"Butt Detective Movie"

Yuuko Sanpei and Takahiro Sakurai’s first double interview realized [11 stills included]

(C) Troll Poplar Publishing / 2025 Butt Detective Movie Production Committee
The first double interview was held with Sanpei Yuuko, who voices Butt Detective, and Sakurai Takahiro, who voices Thief U, for the third feature-length animated film in the Butt Detective series, Butt Detective: Star and Moon.
The main highlight of this film is how Butt Detective and Thief U, who are incompatible roles as a “detective” and a “phantom thief,” team up to thwart a terrible plot. This is a first for both the anime series and the film series.
Sanpei and Sakurai, who were interviewed together for the first time, reflected on their first collaboration: “Because we know each other so well and think about each other, we can sense each other’s next move without them having to say it” (Sanpei), and “I’m so excited to see Butt Detective and Kaito U teaming up. I was a little moved by the way the rivals trusted each other” (Sakurai).
The full interview with Sanpei and Sakurai is below.
■Sanpei Yuuko (voice of Butt Detective)
Q: Time flies and this is the third feature-length film of Butt Detective. I’m sure it must be very emotional for everyone who plays the role, so please tell us your thoughts on this.
I’m always looking forward to the Butt Detective film, which is a little different from the usual TV version and is packed with unique fun. It’s full of volume, mysteries, and lots of action and tricks. I’m always looking forward to reading the script.
Q: Please tell us your impressions when you first read the script for this series.
It’s always the same, but I was surprised, like, “Oh, so that’s how it goes!” What? Something like this is happening!? Furthermore, this time, more than ever, things that hadn’t been revealed before were revealed, so it was a truly new development.
Q: In this series, you team up with your eternal rival, Kaito U, and the two of you temporarily cooperate. How was it teaming up for the first time?
After all, it’s because you know each other so well, and you think about each other, that you can sense the other person’s next move without them having to say it! It’s because of the relationship you’ve had up until now.
Q: Please tell us what the highlights of this series are.
I guess the highlight of Butt Detective is his idol look. But really, everything is a highlight. The stars and the moon, above ground and underground. Allies and enemies. Detectives, phantom thieves, and idols! There’s so much to see that you might not be able to see it all in one go! There’s so much to see, so be careful not to miss anything. Look for the buttocks too.
Q: When you were playing Butt Detective in the role of an idol group, did you change your acting style from usual? Also, were there any idols or singers that you used as references to create the image?
When I saw the Prettys outfit, I was reminded of Hikaru Genji. However, the team name is Prettys, and the song and the atmosphere of the three of us are unique, so I didn’t change my acting style. I always try to be confident. Butt Detective’s heart is unfathomable.
Q: Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
Thank you for always supporting Butt Detective. Thanks to you, the movie version of Butt Detective has reached its third feature-length film! This time, it’s a dynamic attempt to watch the same episodes as the original at the same time in the movie! I hope you enjoy both the book and the movie.
■Takahiro Sakurai (voice of Detective U)
Q: Time flies and this is the third feature-length film version of Butt Detective. I imagine it must be very moving for all the actors, so please tell us your thoughts on this.
I think the best part of the movie version is being able to experience a story on a larger scale than the TV version. I really enjoyed the thrilling plot developments that only a feature-length film can offer. I was happy to be in it.
Q: What were your thoughts when you first read the script for this film?
I was excited to see so many members of the Pirate Academy appear. It was funny and cool to see all these unique characters rampaging all over the screen. Pirate U also plays a big role, so keep an eye out for him.
Q: In this film, you team up with your eternal rival, Butt Detective, and the two of you temporarily cooperate. How was your first time teaming up?
I’m so excited to see Butt Detective and Kaito U team up. I was a little moved by the way the rivals trusted each other. Maybe because they know each other so well, they worked perfectly together, and it made my heart pound.
Q: Please tell us what the highlights of this film are.
This is an important episode that reveals the secret of Pirate U. A shocking story awaits you!
Q: Is there any memorable episode from this dubbing session?
As always, the dubbing session had a homely atmosphere and was fun.
Q: Lastly, please give a message to the viewers.
This is a masterpiece that lets you enjoy the world of Butt Detective to the fullest. Please come and see the third feature-length film, “Butt Detective Star and Moon.”