Tao Tsuchiya announced today that she will lend her voice to Pantan, a traveling red panda, in the 37th Anpanman movie. The official site for Soreike! Anpanman: Pantan to Yakusoku no Hoshi confirmed the casting this morning. Fans of the actress will recognize her from the 2021 film Sing a Bit of Harmony, where she voiced the lead character Shion Ashimori. Now she steps into the world of Anpanman, a series that has inspired children for decades.
About the New Film
The upcoming title, Soreike! Anpanman: Pantan to Yakusoku no Hoshi, translates to “Let’s Go! Anpanman: Pantan and the Promised Star.” The story follows Pantan as he searches for a hidden treasure that glows like a rainbow star. He meets Anpanman and Cream Panda, and together they embark on an adventure to keep a promise made to an adventurer. Director Hiroyuki Yano leads the project, while Shoji Yonemura writes the script and Taku Izumi and Hiroaki Kondo provide the music. The film is set to hit Japanese theaters on June 26, 2026.
What the Role Means to Tsuchiya
Tsunachiya shared that she first saw an Anpanman film in a theater when she was a child. She recalled the moment she learned about the guest voice role with excitement. “I genuinely thought, ‘You’re kidding, right?’” she said. “It has always been my dream, but I gave up a bit because I knew the path was narrow.” She added that the opportunity taught her that perseverance pays off. Tsuchiya expressed deep gratitude for working alongside Keiko Toda, the voice of Anpanman, whom she respects greatly.
Film Details and Release
The Anpanman franchise began in 1973 thanks to Takashi Yanase. Over the years it has grown into a beloved series of books, TV shows, and movies. In this latest entry, Pantan serves as the original guest character that drives the plot. Baikinman, voiced by Ryusei Nakao, returns as the classic antagonist. The film promises a mix of humor, heart, and colorful animation that families can enjoy together.
The movie offers more than a simple adventure. It highlights themes of friendship, promise keeping, and courage. Children will love the vibrant visuals and playful characters, while adults can appreciate the nostalgic connection to Anpanman’s long history. Moreover, Tao Tsuchiya’s performance adds a fresh energy that bridges generations of fans.
Anticipated Impact
Industry analysts predict that the 37th Anpanman film will perform strongly at the box office, especially with the added draw of a popular actress. The combination of a beloved franchise and a rising star creates a compelling marketing mix. As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build on social media and fan forums.
Source: Crunchyroll
