FRUITS ZIPPER Noel Hayase:Mayurika Nakatani is "still my official big brother" and co-starred in "Elio"

Noel Hayase from the idol group "FRUITS ZIPPER" and Nakatani from the comedy duo "Mayurika" appeared at an event for Disney & Pixar's new movie "Elio" (released August 1st) held at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo) on July 28th. Hayase and Nakatani, who are appearing as voice actors in the movie, talked about their impressions of working together and each other.

Hayase and Nakatani co-starred in a variety show that aired until March this year, and when Nakatani was asked how he felt when he heard Hayase's voice in the movie, he said, "I was only the official big brother (on the show) for a year, but I can't believe he's grown so much..." Hayase smiled and said, "Not for a year, I'm still the official big brother now," and Nakatani seemed impressed, saying, "Noe-chan...!", making Hayase laugh.

In the film, Hayase played a Japanese female radio enthusiast in both the original version and the Japanese dubbed version, while Nakatani played the role of radio geek Melmac in the dubbed version. Regarding their impressions of each other's dubbing, Hayase praised, "Nakatani-san was really good. I know I sound condescending (laughs). He was really good, he was really Melmac."

Nakatani revealed, "I knew it right away, I was like, 'It's Noe-chan!'" and shared his thoughts, "It's a scene that is closely related to my character, Melmac, and we co-star in a very heart-warming scene in the second half of the film, and it's a scene that is also connected to the title, 'Linked Stars,' so I felt it was really exciting that we were appearing there together."

The event is titled "Hoshikado Opening Event for the Movie ' Elio'". From July 28th to August 10th, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado will be transformed into an Elio Jack, inspired by the "world of stars" where the movie is set. Omokado will be renamed "Hoshikado", and there will be an experiential 270-degree LED photo spot where the world of stars is projected on a five-screen vision, as well as a concept cafe, the KAWAII ALIEN CAFE.

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."