by On July 14, 2023, ” Studio Ghibli” released its first new movie in 10 years, “How do you live? ” Although this work was released without publicity, the appearance of a gorgeous cast has been revealed, and the news is buzzing daily.
Do you know that many of Johnny’s celebrities have been appointed in past Ghibli works? This time, let’s look at Johnny’s stars who have also been active as voice actors in Ghibli’s works.
ndoubtedly handsome in anime… Takuya Kimura from “Howl’s Moving Castle” Released in 2004, “Howl’s Moving Castle” is based on the fantasy novel “The Wizard Howl and the Fire Devil,” and the strange setting of Sophie, who is both the main character and heroine, as an old woman, attracted a lot of attention.
The young magician Howl, who is also part of the title and is a crucial character in this work, is one of the most influential people who have the potential to become a “demon king.” His good looks are well-received by the women of the town, and he has been the subject of rumors since the story’s beginning. While he has a fearless personality, he is a charming character with a somewhat hateful side, such as falling asleep after a small mistake or running around in fear of foreign enemies.
Takuya Kimura, a former member of SMAP and nationally known Johnny’s talent , was appointed as Howl’s voice actor.
Kimura, who continues to be active as an idol and actor, has a very high affinity with Howl, who is one of the most handsome guys in the work. It was later revealed by Toshio Suzuki, who was involved in the production, that there was an offer. In addition, Mr. Kimura surprised the staff at the time by showing the feat of recording all of Howl’s lines in his head.
Starting with this work, Mr. Kimura has continued to show a wide range of activities, not only in live-action works but also playing characters in games such as “Judge Eyes.” His professional demeanor impresses him.
Not only action but voice acting as well… “Tales from Earthsea” by Junichi Okada
Released in 2006, “Tales from Earthsea” is a fantasy work based on an episode from the third volume of the novel by Ursula K. Le Guin and the picture story “Shuna’s Journey” by Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a devastated world where the balance of the world has collapsed, the story begins when Allen, a young man who killed his father, and Teru, a mysterious girl with a bruise on her face, meet.
The film was directed and scripted by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki, and Johnny’s talent, who voices Allen, the main character of this work, Junichi Okada, a former member of V6. Mr. Speaking of Mr. Okada, he is famous for being severe and stoic about everything.
This is the second work that Studio Ghibli has appointed Johnny’s talent as a voice actor following “Howl’s Moving Castle,” Mr. Okada suddenly became the main character of the movie work, even though it was his debut work as an anime voice actor. He was entrusted with a significant role.
Mr. Okada played Allen’s youthfulness as a boy and the nervousness that appeared and disappeared here and there with his calm voice quality and received high praise.
And after this, Mr. Okada will also be active as a voice actor who has a close connection with Ghibli, such as appearing in another Ghibli work, “From Up on Poppy Hill.” It is a work that demonstrates his versatility, not only in intense action scenes but also in voice acting.
