The upcoming “Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon no Hero!” film has just announced a new, exciting addition to its cast. Shizuyo Yamazaki, affectionately known as “Shizu-chan” from the comedy duo Nankai Candies, will be lending her voice to the movie as a guest voice actor. This marks Shizu-chan’s first foray into the world of Anpanman, adding a fresh and delightful element to the beloved series. Scheduled to premiere on June 27, 2025, this 36th film in the Anpanman franchise promises a heartwarming adventure filled with love, courage, and the discovery of one’s purpose.
Anpanman’s New Adventure: Chapon’s Hero
“Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon no Hero!” centers around a mysterious boy named Chapon, who falls from the sky with no memory of his origins. Anpanman, ever the hero, takes Chapon under his wing. As Chapon spends time with Anpanman and his friends, he learns the joy of helping others and dreams of becoming a hero himself, viewing Anpanman as a big brother.
However, Baikinman, the perennial villain, discovers the secret of Chapon’s past and arrives to stir up trouble. Chapon must confront his origins and decide whether they define him or if he can forge his own destiny. Teaming up with Anpanman, Chapon embarks on a journey to protect everyone’s smiles and happiness.
Shizu-chan’s Role: Moo-san the Milk Farmer
Shizu-chan will be voicing the character of Moo-san, a kind-hearted farmer who delivers fresh milk to everyone in Anpanman’s world. This is Shizu-chan’s first time participating in the “Anpanman” series.
In a statement, Shizu-chan expressed her excitement about joining the Anpanman family. “I never thought I’d have the chance to appear in a work like Anpanman, which everyone knows and has been familiar with since childhood, so I was very happy.” She further added, “The other day, when we happened to meet at a nearby park, Aoi said to me, ‘We’re both in Anpanman!’ and I said, ‘I’m looking forward to it!’ We didn’t actually have any scenes together, but I feel like there’s some kind of connection between us. This is the first time we’ve worked together since the movie ‘Hula Girls,’ so I’m very happy.”
Yu Aoi as Chapon: A Talented Cast
Adding to the film’s allure, actress Yū Aoi will be voicing the pivotal role of Chapon. Aoi, known for her roles in live-action films like “Rurouni Kenshin” and anime films like “Children of the Sea”, brings her talent to the character of the mysterious boy.
Notably, Shizu-chan and Yu Aoi have a close friendship and previously co-starred in the 2006 film “Hula Girls.” “Moo-san is a character that is unique to Shizu-chan, whose voice heals just by hearing it.” said Aoi, expressing her joy at working with Shizu-chan again.
Main Voice Cast
The film also features the series’ main voice cast, including:
- Keiko Toda as Anpanman
- Ryūsei Nakao as Baikinman
- Other recurring cast members
Production Staff
The film is directed by Toshikazu Hashimoto and Hiroyuki Yano, with a screenplay by Shuji Kuzuhara. Taku Izumi continues to provide the music, and TMS Entertainment produces the animation.
Who is Shizu-chan?
Shizuyo Yamazaki, better known as Shizu-chan, is a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. Here’s a closer look at her background:
- Comedian: Shizu-chan is one half of the popular comedy duo Nankai Candies.
- Actress: Beyond comedy, she has also cultivated a successful acting career, appearing in various films and television dramas.
- Athlete: Shizu-chan is also known for her athletic pursuits. She once participated in an amateur world boxing championship.
- Marriage: Shizu-chan married actor Toru Sato in December 2022, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment world.
The Enduring Appeal of Anpanman
“Anpanman,” created by Takashi Yanase, has been a beloved children’s series in Japan for decades. The franchise includes picture books, manga, and an incredibly long-running anime series that began in 1988 and is still ongoing.
Themes and Legacy
The series emphasizes themes of justice, courage, and helping those in need. Anpanman himself is a unique hero with a head made of anpan, a sweet bean-filled pastry. He selflessly gives pieces of his head to those who are hungry, highlighting the importance of compassion and generosity. “Go! Anpanman: Baikinman and the Picture Book Lulun”, was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing movie in the series’ history with a box office of ¥730 million.
NHK’s “Anpan” Asadora
The series’ creator and his wife are the focus of the 2025 NHK Asadora (morning drama) Anpan. The show tells the fictionalized story of Komatsu Nobu (1918-1993), the wife of the Anpanman creator Yanase Takashi, highlighting his journey to becoming a celebrated figure in Japanese popular culture.
Release Details
“Soreike! Anpanman: Chapon no Hero!” is set to be released in Japanese theaters on June 27, 2025.