On March 23rd, exactly 30 years after the first Disney & Pixar animated film "Toy Story" was released in Japan on March 23, 1996, a special video was released in which actor Toshiaki Karasawa, who voices Woody in the Japanese version, and talent George Tokoro, who voices Buzz Lightyear, look back on the 30-year history of the series, from the first film to the latest installment, "Toy Story 5" (released on July 3rd).
"Toy Story" was Disney & Pixar's first feature film, with the first installment produced in 1995 and released in Japan in 1996. The story of a boy named Andy whose toys come to life and go on adventures when humans aren't looking, and the full CGI that brought toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear to life, became a worldwide hit. The second installment was produced in 1999 (2000 in Japan), the third in 2010, and the fourth in 2019.
The newly released footage showcases the charm of the series, from emotionally resonant scenes that touch the hearts of fans, such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear's first meeting in the first film, the toys' grand adventure in the second, the tearful farewell scene between a grown-up Andy and the toys in the third, and Woody's momentous decision in the fourth, to footage that hints at the turmoil of the latest installment, "Toy Story 5."
The video also includes footage of Karasawa and Tokoro looking back on the 30-year history of the series. Reflecting on the time when the first film was released, which marked the beginning of everything, Tokoro said, "At first, I never thought it would become such a long series," and Karasawa also revealed his thoughts at the time, saying, "I thought it would only be this one film."
When the first film was released, Tokoro-san recalled his surprise at the then-uncommon use of 3D CG animation, saying, "30 years ago, there was no 3D animation. I thought, 'Wow, they move just like real people!'" He then spoke with genuine feeling about the "visual revolution" that "Toy Story" pioneered. Reflecting on the passage of 30 years, Karasawa-san said with deep emotion, "The children who watched 'Toy Story' back then are now parents themselves, showing it to their own children." Tokoro-san added, "From the very beginning, this film was made for everyone, from young children to adults, grandparents and all. That's why I think it can move anyone."
Karasawa said, "Even as an actor, it's rare to be given the opportunity to work on a project that will leave such a lasting impression on so many people," and Tokoro also spoke of his affection for the character and the 30 years he has spent with the series, saying, "It's heartwarming to hear children say, 'That's Buzz Lightyear!'"
Regarding the latest installment, "Toy Story 5," which will be released in July, Tokoro confidently stated, "There's no way anyone won't see this!" Karasawa commented on the theme, which is relevant to our times, saying, "It's a story that resonates with modern times, not just for children but for adults as well. We'll do our best not to disappoint expectations, so I think it will be even more enjoyable if people watch it while feeling nostalgic."
