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The worldwide long-seller in the realm of children’s literature, Kiki’s Delivery Service, concluded in 2009 to the sadness of many fans. The anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki is a particularly famous work in the series. Now, due to the strong passion of author Eiko Kadono, a live-action film has been announced. The film will be released Japan-wide on March 1. Newly announced are who will be filling the roles of main character Kiki and her companion, the black cat Jiji. Minako Kotobuki, who is active as a member of the seiyū unit Sphere and has played in many anime, is one such name. Along with this announcement, two shots of Kiki and Jiji have debuted.
Minako is a female seiyū who has played characters in a number of hit works including Tsumugi Kotobuki in K-On! and Cure Diamond in Dokidoki! PreCure. She will be playing Jiji, Kiki’s companion whom she relies on despite his cynical attitude. She expressed her frank surprise regarding the role, saying, “I didn’t think it was real. I never thought I would be able to be in the movie.” “I’ve never really played an animal like Jiji,” she continued, expressing a fresh attitude for taking on the role. It seems she was conscious at the time of playing Jiji that, “Jiji is said to be a boy.” Looking back on her performance, she said, “At times, Jiji takes on the role of Kiki’s father or grandpa, and he has many different positions, so I acted by thinking about the pattern of each scene.”
Even Fūka Koshiba, who is playing Kiki, joyfully commented, “Minako’s voice is cute and is perfect for the imaginative, talkative Jiji. When I saw the completed version, I was super excited and thought to myself, ‘I’m talking to Jiji!’” She also had the following message for fans: “I’m very happy that we were able to construct the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service once again through my voice and Minako’s voice. I want everyone to definitely take this journey with Jiji!!”
Directing the film is Takashi Shimizu, who is known as an expert in the realm of horror films for his work on Ju-on and others. Writing the film is Satoko Okudera of Wolf Children fame. The rest of the cast is rounded out with top talent including Machiko Ono, Ryohei Hirota, Rie Miyazawa, Michitaka Tsutsui, and Tadanobu Asano.
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Katsunori Takahashi
