Actor Kenichi Matsuyama appeared at a talk event exclusively for university students for the new Disney and Pixar animated film "Elio" (released August 1st) held at Kyoritsu Women's University (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo) on July 23rd. When Matsuyama and the other Japanese voice actors appeared on stage, the university students erupted in thunderous cheers.
Addressing university students who are at a time when they are conflicted about their future, Matsuyama said, "I'm 40 (years old), but I still get lost, I worry, and I'm concerned about a lot of things. I feel like the feeling of always continuing to challenge myself hasn't changed. I move forward while respecting the opinions of those around me, but I'm also working to do what I really want to do, and I have both failures and successes, but ("Elio") was a work that affirmed that part of myself."
She continued, "As you grow up, you start to understand the right answers and you start to become rigid and think 'this is fine,' but I'm thinking about how I can remain flexible."
Also appearing at the event were Japanese voice actors Nana Seino and Noro Kayo, Nakatani from the comedy duo Mayurika, and astronaut Noguchi Soichi.
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 believes that somewhere in this vast world, there must be a "true place for him to belong". 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. The two share a bond, but a threat that will shake up the "world of the stars" approaches. The key to their salvation 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), Domy Shi, director of "Me and the Red Panda" (2022), and Adrian Molina, who wrote and co-directed "Coco."
