Atarashii Gakko!' SUZUKA takes on the challenge of voice acting for the anime film

It has been announced that SUZUKA from the dance and vocal unit "Atarashii Gakko!" will be voicing the main character, Shiori Maezawa, in the original feature-length animated film "Labyrinth's Bookmark," directed by Shoji Kawamori, known for the popular anime series "Macross." This will be SUZUKA's first time appearing as a voice actor in an animated film. SUZUKA will play two roles: Shiori and her other self, "SHIORI," whom Shiori meets in a different world inside her smartphone after getting lost.

SUZUKA commented, "My first experience as a voice actor for an animated film has given me a new stimulus in my creative career. It's truly a treat. The journey of searching for the voices of Shiori and SHIORI within my own voice was a very interesting feeling. "Suzuka" and "Shiori" have something in common, so I was able to get close to them and immerse myself in them. I hope you can feel the various aspects of Shiori that are born from Suzuka's voice. Thank you so much to Director Kawamori for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I hope that people all over the world enjoy this work."

Director Kawamori said, "SUZUKA is a youthful boar who bursts with individuality and freedom. Her provocative and powerful performance was a strong fit for the other SHIORI in this film. Although it was her first time playing two roles, I was moved by the way she immersed herself in the role while facing the conflicts of playing two roles. I am convinced that her way of life is a youth anthem for all people! I hope you will experience the challenges of SHIORI and SUZUKA, and Shiori and SUZUKA, on the big screen."

In addition to SUZUKA, it was announced that Taizo Harada of the comedy trio "Neptune," actors Aoi Ito and Jun Saito will also appear as voice actors. Harada will play Komori, a rabbit stamp that Shiori meets in the alternate world of "Deserted Yokohama" inside her smartphone, Ito will play Kurashina Nozomi, Shiori's childhood friend and high school influencer, and Saito will play Yamada, Shiori's classmate and playful character. This will be Ito's first attempt at voice acting in an animated feature film, and Saito's first attempt at voice acting.

The film is director Kawamori's first original feature-length animated film. Based on the "three sacred treasures" of Kawamori's hit series - "song," "sci-fi," and "love triangles" - the film depicts a "poppy, slightly horror-tinged other-world escape drama" incorporating the familiarity of smartphones, which are now commonplace in modern life. The story follows the protagonist, an ordinary high school girl named Maezawa Shiori, whose smartphone suddenly breaks one day and she finds herself lost in the deserted, other-worldly Yokohama. She must then try to escape the strange smartphone labyrinth in order to stop the sudden appearance of her other self and its rampage. The film is scheduled for release in January 2026.

◇Comment from Taizo Harada

This time, I had the opportunity to play Komori, a rabbit stamp who lives in another world. I had a lot of fun dubbing with SUZUKA, who plays the main character Shiori, even though we struggled with our adventure in this strange world! Komori may look cute, but she's a kind-hearted character who can't leave people in trouble alone, so I'm sure you'll love her. I hope you'll join me in enjoying this adventure in a mysterious world!

◇ Director Shoji Kawamori's comment about Taizo Harada

When I met him for the first time, I was very impressed by his honest personality and his stoic attitude towards his role! Komori plays a stamp resident whose heart is broken by the slander and abuse he receives from the public, and who is trapped in a labyrinth on his smartphone. Harada not only portrayed Komori's comical and crazy side, but also the pathos and hidden feelings of a clown, giving flesh and blood to the shallow stamp and creating a very charming character!

◇Comment from Aoi Ito

When I first saw the illustration of Nozomi, I remember being struck right in the heart. She was just so sparkly, and the way she wore her uniform and each of her expressions were so cute... I gathered up all the sparkle inside me, poured in my admiration for Nozomi, and had a lot of fun and excitement while doing the voice recording. Living in this modern age where we can easily access a huge amount of information, this work has given me such kind and warm encouragement, and I can't wait for it to reach everyone. Please look forward to the release of "Labyrinth Bookmark"!

◇ Director Shoji Kawamori's comment about Aoi Ito

The character Ito is being asked to play is Shiori's childhood friend, whom she admires, and a slightly mysterious character. Ito, whose acting in the live-action film is captivating, breathes new life into the character Nozomi drawn by the animators. Look forward to a wonderful Nozomi that is a little different from the real Ito ♪

◇Comment from Jun Saito

I was finally able to take on the challenge of working as an anime voice actor for the first time. I received the video in advance and had a lot of fun practicing while measuring the timing and strokes of my lines. Although there were many things I didn't know, we were given time to rehearse, which allowed me to approach the performance with confidence. I was very happy to be able to work with Harada Taizo again. The cast, including the lead actor SUZUKA, are all wonderful, so I hope you will pay attention to Yamada, as well as everyone's characters.

◇Director Shoji Kawamori 's comment about Jun Saito

When I first met Saito-san, I was surprised because it was as if Yamada from the anime had somehow come out into the real world! Yamada is Shiori's childhood friend, a clumsy but hardworking boy who is hard to hate. Saito-san, who is trying his hand at voice acting for the first time, played this character with such energy that it was very fresh and just like Yamada!