It has been revealed that the popular web manga by Yuji Nishimura, which is the basis for the TV anime "Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun," will be made into a movie. Titled "Movie 'Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun': Find the Alien Who Accidentally Appeared!", it will be released on September 11th. The TV anime aired on NHK E Tele from April 2021 to March 2024, and the movie will be an original story combining re-edited animation with live-action footage of space.
The film will boldly utilize live footage of space exploration recorded by NHK's science programs and JAXA, transcending the boundaries between fiction and reality, creating an unprecedented sense of excitement and enjoyment for children, while also incorporating educational and intellectually stimulating elements, making it a "space entertainment film" that parents and children can enjoy together.
Kotetsu, a first-year pilot student at Animal Kingdom Space Academy, hears a rumor one day that "there are aliens around here!?" and he and his classmates split up to search for them.
Following the TV anime, Natsumi Fujiwara will reprise her role as Kotetsu, Junya Enoki as Nico, Masashi Tamaki as Ru, Ayana Taketatsu as Hikaru, and Akane Yamaguchi as Otama. Tsuyoshi Muro will provide the narration and play the role of DAXA-kun.
The original author, Nishimura, commented, "I draw the original manga with the hope that it will make children think that space is a little bit interesting. Space is full of mysteries. It's about minus 270 degrees Celsius in outer space, but because there's no air, you don't feel the cold. Isn't that amazing? I'm very happy that it's being made into a movie. I hope that it will be an opportunity for someone to learn about space."
"Space Something Kotetsu-kun" is set in the Animal Kingdom Space Academy and depicts the story of Kotetsu-kun, the protagonist who aims to become an astronaut, and his friends as they strive towards their dreams. It is currently being serialized on the official website.
The cast and staff comments are as follows:
◇ Natsumi Fujiwara, who plays the role of Kotetsu
Even though several years have passed since the anime ended, I'm so incredibly happy that a new episode featuring Kotetsu and his friends is now available for everyone to see as a movie! Thank you so much to everyone who always supports Kotetsu and everyone who works so hard at the Space Academy. What exactly is this alien that unexpectedly showed up...? Please enjoy it!
◇ Junya Enoki, who plays the role of Nico
Just when I thought Kotetsu-kun was finally coming back after so long, it turns out to be a theatrical film!! I'm so happy to be able to play Nico again. I think you'll be able to learn all sorts of things about space together with Kotetsu-kun and the others. Please look forward to it!
◇Masashi Tamaki, who plays the role of Lou
A movie version of Kotetsu-kun is like a dream come true. Kotetsu and his friends, who have long been a bridge connecting space and children, are finally coming to theaters! Adorable animals will come alive on the screen. The movie is also full of the romance of space. Please look forward to it!
◇ Ayana Taketatsu the role of Hikaru
Congratulations on the Kotetsu-kun movie! I was sad when the Kotetsu-kun TV series, which I loved, ended, so I was surprised to hear about the movie adaptation. It retains the same unique atmosphere, and is a story packed with the wonders of space that both adults and children can enjoy! I hope you will enjoy it on the big screen in the theater! Thank you♪
◇Akane Yamaguchi, who plays the role of Otama
Guess what? "Space Something Kotetsu-kun" is becoming a movie! Yay! Kotetsu and his friends' adventures in space continue, and I'm so happy that you'll be able to see them again! Otama is as energetic as ever in the movie version! Please look forward to further updates and the release!
◇ Kappei Yamaguchi, who plays the role of the grandfather
"Space Something Kotetsu-kun" is getting a theatrical release! Grandpa is so happy that we can meet the adorable Kotetsu and his friends on the big screen! Will they find any aliens? Learn about all sorts of things about space with live-action commentary and take another step closer to space together!
◇Mr. Minoru Aoyama, who plays the role of the principal
Hello everyone! Kotetsu-kun is finally coming to the movie theater! It's so romantic to see a space story in a movie theater ♪ I, the principal, will definitely be there to watch the students of the Space Academy in action! I'll be heading to the movie theater before I go to the moon!
◇Tsuyoshi Koyama, who plays the role of Tobio
I was so surprised to see a theatrical version of "Kotetsu-kun." I never thought the day would come when I'd get to play Tobio, that cool old guy who runs the yakiniku restaurant, in a movie. I had a great time recording with the regular cast members, whom I hadn't seen in a while. To all the adults who are caught up in their daily lives, I think it's nice to occasionally take a look at this work and let your thoughts wander to space, just like back in the day.
◇Kensuke Nishi, who plays the role of Izumi-sensei
I can't believe the day has finally come when I can meet Kotetsu and his friends in the theater...! As Izumi-sensei, I'm so happy to be able to meet these hardworking students again. Please come to the theater and enjoy the story of the universe, which is still full of mysteries, together with Kotetsu and his friends!
◇ Tomokazu Sugita, who plays the role of Mr. UFO
Huh? You're going to be in it too? Yay!! I hear that among kids, the image of space is associated with Kotetsu. I'm so grateful. I hope I can continue to appear in it in the future.
◇Narration by Tsuyoshi Muro, who plays the role of DAXA-kun
I'll be back in the world of "Space Something-or-other." My "Something-or-other narration" and DAXA-kun. Thank you for accepting these oddities. I've received a lot of feedback that many children are watching it. My ultimate goal is to hear those children's voices on the screen, in the theater, and I want to do my absolute best to accomplish "Something-or-other" this time as well. I'm looking forward to meeting Kotetsu-kun. Children, please wait for me. Parents, please take your children to the movie theater. Let's experience "Something-or-other" together. Let's think about space together.
◇Director Yoshinori Tsutsui
We've packed the inquisitive world of "Space Kotetsu-kun" with actual footage of space and the latest scientific findings. Join Kotetsu and his friends as they embark on a quest to find aliens and discover the wonders and fascinations of space. We hope this movie will make you laugh, amaze you, and make space feel a little closer to you.
◇Scriptwriter Yoichi Kato
"Space Something Kotetsu-kun" has been made into a movie for the first time! Kotetsu-kun and his friends set out to find aliens, venturing into forests, caves, and even into outer space (?). The movie is packed with all sorts of knowledge about space, as well as actual footage of the moon and Mars. We hope you enjoy joining Kotetsu-kun and his friends on their curious search for aliens.
◇ Director Hazumu Sakuta of the TV anime series
Kotetsu and his friends, who started out as a short anime series, are finally coming to the big screen! As the director who worked on the TV series, I couldn't be happier. I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll be like in the theater. And... I've actually secretly participated in it by providing a certain voice!
◇Staff (titles omitted)
Original Story: Yuji Nishimura▽Director: Yoshinori Tsutsui▽Screenplay: Yoichi Kato▽Music: Tadashi Nakanishi, Yuri Habuka▽Music Producer: Kohei Chida▽Sound Design: Kensuke Matsui▽Sound Production: Bit Groove Promotion▽Animation Production Cooperation: Fanworks▽Video Production Cooperation: Science Art Inc.▽Video Production: NHK Educational▽Space Supervision: Japan Space Youth Association▽Production: Chokkura Tsuki Made Eiga Committee
