Shoya Sano & Moka Kamishiraishi in “Toritsukare Otoko”

Voice actors: Shoya Sano and Moka Kamishiraishi

It has been announced that Shoya Sano of “Ae! group” and actress Moka Kamishiraishi will be participating as voice actors in “Toritsukare Otoko,” an animated feature film adaptation of Shinji Ishii’s short story. The film’s release date has been set for November 7th, and a musical trailer featuring the film’s song “Fanfare: In Love” sung by Sano and Kamishiraishi has been released.

The original love story was published in 2001 and released in paperback in 2006. Giuseppe, a young man nicknamed “Toritsukare Otoko” for his tendency to become so absorbed in something that he loses sight of everything else, falls in love with a young balloon seller named Pecca. Together with his partner, the mouse Cielo, he uses the knowledge and skills he has accumulated over the years to help her resolve her innermost worries. It was adapted into a stage play four times by various theater companies between 2007 and 2021.

The animated feature film was directed by Wataru Takahashi of “Crayon Shin-chan: Gachinko! Robot Dad Strikes Back,” with a screenplay by Naoyuki Miura of the drama “Fujoshi Uchikari Gay ni Kokuhaku,” and character design by Shinji Arakawa of “Fuujin Monogatari.” The animation will be produced by Shin-Ei Animation, the studio behind “Crayon Shin-chan” and “Doraemon.”

The voice of the protagonist, Giuseppe, nicknamed “Toritsukare Otoko” by everyone, is provided by Sano, who has a background in musicals and a wide range of film and TV dramas. “When I first saw the footage, I was captivated by the warm animation, each frame hand-drawn, and the unique characters. I was inspired by Giuseppe’s pure and simple way of life,” he said, expressing his appreciation for the film. “I hope you’ll come to the theater to experience the wonderful story that will inspire your curiosity and the exciting music! Get lost in this film!”

The role of Pechika, the balloon seller whom Giuseppe falls in love with, will be played by Kamishiraishi, who became the youngest actor ever to appear in the musical “Anne of Green Gables” and is active as an actor while also performing as an artist under the name “adieu.” “Pechika is a girl who lives alone, carrying many things with her mind. When she meets Giuseppe, her frozen heart gradually thaws. I was reminded once again of the beauty of having pure feelings of love for things and people in my heart. It’s a work that makes everything I see look beautiful after I’ve finished watching it,” she said in a comment.

This is the first time that atagi of Awesome City Club has worked on a film score, and he is responsible for five in-film songs and some of the background music. One of the in-film songs produced by atagi, “Fanfare: Adrift in Love,” is a euphoric piece of music.

The video begins with Giuseppe saying, “I’m Giuseppe, the crazy guy.” Giuseppe is captivated by Petchka, and is so nervous that he can’t even look her in the eye. When Giuseppe tells her how he feels, “I want to be friends with you,” Petchka reveals her joy by saying, “With pleasure!” As the story between the two characters seems to accelerate, the in-film song “Fanfare: Adrift in Love,” sung in perfect unison by Sano and Kamishiraishi, plays in the background, colorfully depicting the couple’s deepening friendship.

Regarding the song the two will be singing in the film, atagi said, “It has an innocence like peeking into a box of sweets, and a sense of excitement that foreshadows something. I wanted to create a song that evokes that kind of excitement that can happen to anyone.”

“Toritsukare Otoko” will be released nationwide on November 7th. Advance tickets (card/online: ¥1,600/tax included) will go on sale from August 8th.

The full comments from Sano, Kamishiraishi, and atagi of “Awesome City Club,” who provided the music, are below.

[Giuseppe: Shoya Sano]

I’m Shoya Sano, and I’m crazy about Giuseppe.

When I first saw the film, I was captivated by the warm, hand-drawn animation and unique characters, and I was inspired by Giuseppe’s pure, honest nature. It’s a film that makes the world seem clearer when you leave the theater. Come see the wonderful story and heart-warming music that will inspire your curiosity! Let this film captivate you!

[Pechika: Moka Kamishiraishi]

I’m Moka Kamishiraishi, playing the role of Pechika. I’m incredibly happy to be a part of this production, which breathes new life into the vibrant story Shinji Ishii spun over 20 years ago, enriching the world even further with the addition of vibrant colors and song. Pechika is a lonely girl, burdened by many things. Meeting Giuseppe gradually thaws her frozen heart. I was reminded once again of the beauty of genuine love for things and people. This is a film that leaves everything you see looking beautiful after watching it. Experience it on the big screen!

[Music: atagi (“Awesome City Club”)]

I’m atagi from Awesome City Club, and I was in charge of the music. I was unfamiliar with it, so I was a bit nervous, but once the storyboard was complete and the pictures came to life, I was thrilled. As the film became more and more three-dimensional, I was able to create the music as if I had become a part of the story. It was truly a joy to be able to create the music as if I was being guided by the film. Seeing the finished film, I was once again amazed by the expressions of Sano and Kamishiraishi. I felt their sincerity in every aspect of their singing and dialogue. This film is filled with the fun, cuteness, warmth, and strength of human life. I hope you will be excited to watch it.

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Music trailer for the film “Toritsukare Otoko” | Release date: Friday, November 7th

A Unique Collaboration Blending Idol Charm and Vocal Talent

The casting of Ae! group’s Shoya Sano and Moka Kamishiraishi in Toritsukare Otoko is a notable blend of different entertainment worlds. Sano brings the charisma and youthful energy of an idol, while Kamishiraishi offers her well-recognized vocal depth and acting versatility. Their duet song could serve as more than just an insert track—it may become a core emotional pillar of the story, deepening the audience’s connection to the characters. This type of cross-industry casting, where music and voice acting merge, often results in heightened fan engagement and can significantly boost both the anime’s popularity and its music sales.