The upcoming prequel anime film As One, set in the Starwing Paradox universe, has revealed four new cast members, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. This announcement follows the previous casting of Ruki Shiroiwa from the boy group JO1 as the main character, Yō, marking his voice acting debut. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced cast and what we know about their roles.
New Cast Members Revealed
The official website for As One, a collaborative production between Square Enix and Sunrise, unveiled the following additions to the cast:
- Haruka Shiraishi as Rako: Rako is a robot mechanic residing on the world of Meguriboshi.
- Shunsuke Takeuchi as Vigo: Vigo is a member of the Pullguard Unit and is regarded as a brother figure by Rako.
- Yōko Hikasa as Kizana: Kizana is a researcher who possesses a crucial key to the overarching narrative of the film.
- Ryūhei Maruyama as Rurowa: Rurowa is Rako’s father.
These new cast members join Ruki Shiroiwa, who will be voicing the protagonist Yō. Shiroiwa’s casting was particularly notable as it marks his first foray into voice acting, with the staff selecting him after being impressed by his song “Himawari” (Sunflower).
‘As One’: A Prequel Story
As One is set 20 years before the events of the Starwing Paradox arcade game. The story revolves around Yō, a high school student with musical aspirations that are met with opposition from his parents. He also faces a growing disconnect from his bandmates. One day, Yō hears a mysterious voice calling for help and is enveloped in a bright light, setting him on a path that intertwines with the fate of another world.
Simultaneously, on the planet Meguriboshi, two nations engaged in a protracted war over energy resources attempt to establish a fragile truce. Rako, a robot mechanic on Meguriboshi, encounters Yō while dealing with a large piece of space debris, leading to a connection between their worlds.
Production Details
As One boasts a talented team of creators:
- Director: Kobun Shizuno (known for his work on the Detective Conan movie series)
- Character Designer: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (returning from the game, famed for his work on Evangelion, Nadia – The Secret of Blue Water, and Summer Wars)
- Scriptwriters: Shatner Nishida (Lupin III: Prison of the Past), Kana Matsui, and Masaya Honda (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
- Mechanical Designer: Ippei Gyōbu (Gundam: Reconguista in G, Synduality)
- Animation Production: Honoo and Studio GOONEYS
Starwing Paradox: The Original Arcade Game
Starwing Paradox is an arcade game developed by Square Enix, with animation produced by Sunrise. Released in Japanese arcades in November 2018, the game allowed up to 16 players to engage in 8v8 battles, piloting giant mechs in a cockpit-like cabinet. Despite its immersive experience, the game’s online services were discontinued in October 2021.
The game is set on the planet Meguriboshi, where two kingdoms, Kō Country A Slegga and Va Led Sei Kingdom, are in conflict over a living energy source called “Hoshinochi.” The “Ae Rial,” giant weapons developed by the Kizana corporation, are central to the battles. These mechs utilize a “Rearide System” to transmit personalized information between planets, and their true power is unlocked when paired with a skilled “AZ-One” knight and an alien pilot. The discovery of Earth as a planet with inhabitants possessing superior flying aptitude adds another layer to the conflict.
Release Information
As One is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on August 22, 2025.
A Unique Tie-In
The release of As One is somewhat unusual, given that the Starwing Paradox arcade game’s online services have already ended. However, the film is intended to be a standalone prequel that enriches the lore of the Starwing Paradox universe, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an entry point into the world. Director Shizuno has emphasized that the film will delve into previously untold secrets about the origins of the Aerial mechs and the connection between Meguriboshi and Earth.
