started flowing. I loved Disney so much that I used to work as a cast member at DisneySea, so it was a very emotional experience for me."

Furthermore, regarding the film, which depicts the friendship between Elio and Gloden, she said, "I was moved to tears by the friendship between the two. As they both live their lives carrying various emotions within them, there was something about the power of love that helps each other that I really felt intuitively. I am often helped by my friends too, so when I felt that aspect, it really touched my heart." She revealed that the story resonated deeply with her.

Nakatani, who played Mayurika, voices Melmac, a radio geek who works for Elio's aunt Olga. While working on satellite research at a military base, Melmac causes chaos at work when he claims to have received a message from aliens. As a result, Melmac is suspended, but he is an important character whose enthusiasm leads to a "miracle" that helps Elio realize his dream of "going to a planet light years away."

Nakatani, who passed the US audition, said of his feelings when he was selected as a voice actor, "I thought it was a prank. I was surprised because not only I, but also the people around me, including my parents, would be happy. I thought it would probably be one of the memories I remember before I die." Regarding Melmac, the character he played, he said, "Melmac is a character that makes you feel like there is no one who doesn't like him. Even if I hadn't been asked which role in this movie I would want to play, I would say I want to play Melmac. He has an important role in the story, so I thought it was a great role."

Seki plays Ambassador Helix of the planet Farubinum, a veteran member of the Communiverse. He always carries around a glass, a drink loved by everyone in the Communiverse, and is a gentle and cheerful character who can also be a little bossy. Seki, who is known for his roles as Suneo in "Doraemon ," Sanemi Shinazugawa in " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba : Kimetsu no Yaiba," and Panda in " Jujutsu Kaisen," said about this work, "I enjoyed playing Ambassador Helix, a warm and adorable member of the Communiverse senate. I felt the compassion, kindness, courage, and universal message from the work, and my heart was warmed while recording. I hope everyone will enjoy it."

Voice actress Sawashiro plays Questa, an ambassador for the planet Gohm and one of the Communiverse's top executives. Questa has a soothing voice, is very intelligent and dignified, and is kind to everyone and has a curious side. In addition, she has the ability to read minds and solves the complex problems of the Communiverse. Sawashiro, who is known for her roles as Fujiko Mine in the anime series "Lupin the Third," Kitaro in "GeGeGe no Kitaro," and Kurapika in "HUTER×HUNTER," said about this work, "There are many aliens, and she is one of them (an alien?), and she is very interested in beings that are different from herself! Or, I thought, "I guess being different is scary after all...!" I recorded the film thinking, "I guess she's just like me. Maybe everyone is like that. What about you...? I hope I can share this movie with as many people as possible." She sent a message to fans who are looking forward to the film.

Voice actor Yasuhara plays Tegmen, an ambassador from the planet Tegmeg, who has a round face and looks like a brown stone. Tegmen has a solid appearance and is a quiet character who thinks things through logically. Yasuhara, who is known for his roles as Chief Warden Kadokura in the anime "Golden Kamuy" and Louis in "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," said, "The theme is 'encounters.' The story, art, and actors are wonderful. If I hadn't held them back, it would have been an incredible masterpiece. You won't regret it if you have high expectations. See you at the theater."

Voice actor Koyasu plays the Universal User Manual, created by Ova, a peace-loving ambassador. Ova, voiced by Naomi Watanabe in the original US version, created the manual as an entity that can answer any mystery or secret in the universe. The manual has a unique appearance, as many manuals come together like cards and can take on any shape. Koyasu, known for his roles as Takasugi Shinsuke in the anime series "Gintama" and Snufkin in "Moomins," said, "I was so engrossed in the heartwarming story that I almost forgot I was here for work (laughs). I don't have many scenes, but I'm a character who gives valuable advice with a humorous twist. I hope it will be memorable to everyone. Go to the movies! Go!" he said of the unique character he played.

In addition, the scene from the Japanese version where Wuuuuu, played by Noro, meets the main character Elio in the Communiverse has also been released. Elio is invited to the Communiverse and meets the guide Wuuuuu, who is excited and says, "As I thought, the aliens were looking for me! Thank you so much! I'll do my best to be of help!" After Wuuuuu examines every inch of Elio's body, he cutely greets him, saying, "It's an honor to meet you," and the scene hints at the beginning of Elio's epic story.