It has been revealed that actress Tao Tsuchiya will be appearing as a guest voice actor in the latest film in the hit anime series "Soreike! Anpanman," the 37th installment in the series, "Soreike! Anpanman: Pantin and the Promised Star" (directed by Hiroyuki Yano, set to be released on June 26th). Tsuchiya will play a new character, the red panda traveler Pantin.
When asked how she felt when it was decided that she would be appearing, Tsuchiya said, "I really was like, 'No way!' I had always wanted to do this and thought it would be a difficult opportunity, so I had actually given up a little. But this time I've been taught that if you don't give up, your dreams will come true, and I'm really grateful." She spoke of her joy at having her long-held dream come true.
When asked about her family's reaction to her appearance, she said, "The whole family was so happy, it was like a festival," but also revealed her feelings as a mother, saying, "I haven't told my little family yet. Anpanman is a hero who lives in the sanctuary of our little family's hearts, so I think I'll talk to a few more people about it before deciding whether to tell them."
Regarding the character she plays, Pantin, a traveler red panda, she commented, "He's a very straightforward and energetic adventurer. I felt that he lives true to his heart. I hope he will become a companion to the hearts of the children he meets." The latest film tells the story of Pantin, who is on a journey to keep an important promise, meeting Anpanman and Cream Panda, and setting off on a great treasure-hunting adventure together. Regarding the "never give up spirit" depicted in the film, Tsuchiya said, "As you grow up, there are times when you think it's necessary to give up, and I was feeling a bit worried when I was offered the role of Anpanman..." She became emotional as she declared, "I'm really happy. I'll do my best! Together with Pantin!"
In reference to the keyword of the latest work, "promise," when asked about Uncle Jam's words in the film, "The important thing is to have the desire to keep your promises," she replied, "I really think that's so true. There may be times when you can't keep a promise, but the process of keeping it is important. I think the ingenuity and effort you put into keeping a promise leads to growth. My little family also made an important promise for the first time the other day. So I want to cherish Uncle Jam's words and do my best to keep that promise together with my little family."
Tsuchiya has long been friends with Toda Keiko, the voice actor for Anpanman, and said, "I was so surprised that I contacted Toda right away, saying, 'I've been offered the role of voice actor for Anpanman!' When our little family member was born, she came to hold him and gave us an Anpanman doll. It's become a really important treasure in our home. So, since I have the opportunity to work with her this time, I'm looking forward to observing her closely and learning from her." She spoke of her joy at being able to co-star with such an admired senior.
In the latest film, Pantan embarks on a great adventure to find the treasure said to be hidden in the rainbow star shining in the night sky, in order to keep an important promise he made to an adventurer long ago. He joins forces with his friends, Anpanman and Cream Panda, whom he meets on his journey to find the treasure, and overcomes the challenges that come his way one after another.
"Soreike! Anpanman" is based on the popular picture book by Takashi Yanase. The TV anime series began in 1988, and the first movie was released the following year in March 1989.
