The upcoming “Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!” film is making headlines with the announcement of Shizuyo Yamazaki, affectionately known as “Shizu-chan” from the comedy duo Nankai Candies, as a guest voice actor. This marks Shizu-chan’s first foray into the Anpanman universe, adding another layer of excitement to the 36th movie in the beloved franchise. Scheduled to premiere on June 27, 2025, the film promises a heartwarming story of courage, love, and the meaning of one’s existence.
Aoi Yu and Shizu-chan: Reuniting After Years
Shizu-chan’s participation is particularly special as it reunites her with actress Yū Aoi, who voices the central character, Chapon. The two share a close friendship and last co-starred in the film “Hula Girls” back in 2006, making this collaboration a nostalgic reunion after nearly two decades. While they may not share scenes directly, Shizu-chan expressed her excitement about working alongside Aoi in this iconic series.
Shizu-chan as Moo-san: A Fresh Voice for a Friendly Farmer
In “Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!”, Shizu-chan lends her voice to Moo-san, a cheerful farmer whose primary role is delivering fresh milk to everyone. This character is a departure from Shizu-chan’s usual comedic roles, showcasing her versatility as a voice actress. Her warm and comforting voice is expected to bring a unique charm to Moo-san, making him a memorable addition to the Anpanman cast.
Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero! Plot Overview
“Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!” centers around Chapon, a mysterious boy who falls from the sky and has no memory of his origins. As he spends time with Anpanman and his friends, Chapon discovers the joy of helping others and aspires to become a hero like Anpanman, whom he sees as an older brother figure. However, Baikinman, the notorious villain, knows the secret of Chapon’s origins and uses this knowledge to cause mischief.
The movie explores themes of love, courage, and the importance of self-discovery. Chapon’s journey involves confronting his past, understanding his purpose, and ultimately joining forces with Anpanman to protect everyone’s smiles. This narrative aligns with the core messages of Anpanman, which have resonated with audiences across generations.
Other Guest Voice Actors
Besides Shizu-chan and Yū Aoi, the film also features other notable guest voice actors. The comedy trio Panther – Satoshi Mukai, Takahiro Ogata, and Ryotaro Suga – will also be lending their voices to the movie. Mukai and Ogata will voice Mecha Robo No. 2, a robot created by Baikinman, while Suga will voice Ninjin-san, the mayor of Hinata Village.
A Star-Studded Cast
The regular voice cast of Anpanman will reprise their roles, including:
- Keiko Toda as Anpanman
- Ryūsei Nakao as Baikinman
Production Team
The film is directed by Toshikazu Hashimoto, with a screenplay by Shuji Kuzuhara. This marks Hashimoto’s second time directing an Anpanman film, following 2023’s “Roboly and the Warming Present.”
Anpanman’s Enduring Legacy
“Anpanman” has been a beloved children’s series in Japan since the debut of the TV anime in October 1988. Created by Takashi Yanase, the series follows the adventures of Anpanman, a superhero with a head made of anpan (a sweet bean-filled pastry). Anpanman’s mission is to protect the world from the evil Baikinman and to help those in need by giving them pieces of his bread head.
The “Anpanman” series has spanned across multiple generations, remaining a cultural touchstone in Japan. The franchise includes numerous TV episodes, movies, and merchandise, all centered around themes of justice, kindness, and the importance of helping others.
About Shizu-chan
Shizuyo Yamazaki, known as Shizu-chan, is a celebrated comedian, actress, and former boxer. As one half of the comedy duo Nankai Candies, she has gained widespread recognition for her comedic talent and engaging personality. Beyond comedy, Shizu-chan has also pursued acting, appearing in various films and television dramas. Her diverse background and multifaceted career have made her a respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
What to Expect
“Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!” promises to be a delightful addition to the Anpanman film series. With its heartwarming story, engaging characters, and star-studded voice cast, the movie is set to captivate audiences of all ages. Shizu-chan’s participation as Moo-san adds an extra layer of charm and excitement, making this film a must-see for Anpanman fans.
Release Information
“Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon’s Hero!” will be released in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025. Fans eagerly anticipate the film’s premiere, ready to embark on another adventure with Anpanman and his friends.
