It has been announced that singer and TV personality Ano-chan will be voicing the main character, Minato, in " Suzume ," the latest short animated film from CoMix Wave Films, the animation studio known for the theatrical anime films " Your Name. " and "Suzume no Tojimari." Ano-chan commented, "It was a challenge as it was my first time voicing a boy," and added, "I did my best to portray the fluctuating emotions of a 10-year-old boy who is in an environment where he cannot be a child. Please go see it in theaters."
It was also announced that voice actress Kana Hanazawa will play Ben-chan, a young goddess who is Minato's only friend, and Shinichiro Miki will play Masaru, Minato's father.
Hanazawa commented, "Ben-chan is the only one who watches over Minato as he clumsily tries his best to live his life. In contrast to the beautiful visuals, Minato's loneliness and resentment are heartbreaking. I hope that everyone watching will stand by his side with Ben-chan. Depending on the scene, Ben-chan can seem godlike or like a friendly older sister, so please pay attention to who she really is!"
Miki said, "I think this is a work that makes you confront not 'how to live,' but 'what it means to live.' The recording studio was filled with tension. I would be happy if it reaches many people."
Director Ryo Katanosaka said, "The characters in this film, while searching for love deep down in their hearts, keep missing each other and eventually arrive at an impulse they can't stop themselves. A wish is both a prayer and a curse that continues to bind someone. I depicted their way of life as it is. I hope this film can gently comfort the hearts of those who spend lonely nights."
A trailer featuring the theme song "Shiranuhi" by musician Ichiko Aoba has also been released. It depicts scenes of young Minato standing on the beach with his mother, 10-year-old Minato and his father spending time in a garbage-filled house, and Minato and Ben-chan talking.
"Shiranuhi" is a shocking film depicting a boy's pain and love. At the end of summer in 1996, 10-year-old Minato lives a secluded life in a seaside town in Kumamoto with his alcoholic father. His only solace is the time he spends with Ben-chan, a girl goddess who appears on Benten Island. However, he is to be placed in a children's welfare facility, and the time to say goodbye to Ben-chan is approaching. Minato prays to "Shiranuhi," a mysterious light floating on the sea that is said to grant one wish, but as his hatred for his father grows, his prayers transform into an irreversible curse.
Katanosaka will serve as director, marking his first foray into commercial animated feature films. Taro Umebayashi, known for his work on "Yuri on Ice," will be in charge of the music. The film will be released on August 21st.
