The upcoming anime film, Tabekko Dōbutsu THE MOVIE, based on the popular Tabekko Dōbutsu animal-shaped butter biscuits, has revealed its main cast. The film is set to premiere in Japan on May 1, 2025, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this adaptation of the long-loved snack.
A Star-Studded Voice Cast
The cast includes a mix of seasoned voice actors and fresh faces, bringing the iconic animal characters to life. Here’s a rundown of the main cast members:
- Akari Takaishi as Pegasus (Pegasus-chan)
- Genta Matsuda as Lion (Lion-kun)
- Kōshi Mizukami as Elephant (Zō-kun)
- Inori Minase as Cat (Neko-chan)
- Shōta Aoi as Hippo (Kaba-chan)
- Shingo Fujimori as Monkey (Saru-kun)
- Ari Ozawa as Rabbit (Usagi-chan)
- Kurumi Mamiya as Chick (Hiyoko-chan)
- Nao Tōyama as Giraffe (Kirin-chan)
- Fumihiko Tachiki as Crocodile (Wani-kun)
Genta Matsuda, a member of the popular group Travis Japan, will be voicing the main character, Lion-kun, marking his first lead role as an anime voice actor. Kōshi Mizukami is also making his voice acting debut as Elephant-kun, while Akari Takaishi will play the heroine, Pegasus-chan.
Matsuda expressed his excitement about the role, stating, “I was honestly happy when I received the offer. Lion-kun is the leader of the Tabekko Animals and is brave. However, he also has a childish side, and he is a character who grows through the presence of his friends, various environments, and encounters, becoming stronger and braver. He also has a sense of humor, so he’s a character I personally love.”
Mizukami shared his gratitude for the opportunity, commenting, “I have auditioned for voice acting jobs several times in the past, but I was never able to take advantage of the opportunities due to lack of ability. When I was asked to do this, I was happy, but at the same time, I struggled with my inexperience. However, through the recording of this production, I was able to once again experience, in my own inexperience, the amazing skills of the people in the voice acting world, which I was grateful for.”
The Creative Team Behind the Movie
The film is being directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo, known for his work on After School Midnighters and FLCL: Grunge. The screenplay is written by Tetsuhiro Ikeda, who has also written scripts for FLCL: Grunge and Inzai Aru Aru Monogatari.
Here’s a more detailed list of the staff:
- Director: Hitoshi Takekiyo
- Script: Tetsuhiro Ikeda
- Music: Gin Hashiba
- Sound Director: Chikako Yokota
- Creative Producer: Riko Koarai
- Animation Producer: Masato Ui
- CG Supervisor: Yōsuke Sakai
- Art Director: Kiyoaki Kamei
- Line Producer: Hiroki Takahashi
- Planning and Producing: Kotaro Sudo
- Animation Production: Marza Animation Planet
- Distributors: The Klockworx Co., Ltd. and TBS TV
Gin Hashiba is composing the music at TBS TV, Chikako Yokota is the sound director at Glovision, and Marza Animation Planet is handling the CG animation production.
What are Tabekko Dōbutsu?
Tabekko Dōbutsu are animal-shaped butter biscuits manufactured by Ginbis. First released in 1978, the biscuits are shaped like various animals, with their English names printed on the surface. The snack promotes “delicious, fun, and learning through eating,” making it a popular choice for children.
These biscuits are not only a tasty treat but also an educational tool. The animal shapes and names encourage children to learn about different animals and improve their English vocabulary. For native English speakers, the packaging also includes a list of hiragana Japanese terms for each animal.
The product’s theme is “deliciously, enjoyably eat and learn”. Tabekko Dōbutsu contains calcium, DHA, and dietary fiber to support children’s growth.
Available in over 20 countries, Tabekko Dōbutsu has become a long-selling product, experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years. The animal characters have gained such widespread appeal that fans have long desired a film adaptation.
A Glimpse into the Movie
While specific plot details are still under wraps, the film promises to be a grand, action-packed adventure featuring the beloved Tabekko Dōbutsu characters. A teaser trailer and key visual have been released, introducing a new character named Pegasus.
The trailer showcases the cute Tabekko Dōbutsu characters as they embark on a strange adventure to save the world from destruction. The teaser image depicts the animals raining down from the sky, each displaying their unique personalities.
Lion-kun, the fan-favorite character, is expected to play a central role in the movie. The film will explore his bravery, his childish side, and his growth as a leader.
Release Details
Tabekko Dōbutsu THE MOVIE is scheduled to premiere on May 1, 2025, in theaters across Japan, including Shinjuku Wald 9. Presale movie tickets are already available, featuring a design that recreates the “butter flavor” biscuits package. Each ticket comes with a “Tabekko MOVIE Zero Combat Skills? Sticker,” featuring Lion, Elephant, Pegasus, and other characters.
The Enduring Appeal of Tabekko Dōbutsu
The popularity of Tabekko Dōbutsu extends beyond the delicious taste and educational value. The biscuits evoke a sense of nostalgia for many, reminding them of their childhood. The cute animal characters and their whimsical world have captured the hearts of generations.
The upcoming film is expected to further solidify Tabekko Dōbutsu’s place in popular culture, introducing the beloved characters to a new audience and delighting longtime fans. With a talented cast and creative team, Tabekko Dōbutsu THE MOVIE promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining experience for viewers of all ages.
