"Moana," a live-action film adaptation of the classic Disney animated film (directed by Thomas Kale), will be released in Japan on July 31st. A nationwide promotional campaign to introduce TSUZUMI of the girl group "ME:I," who has been chosen as the Japanese voice actress for the protagonist Moana (Katherine Lagaia), began on June 25th. On the first day, in Okinawa, a southern island surrounded by the sea, she performed the film's theme song, "How Far I'll Go," live with members of the choir club from Oroku Prefectural High School, with the ocean as a backdrop.
Two days before the Okinawa event, it was announced at the event that TSUZUMI would be voicing Moana in the Japanese version. TSUZUMI said, "Until the event, it was hard to believe that I was actually voicing Moana, and I was so happy that I still couldn't quite believe it. But now that I've been able to announce it in front of everyone and sing the song live, it's finally sinking in that I'm really playing Moana, and I feel incredibly happy."
Regarding the reactions of her family and friends after the announcement, she revealed, "I received an incredible number of messages. Everyone told me how moved they were, and I received so many kind words like, 'I'm crying as I'm calling you right now,' which made me really feel that all my hard work was worth it." TSUZUMI, who openly declares her love for Moana, spoke passionately about its appeal, saying, "Moana is kind, strong, and I really admired how she worked hard for everyone on the island. I think people who act for others are truly kind and wonderful people, so even as a child, I was inspired by her bravery and it made me think that I had to work hard too. I think it's a work that has the power to give courage to someone and encourage someone to take on a challenge."
When asked about the similarities between Moana and herself, Tsuzumi said, "I usually work as an idol in a group called ME:I, so no matter what kind of pressure there is, I have to perform with a smile on stage. Moana doesn't show her weaknesses to people, but deep down she has anxieties, and I think that's something I have in common with her." Regarding Okinawa, where the event was held, she shared her memories, saying, "I came to Okinawa with my family when I was in upper elementary school. I went diving, swam a lot, ate delicious meat, and went to the Churaumi Aquarium, and I had a fantastic time." When the MC commented that the event was held successfully despite concerns about the weather, saying, "You must be a lucky charm for good weather!", she replied with a smile, "I'm definitely a lucky charm for good weather! I'm so happy to be able to sing with such a beautiful ocean as my backdrop!"
"Moana" tells the story of Moana, a girl with a special bond to the sea who lives on the mystical paradise island of Motunui in the South Seas. To save her beloved family and the world, she embarks on an adventurous journey across the vast ocean. She searches for the legendary demigod Maui, and together they overcome various hardships, forging her own path in life.
The first animated film in the series, "Moana," produced in 2016 (released in Japan in March 2017), grossed over $640 million worldwide (approximately 96 billion yen, according to Box Office Mojo, calculated at 1 dollar = 150 yen, the same applies below) and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. "Moana 2," released in December 2024, was an even bigger hit, grossing $1.05 billion (approximately 157.5 billion yen).
In the live-action film, 19-year-old rising star Lagaia, known for her "miraculous singing voice," has been cast as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson, who played the same role in the animated version, will reprise his role as Maui. It was revealed on June 23rd that Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe will play the legendary hero Maui (Dwayne Johnson), just as he did in the animated version. The musical adventure "Moana" will be released on July 31st.
