The latest installment in the Disney & Pixar animated film series, "Toy Story 5" (directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris), will be released in Japan on July 3rd. It was revealed on June Sumire Uesaka that 15 people, including voice actors Natsuki Hanae, Subaru Kimura , and Sumire Reina Ueda, as well as Takuya Eguchi Hiroshi Kamiya, Takehito Koyasu, Ayane Sakura Eguchi, Hiroshi Kamiya, Junichi Suwabe, Rie Takahashi Sakura, Umeji Sasaki, Junichi Suwabe, Masaya Fukunishi, Romi Park, Katsuya Fukunishi, and comedian Yoshio Kojima, will be making cameo appearances in the Japanese version. The 15 people will be voicing toy characters, but the characters they will be voicing have not been revealed.
◇Can the toys win back the heart of the young girl, Bonnie?
"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 released in 1999 (2000 in Japan), the third in 2010, and the fourth in 2019.
In the latest installment, "Toy Story 5," Jessie, a cowgirl doll who has taken over as "sheriff" from Woody and is now the leader of the toys in Bonnie's room, has watched over the growth of the imaginative and shy girl, Bonnie. When Bonnie's parents, worried that she is struggling to make friends because the other kids are moving on from toys and are engrossed in tablets, her life changes drastically when they give her a state-of-the-art tablet, the "LilyPad." Worried that Bonnie's radiant smile, which used to shine when she played, is fading as she becomes absorbed in the screen, Jessie asks Woody for help. Teaming up again with Woody and Buzz, Jessie rises to the challenge of winning back Bonnie's spirit...
In the Japanese version, actor Toshiaki Karasawa voices Woody throughout the series, while entertainer George Tokoro voices Buzz Lightyear. Yumi Kusaka voices Jessie, Alice Hirose voices the new character LilyPad (the latest tablet), Alice Hirose Hayato Sano of "M!LK" voices Smarty Pants, and Ryo Ryusei voices Forky.
The film premiered in the US on June 19th local time, grossing over $160 million (approximately 25.76 billion yen, calculated at 1 dollar = 161 yen) in its first three days. It was also released in various countries around the world, including the UK, Spain, Mexico, South Korea, and China, and as of June 26th, its worldwide box office revenue had surpassed approximately 59.032 billion yen (approximately $366.65 million) (according to Box Office Mojo as of June 26th). The audience score on the US film critic site Rotten Tomatoes reached a series-high 95% (as of June 26th), making it the biggest hit opening in the series' history. It will be released in Japan on July 3rd.
What toy characters are these 15 amazing Japanese cameo voice actors portraying? You'll want to find out on the big screen in theaters. Here are comments from the 15 voice actors:
◇Comments from 15 people (titles omitted)
- Sora Amamiya(known for roles such as Aqua in "KonoSuba : KonoSuba" and Elizabeth in "The Seven Deadly Sins")
I remember being so delighted as a child to discover that toys had hearts and could move like that! But watching it again as an adult, while it's still fun, it deeply moves me and brings me to tears throughout. The toys' deep affection for the child, the sadness each of them has experienced and how they overcome it, and the unwavering bond between friends who would never abandon each other—all of these are beautifully portrayed within a fun and exciting adventure, making it a truly wonderful film!
- Sumire Uesaka(known for roles such as Lum in "Urusei Yatsura" and Cure Cosmo in "Star☆Twinkle PreCure")
It's wonderful how it makes you feel gentler and warmer than before you saw it...! And it makes you want to play with classic toys!
- Reina Ueda(known for roles such as Reze in "Chainsaw Man " and Kanao Tsuyuri in " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ")
I feel that this series reminds me of my childlike wonder and excitement, no matter how old I get. I also find it appealing that I can empathize with the characters' struggles, and I love how a sense of "joy" and "warmth" lingers in my heart after watching it.
・Takuya Eguchi(known for roles such as Lloyd Forger, the protagonist of "SPY×FAMILY," and Karashi Renmaya in "Akane Bayashi")
I loved the "Toy Story" series so much that I even bought the first movie on VHS back then, so I'm honored to be a part of it. Everyone goes through a transformation from child to adult, and I think the appeal lies in the fact that there's something that resonates with each person's perspective. As someone who loved toys as a kid, there are many parts that make me think.
・Hiroshi Kamiya(known for roles such as Trafalgar Law in "ONE PIECE" and Levi in "Attack on Titan")
The greatest charm of "Toy Story" lies in its wonderfully happy imagination: toys exist for children, and playing with children is their greatest joy. The toys' efforts for their friends are filled with laughter and tears, and I love the scene where Slinky Dog uses his unique characteristics to try and save Woody and Buzz, saying, "My body's going to fall apart!" Bullseye, who's a bit clumsy, and Jessie, who's sensitive but incredibly cheerful, are my favorites, and I've had their pictures as my Apple Watch wallpaper for ages!
- Subaru Kimura(known for voicing Gian in "Doraemon," etc.)
Even while I was doing the voiceover, I couldn't concentrate because I was worried that my toys at home might have wandered off somewhere. Adults instantly become children again, and it makes you want to hug your own toys once more. That's the charm of "Toy Story."
- Yoshio Kojima(comedian)
There are many things that make "Toy Story" so appealing, but first and foremost, I think it's how brave, desperate, and hardworking Woody and the other toys are. They grab your heart and draw you in. And then there's the thrill that comes from the rule that they must always be toys in front of humans. You find yourself shouting in your head, "Thank goodness they made it in time!" (laughs). And each time, your affection for toys grows stronger, realizing that this is a world that really exists. Pee-ya!
- Takehito Koyasu(known for roles such as Dio Brando in "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" and Convoy, the main character in "Beast Wars: Transformers")
The "Toy Story" series is incredibly entertaining thanks to the drama woven by the unlikely duo of Woody and Buzz. Friendship, betrayal, reconciliation, laughter, and tears are interwoven throughout, making it an entertaining work that adults and children alike can enjoy. It's a masterpiece that makes you think, "I'll do my best tomorrow!" every time you finish watching it. I have a small special cameo appearance in the latest "Toy Story" movie, so please enjoy the story to the fullest while trying to find my scene.
- Ayane Sakura(known for roles such as Ochaco Uraraka in "My Hero Academia" and Yotsuba Nakano in "The Quintessential Quintuplets")
It's no exaggeration to say that everything that makes your heart flutter is packed into "Toy Story." I believe the series' appeal lies in its flawless story structure built on friendship and love, its affirmation of individuality, its portrayal of things that change and things that remain the same, and its relatable portrayal of the ups and downs of life, which captivates both adults and children. I'm sure this latest installment will also evoke that feeling, so I'm really looking forward to seeing it in theaters!
- Umeji Sasaki (known for roles such as Pintel in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series and Zurg in "Toy Story 2")
(The appeal of the series is) that both adults and children can enjoy it, and how they work together to overcome difficulties.
Junichi Suwabe (known for roles such as Keigo Atobe in "The Prince of Tennis" and Ryomen Sukuna in " Jujutsu Kaisen ")
This story can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults, but it may resonate more deeply with adults. The changes in the environment in which the toys find themselves mirror the changes in one's own existence and place in the world that occur with aging and various life events. Similarly, watching the children who interacted with these toys grow up evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. It's a wonderful piece of entertainment that will make you laugh and cry. I love it!
- Rie Takahashi(known for roles such as Ai in "Oshi no Ko" and Emilia in " Re:Zero ")
What I find most appealing about these toys is how genuinely honest and warm their wishes are. Each one has its own way of being, their own way of responding, their own efforts, their own strengths and weaknesses. I want to always reflect on them as if they were my own experiences, and I want to express my gratitude and love to each and every one of them.
・Romi Park (known for roles such as Edward Elric, the protagonist of "Fullmetal Alchemist," and Toshiro Hitsugaya in "BLEACH")
The charm of "Toy Story" lies in how it gently evokes the memories of toys that everyone had as a child. Many people probably have memories of entrusting their hearts to their cherished stuffed animals or dolls and confiding their secrets to them... It makes you laugh, cry, and at times tug at your heartstrings, reminding you once again what is truly important. I think it's a work that will be loved across generations, resonating deeply not only with children but also with adults today.
・Natsuki Hanae (Voice actor for Tanjiro Kamado , the protagonist of " Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ," and Ken Kaneki , the protagonist of " Tokyo Ghoul ," etc.)
The appeal of this film lies in the fact that it can captivate everyone, regardless of age. It's exciting to imagine things like, "I wonder if my own toys are thinking about these things?" The film depicts profound themes such as encounters, partings, and bonds, which is why it still resonates deeply with me as an adult, and I felt it differently than when I was a child. Personally, I really love the texture of each toy and the sound effects that convey that, and I find myself paying close attention to them. I am filled with gratitude for being able to be involved in such a wonderful project. Please look forward to its release!
- Masaya Fukunishi (known for roles such as Kafka Hibino , the protagonist of " Kaiju No. 8, " and Ken Ryuguji in " Tokyo Revengers")
"Toy Story" begins with imaginative pretend play. When I was in elementary school, I would find characters in each of my pencils and pens, pretend my pencil case was a shared house, and enjoy playing pretend, imagining their lives. Woody and the other toys are important beings that nurture children's imaginations. In this film, they are all moving around energetically in places where humans cannot see them. That means! The toys in my house are also actually going on great adventures without their owners knowing—this is the dream that has continued to be given to people all over the world. I feel that this is the greatest charm of this film. It is a very important work that has given dreams and life to toys all over the world! And I feel truly honored to have been one of the people involved in this series. With the imagination that everyone has given us, we can fly anywhere! To infinity and beyond!
