by Comments from celebrities have been released ahead of the animated film “Toritsukare Otoko.” The 23 people who contributed comments include the cast and staff of the “Crayon Shin-chan” series, which director Takahashi Wataru has worked on extensively, and artists who are close friends with Awesome City Club, which is in charge of the theme song.
In addition to screenwriter Ueno Kimiko and animation director Mizushima Tsutomu, voice actors Kobayashi Yumiko, Narahashi Miki, Korogi Satomi, Mashiba Mari, Hayashi Tamao, Ichiryusai Sadatomo, and Sato Chie shared their thoughts. Also participating were actors Okudaira Daiken and Sakihi Miyu, singer-songwriter Yoshizawa Kayoko, and singer Nikaido Kazumi.
The film “Toritsukare Otoko,” released on November 7, is a musical anime based on the novel of the same name by Shinji Ishiishi. It tells the love story of Giuseppe, a “Toritsukare Otoko” (a man who becomes obsessed with something and loses sight of everything else), and Pechika, a balloon seller he falls in love with at first sight. Ae! group’s Shoya Sano plays Giuseppe, and Moka Kamishiraishi plays Pechika.
Ueno Kimiko (Screenwriter/Screenwriter of “Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Mystery! Flowering Tenkasu Academy”): In a charming, fairy-tale-like world, the madness of people obsessed with something abounds. Falling in love with someone can drive someone crazy. This film will have you wishing for those who are going crazy because they care too much about someone to find happiness! As the end credits rolled, I felt a little envious of the people who were obsessed with this story and who created such a lovely film.
Mizushima Tsutomu (Animation Director / Director of “Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: The Storm Called: The Glorious Yakiniku Road”) Comment: At first, I thought Giuseppe, the crazy guy, was just someone who gets easily addicted, and I watched the film with a bit of coldness, thinking he was a strange guy. But then I realized that being crazy means immersing yourself in something without looking away, and that each day is filled with excitement and fulfillment —basically, happiness.
Once I realized that, I was completely brainwashed into thinking, “Okay, I’m going to get crazy about something too.” This work is a straightforward, unwavering song of encouragement for people passionate about something. I recommend it to anyone who is working hard. Also, the animation has a very unique design, but you get used to it in five minutes (lol). In fact, this work couldn’t be any other without these drawings.
Kobayashi Yumiko (Voice Actor / Nohara Shinnosuke in “Crayon Shin-chan”) Comment: The world view that draws you in at once, the breathtaking visuals, and the overwhelming singing and acting abilities! My five senses were trembling the whole time, as if I were reading a picture book or watching a play! Being obsessed with something is so pure, painful, and endearing. I’m sure everyone will be obsessed with this movie!!
Narahashi Miki (Voice Actor/Nohara Misae, “Crayon Shin-chan”): Giuseppe is so pure and innocent that he easily becomes obsessed. But he’s not the only one; all the characters are obsessed with something. Sometimes that obsession saves someone, and sometimes it saves you. Being obsessed with something makes you feel happy. The unique touch and oil-painted colors made this a gentle musical, like being transported into a picture book. Korogi Satomi (Voice Actor/Nohara Himawari, “Crayon Shin-chan”): The gentle colored pencil feel really warms my heart.
The elation of being obsessed with something and the sadness of losing something both have meaning, and there are times when you can be rewarded for sticking with something. I was reminded of that once again. The songs in the play were terrific, and it was a pleasant time, like quietly reading a book on a long autumn night. “At the moment you fall, think of the person you love most and call their name. If you do that, you won’t get seriously injured.”
What wonderful words! I always get seriously injured (laughs). Comment from Mashiba Mari (Voice Actor/Kazama-kun in “Crayon Shin-chan”): I was enveloped in the gentle, nostalgic atmosphere of the work. Giuseppe, Pecca, Cielo, and Tatin were all kind yet heartbreaking. Even though it was painful, there was happiness at the center, and it was wonderful to see that happiness spreading to those around me. I hope that many people will be able to be “Torikare Otoko” (Trusted Lover). I also found Petchka’s mother a bit funny (lol).
Tamao Hayashi (Voice Actor/Nene on “Crayon Shin-chan”): “A Man of Tough Love.” If you meet such a wonderful person, surely your life will be filled with a gentle, warm atmosphere! Giuseppe’s pure feelings for Petchka warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. As the story progressed, I also felt sad, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks. “Tough Love” is such a wonderful word! It made me realize that “tough love” is necessary in life. What will happen to Giuseppe and Petchka in the end? Be sure to see it in the cinema! Sadatomo Ichiryusai (Voice Actor/Storyteller/Masao on “Crayon Shin-chan”): Bravo! A musical animation! The detailed, warm-feeling backgrounds and the simple outlines of the characters. At first glance, they may seem mismatched, but each character quickly blends into the scenery and performs freely. I was captivated.
The stellar duo of Giuseppe and Cielo creates a soothing atmosphere. I was also touched by Petchka’s subtle loneliness and the changes in his emotional state. Being obsessed with something is wonderful! Sato Chie (voice actor/Bo-chan, “Crayon Shin-chan”): “Being obsessed with something is wonderful! It means you can really concentrate on something.” I watched with bated breath, wondering what would happen to Giuseppe and Petchka.
The unique characters fit the work’s worldview, which was refreshing. I was thrilled to see Giuseppe solve Petchka’s problems one after another. And Twist Boss’s song was really cool. Okudaira Daiken (actor): “As an ‘obsessed man,’ I realized that sometimes we get obsessed with things that are, in the extreme, unnecessary in life. But unnecessary things enrich our lives, and a life without the ability to be obsessed with something would be terrible.”
This is the story of Giuseppe’s love for Petchka. I was able to watch it with a very pure heart. The worldview and all the characters were very comfortable. And I was also delighted with the film, as I got to see a new side of my friend Sano Shoya as a voice actor. Comment from Sakihi Miyu (Actor): I was touched by Giuseppe’s refreshingly immersive appearance, his eyes shining as he became absorbed in one thing, and before I knew it, I was rooting for him. Everyone who appears in the film takes action with someone in mind…at those moments, perhaps they are all in a state of mental turmoil.
The beautiful music and emotionally rich singing voices blend beautifully with the heartwarming story, making this a film that, despite being an animation, gives the feeling of enjoying a musical at the theater. Definitely see it in the cinema…!! Comment from Yoshizawa Kayoko (singer-songwriter): The vivid colors that came to mind when I first read “Toritsukare Otoko” fill the screen.
The moment Ishii Shinji’s story found a voice, I was once again moved by the kindness of this world. Comment from Nikaido Kazumi (singer): Oh, thank goodness. I was lucky to have encountered this work without knowing anything about it. I felt relieved. My heart was lifted. There was nothing unpleasant, nothing in the way, nothing to stop me. Swoosh. These weren’t tears of pain or sadness, but tears forced out by a trembling heart, and I was so grateful to let them flow freely. I never knew it felt so good to move forward—a straight, straight sweep.
The Three Rules on Ice will likely become my motto from today on.
Comment from Tupera Tupera (picture book author): Life is filled with encounters with various people and things. The way we live our lives is determined by what (and who) we find attractive and fascinating.
A life without any motivation is boring. We’ve been enjoying creating various things together for a quarter century now. Once you experience the joy of seeing someone enjoy their work, it’s hard to stop. It’s not easy to tackle something with the pure love and courage of Giuseppe, but when I’m overwhelmed by the daily grind and feeling exhausted, I remember the man who was so driven.
I hope many people will see and experience this story, which is packed with the most important things people need to live a fulfilling life. Comment from Kawauchi Rinko (Photographer): I’m a big fan of Ishii Shinji’s novels, so I watched the film with anticipation, wondering what kind of visuals it would produce. Just as when I read the original book, I was deeply drawn into the film.
The world seen through Giuseppe’s sparkling, trembling eyes is filled with beauty, yet they never miss a hint of sadness. And they can make decisions without hesitation for the people they love. Every time I witnessed these things, my heart was gripped, my back straightened, and it felt as though I was slowly regaining something that I had left behind. Giuseppe, along with the dullness of Petchka’s smile, wiped away the cloudiness in my heart and let the air in. Soga Daiho (musician, “Director /Director of the Tailor’s Circus” commented: These lines from the film resonated deeply with me, as I have lost loved ones one after another.
“On the ice, we will surely fall one day.” “Skate forward and forward until you fall.” “When you fall, think of your loved one and call their name.” Life will end someday. Until that moment, all you have to do is live, and when it’s time to say goodbye, call the name of your loved one. That alone will surely be enough. Eat, sleep, and wake up again, just like a cat.
All you have to do is continue to quietly “get lost” in “living.” But isn’t that okay, Giuseppe…? Nakae Yuri (Actor/Writer/Singer) comment: “Getting lost” is a bit sad, heartwarming, and somehow makes me feel happy, wrapped up in a pleasant melody and singing voice. It’s a bit scary to become too obsessed with something, but it’s a miracle that there is something you can devote your heart to. So this feeling is what it means to get lost. Comment from Naoko Higashi (Poet/Writer): When you really think about what it means to be infatuated, you find such joyful and beautiful times waiting for you. What surprised me was the warmth of the gazes of the people watching Giuseppe, the obsessed man. How wonderful. I was filled with emotion as I realized, even now, that I want to love something —or someone—to the fullest. Comment from Tom-H@ck (Artist/Composer/Arranger/Guitarist/Businessman): What is the most critical state of mind in human life? How precious are pure and honest feelings? This was a moving work that reminded me of the “important things” we left behind as children. How precious is Giuseppe’s “obsession”? It was impossible to watch without tears as he controlled pure, clear feelings that any human being would envy, transcending his own world to connect with the outside world and blend with people. Especially in this day and age, I want many people to see this film and rediscover the “treasures” of their childhood.
This world is made up of connections between people. Comment from Meiyo (musician): I loved drawing in the corners of my notebooks. I love watching old cartoons and playing games. Influenced by my older sister, I helped make cookies and cheesecakes, and I was good at whipping whole eggs into meringue and then baking them to make fluffy, bright yellow omelets. But one thing that has kept me obsessed with music from back then to this day is the protagonist Giuseppe, also known as the “obsessed man.” I’m not as straightforward as he is, but like him, I take twists and turns, lose sight of what’s around me when I’m obsessed, and am often criticized for it, but I feel that each of the things I cherish with such passion will connect to the future. Thank you, you’re so precious, Giuseppe. Comment from Ono Takemasa (artist): I had the opportunity to see “Obsessed Man” a little early. Living life with a “dazed” obsession. It’s such a simple thing, yet in today’s age of information and temptation, it’s a reminder that nothing is more difficult—and yet so precious.
This film is filled with such dedication and purity, reminding us of our original aspirations, almost forgotten. After watching it, your heart will warm and you’ll feel motivated to do your best tomorrow. It’s a profoundly moving and energizing film that will give you the push you need to do your best. Experience it in theaters! Comment from Kunio Tsujita (Color Designer): Yes, this is the kind of anime I wanted to see.
The visuals are superb. It’s like a vibrant picture book. Rather than relying on realistic drawings and composition, the story moves forward with the power of captivating images. The richness of the color art deeply, gently, and powerfully envelops the characters’ emotions. Before you know it, you’re drawn in, feeling as if you’re right there with the characters.
The color images and presentation are magnificent! This is a rich film that leaves you with a warm sense of satisfaction upon completion. Comment from Wally Kinoshita (playwright and director): You don’t need a reason to get carried away. You don’t need to fear, either. Get on your bike with broken brakes and take off right now. And fall over as many times as you like. It’s okay. This musical animation teaches us the courage to take the plunge, and does so with the utmost in song and dance. Getting carried away by something has never been so foolish, beautiful, and fun.
Anime film “Toritsukare Otoko” Nationwide release on Friday, November 7, 2025 Staff Original work: Shinji Ishiishi “Toritsukare Otoko” (published by Shincho Bunko) Director: Wataru Takahashi Screenplay: Naoyuki Miura Character design: Shinji Arakawa Layout: Michio Mihara Art director: Kentaro Akiyama Color design: Izumi Hirose Director of photography: Yoshihiro Sekiya Editing: Yumiko Nakaba Sound director: Yo Yamada Sound effects: Hiroki Nozaki, Airi Kobayashi Music: atagi (Awesome City Club) Soundtrack: Yuya Hamidate, Michiru Music producer: Kyoko Kitahara Animation production: Shin-Ei Animation Production: 2025 “Toritsukare Otoko” Film Production Committee Distribution: Bandai Namco Filmworks
Cast Giuseppe: Akiya Sano (Ae! group) Pechika: Moka Kamishiraishi Cielo: Hayato Kakizawa Twist Boss: Takahiro Yamamoto Salsa Boss: Shinji Kawada Pechika’s Mother: Nana Mizuki Tatang: Toshiyuki Morikawa (c)2001 Shinji Ishii/Shinchosha (c)2025 “Toritu Kare Otoko” Film Production Committee
