Tabekko Animals Cast Talk & Highlights

Event held on May 5th, “Tabekko Animal Day”

A stage greeting for Tabekko Animals THE MOVIE, a 3DCG animated film based on Ginbis’ iconic animal-shaped biscuits, was held at Shinjuku Wald 9 on May 5th. Voice actors including Ari Ozawa (Usagi-chan), Inori Minase (Neko-chan), Nao Toyama (Kirin-chan), Fumihiko Tachiki (Crocodile-kun), and Tomokazu Seki (Gotchan) took the stage, joined by ten animal mascots.

May 5th is “Tabekko Animal Day,” a commemorative day recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2018. It was chosen to coincide with Children’s Day to express the wish of “creating a bright future for children.” The date also marks the founding anniversary of Ginbis and the birthday of its founder.

Ozawa Ari

Regarding the response to the film, which premiered on May 1, Ari Ozawa commented, “I think everyone will want to buy candy after watching this movie. I’m happy to see people taking photos and posting about the sweets on social media. After watching it, I really wanted to eat ‘Shimi Choco’.”

Inori Minase said, “It’s just so adorable. I want not only children but also adults to watch it. I’m sure parents will be moved to tears, and children will come to cherish the words ‘Itadakimasu’ and ‘Gochisousama’. It reminded me of how important those words really are.”

Riona Higashiyama added, “The response has been overwhelmingly positive! The charm of this movie is that it appeals to both children and adults—it’s truly a family film. Many people told me, ‘It was so unexpected!’ or ‘I didn’t expect it to be so emotional!’ The story has surprising twists that go beyond just being cute.”

Minase Inori

Nao Toyama

Regarding the 3DCG animated film based on the beloved snack “Tabekko Animals,” Fumihiko Tachiki shared, “This is a huge deal. In my 50-year career, when I heard I’d be voicing one of the regular members from the Tabekko Animals package, I nearly collapsed from excitement. From that moment on, I was thrilled the entire time. It wasn’t just cute—the character relationships were well-developed, and the visuals were detailed. I thought, ‘This is going to make me cry.’”

Tomokazu Seki added, “An anime adaptation of a snack we’ve known since childhood? At first, I had no idea what that even meant. But then I learned that Tabekko Animals goods are really popular among young people. That’s when I realized—it’s just me being an old man who can’t keep up with trends! That made me understand how anticipated this animation really was. I was happy to be a part of it and to learn about spin-offs like Tabekko Aquarium.”

Fumihiko Tachiki

Tomokazu Seki

Next, each cast member presented their favorite “recommended” line from their character, delivering it in the character’s voice.

Ari Ozawa, who voiced the gyaru influencer Usagi-chan, chose the line she says when taking a photo: “Hippies! Editing is life.”

Inori Minase, who played the tsundere-style Neko-chan, picked a memorable line from a key scene: “What are you expecting? There’s no way I’d do that.”

Riona Higashiyama, who voiced the timid and large-bodied Kirin-chan, selected the frightened exclamation, “Oh no, what is this? That’s scary!”

Fumihiko Tachiki, who played the inventor-king Wani-kun, chose a familiar and impactful line spoken during a surprise attack scene: “Everything is going according to our script.”

Tomokazu Seki, who played Gotchan—the cotton candy character who bonds with Lion-kun—acted out the line, “I’ll become a part of you,” while placing the Gotchan plushie he was holding onto Lion-kun’s head.

Finally, Ari Ozawa shared, “My life has been enriched thanks to this movie adaptation of a snack loved by both adults and children. It fills not only my stomach but also my heart.”

Inori Minase expressed her hopes for the film, saying, “It’s a story that people of all ages can enjoy. Through the animals, I was reminded of the importance of human relationships. I hope the world of Tabekko Animals continues to grow.”

Riona Higashiyama added, “This is a film that can be enjoyed by people all over the world. I feel like the Tabekko Animals have become even closer friends through this movie, and it makes me want to keep living happily with them.”

Fumihiko Tachiki commented, “Getting to voice Wani-kun is a treasure to me. It’s wonderful news in the Reiwa era that Tabekko Animals, such a familiar presence, has become a movie. I want to make this a highlight of my career. It’s a truly special film that breaks through expectations—I hope everyone will help spread the word.”

Tomokazu Seki concluded with a smile, “I’m so full of love for Tabekko Animals that everyone in the audience now looks like biscuits to me. The beginning is crispy, the second half is rich—just like the snack itself. There are some heartfelt scenes in the latter part that will move adults to tears, so I believe both kids and grown-ups will enjoy it.”