SUPER EIGHT's Ryuhei Maruyama takes on voice acting debut in the animated film "AS ONE"

It has been revealed that Ryuhei Maruyama of the popular group "SUPER EIGHT" will be trying his hand at voice acting for the first time in the animated film "AS ONE" (directed by Kobun Shizuno, to be released on August 22nd). Maruyama will play Leroy, the father of the young girl Raco, who lives as a robot mechanic on the planet Junsei, which floats in space.

It was also announced that Shiraishi Haruka will play the young girl Rako, Takeuchi Shunsuke will play Vigo, a member of the Pulguard squad whom Rako looks up to like an older brother, and Hikasa Yoko will play Kizana, a mysterious researcher who holds the key to the story.

Maruyama commented, "I will be making my debut as a voice actor with As One. I am happy to be given the opportunity to have this experience that I have never had in my career before. It took a lot of courage to take part in a Japanese animated film that is delivered at such a high level. I think that the major themes of this film in particular are 'connecting feelings' and 'believing in yourself'. Within this grand entertainment piece, my own role required special skills to act, even though it was my first time as a voice actor. The character is also mysterious, and I am excited to see how everyone will enjoy him as part of the work."

Shiraishi said, "I was attracted to Rako's charming character during the audition, so I was very happy when I was chosen to appear in the role. The pictures weren't fully completed at the time of dubbing, but I was moved by the beauty of the visuals of the scenes that were already completed. Rako is a carefree girl with great communication skills and a strong core. I gave my all to the dubbing so that I could fully express her strength, cheerfulness, and conflicts! I hope you will enjoy this heart-wrenching story that begins with a mysterious encounter between You and Rako at the theater."

Takeuchi commented, "Stick to your own sense of justice. I had to face his emotions, as if he was burning up all his energy in that. The recording required a lot of concentration, and I looked at each line over and over again, savoring it. As for the visuals, the director's skill is incredible, and I think it's a film that lets you fully experience the power of 3D animation! It's a film that incorporates the worldview of the original game, but also takes the story to a new stage! I hope you will enjoy it along with the powerful sound of the theater!"

Hikasa said, "When I heard that I had been cast, I opened the script with excitement to see what the story would be like. Sticking to your beliefs, no matter what path that is, I think her portrayal is sincere and beautiful. As One makes you think that the power of song and the power of feelings really might save the world or someone, so please look forward to the release of the film."

The film is based on the arcade game " Starwing Paradox " (Square Enix), whose character designs were done by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto , who is also known for the " Evangelion " anime series. Shizuno, known for " Detective Conan : Crimson Love Letter" and other works, will be the director, and the story will be completely original, taking place 20 years before the original. Sadamoto will be in charge of character design, and all characters will be revamped. The film depicts the fate of two people who should never have met: Yoh, a high school student living on Earth, and Lako, a girl who lives on the planet Junpei, which exists far away in space. Ruki Shiroiwa of the global boy band "JO1" will play the main character Yoh.

"Starwing Paradox" began operation in 2018. It is an action game in which players control robots and fight against each other on a battlefield in far-flung space where "fights" are fought over the energy contained within the stars. The world setting and animation were handled by Sunrise, the mechanics were designed by Kagami Ippei of "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans" and Ishigaki Junya of "Xenogears", and the theme song was written by Kanno Yoko and Kodama Amako, bringing together a star-studded staff.