More than 40 years after the original manga began serialization, Urusei Yatsura remains a hugely popular series, but did you know it was recently re-animated to commemorate Shogakukan's 100th anniversary? While only a few popular episodes have been broadcast, it's exciting to see this series, which has maintained its overwhelming popularity over the years, brought back to life with today's beautiful animation techniques. Given the passionate fan base of the original, it was expected that there would be a lot of negative feedback about the new artwork, but in the end, there wasn't much criticism. This is thanks to the efforts of the production staff, who faithfully reproduced the original while also capturing all the charm of the series that wasn't captured in the original. So, in this article, we'd like to introduce the production staff and cast who successfully pulled off this challenging re-animation of this work. All of them are top-notch people at the forefront of the industry, so be sure to check it out.
Original Story: Rumiko Takahashi
The original author of this work is Rumiko Takahashi, who has left behind numerous works that remain overwhelmingly popular to this day. In addition to "Urusei Yatsura," she has also brought to the world hugely popular works such as "Inuyasha," "Maison Ikkoku," and "Ranma 1/2." She is famous for drawing adorable female characters that are unlike any other work, and the female characters in Takahashi's works remain highly popular even today.
Still Active
Takahashi-sensei is still active as a manga artist, currently serializing "MAO," a manga based on Onmyoji, in "Weekly Sunday."
The original anime version was full of controversy, but...
While "Urusei Yatsura" is arguably Takahashi's world-renowned masterpiece, it seems the original anime didn't quite go as Takahashi hoped. While the original anime was good, Takahashi's wishes were often not reflected in the subsequent film adaptations, leading to anecdotes of Takahashi himself becoming enraged. The new anime version likely won't include any such alterations or original developments from the original work, so fans can enjoy Takahashi's world with peace of mind.
Animation Production: David Production
Animation production will be handled by David Production. David Production is a subsidiary of Fuji Television, and its previous productions have garnered enthusiastic support from fans of the original work. The company is known for its faithful animation of the original work while pursuing uniquely anime-inspired expressions.
Famous for the "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" series and "Cells at Work"
He is particularly known for the "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" series and "Cells at Work," which featured characters with adorable movements that became a hot topic on social media. His works, featuring captivating characters, have been a huge success, so perhaps he will bring the same charming characters from Takahashi's world to this work?
Directors: Hideya Takahashi, Yasuhiro Kimura
The film will be directed by Hideya Takahashi and Yasuhiro Kimura. Kimura, in particular, stated on his X account, "This is a work that holds deep memories for me, as I was engrossed in reading it when I was in junior high!" This clearly shows his deep knowledge of the series. Having directors who share a deep love for the series, like Takahashi, is a very promising development.
Co-directors of "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind"
Hideya Takahashi and Yasuhiro Kimura co-directed "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind." Since "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind" is produced by David Production, it can be said to be a reunion of the three production teams: David Production, Hideya Takahashi, and Yasuhiro Kimura. "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind" is also highly acclaimed, so if you want to get a feel for the atmosphere of this film first, it might be worth watching.
Voice Actors
Next, I'd like to introduce the voice actors who voice the numerous characters appearing in this work. This work's appeal lies in its wide variety of characters, allowing viewers to enjoy a wide variety of characters. Therefore, the voice actors play a vital role in determining the appeal of the characters, so be sure to check them out.
Hiroshi Kamiya (Ataru Moroboshi)
The voice of the main character, Ataru Moroboshi, is provided by voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya. Kamiya is famous for his work on characters such as Araragi Koyomi from the "Monogatari Series" and Levi from "Attack on Titan." He's known for his rather masculine voice, so some fans may have wondered if he'd be a good fit for the playful image of Ataru. However, he was perfect in the first season of the anime, so we can look forward to seeing him take over!
Sumire Uesaka (Ram)
The voice of this work's heroine, Ram, is provided by voice actress Sumire Uesaka. Uesaka is known for her roles as Sanae Dekomori in "Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!" and Ms. Nagatoro in "Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro." She's a popular voice actress with a cute, idol-like appearance, so her role as Ram in this work is sure to further ignite her popularity.
Maaya Uchida (Shinobu)
The voice of Shinobu, Ataru's childhood friend, is voiced by Maaya Uchida. Uchida is known for her roles as Sharo in "Is the Order a Rabbit?" and Norman in "The Promised Neverland." Like Uesaka, she's also popular for her looks, so this film is likely to further boost her popularity.
Mamoru Miyano (Mendo Shutaro)
Voice actor Mamoru Miyano provides the voice of Mendou Shutaro, a wealthy businessman from a wealthy conglomerate. Miyano is a popular voice actor known for his voice acting in characters such as Light Yagami in "DEATH NOTE."
Wataru Takagi (Sakuranbo)
The voice of Sakurabo is provided by voice actor Wataru Takagi. While Takagi is known as a voice actor, he also has a talent for acting. He is best known for his role as Makoto Oyamada in the historical drama "Sanada Maru." He's active in a variety of settings, not just on stage, so be sure to keep an eye on him.
Sawashiro Miyuki (Sakura)
Sakura's voice is provided by voice actress Miyuki Sawashiro. Sawashiro is active not only as a voice actress but also as a narrator. She is known for her calm and gentle voice, and often plays mature characters. Sakura is also a character positioned as a mature woman, so she is a perfect fit for Sawashiro's image.
Kana Hanazawa (Ran)
Ran's voice is provided by voice actress Kana Hanazawa. Hanazawa is best known for her role as Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. In contrast to Sawashiro, she often plays childlike, cute characters, making her the perfect voice actress for Ran, who could be described as the original cutesy character.
Katsuyuki Konishi (Rei)
The voice of Rei is provided by voice actor Katsuyuki Konishi. He's known for his cool, sleek appearance and voice, including the voice of Tengen Uzui from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." He's the perfect voice actor for the taciturn, handsome Rei.
Saori Hayami (Oyuki)
Oyuki's voice is provided by voice actress Saori Hayami. Hayami is popular for her demure voice, playing Yukino Yukinoshita in "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" and Yoru Roger in "Spy x Family." She perfectly matches the calm demeanor of Oyuki's snow woman character.
Shizuka Ishigami (Benten)
Benten is voiced by voice actress Shizuka Ishigami. Ishigami is best known for her roles as Sayaka Uehara in "How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?" and Neneko Isurugi in "World's End Harem." She's often known for playing lively female characters, making her a perfect fit for the energetic Benten.
Nana Mizuki (Princess Kurama)
Princess Kurama is voiced by voice actress Nana Mizuki. Mizuki is famous for her roles as Hinata Hyuga in "NARUTO," but she's also garnering attention as a singer, gaining popularity in that arena recently.
Marina Inoue (Mendou Ryoko)
The voice of Mendou Ryoko is voice actress Marina Inoue. Marina Inoue is known for her roles as Nao Midorikawa in "Smile PreCure!" The original author of this work, Rumiko Takahashi, is said to have praised Inoue's excellent acting skills and co-starring ability upon seeing her at the dubbing studio for "Rin-ne." The original author of this work has high expectations for this voice actress.
Summary
What did you think? This time, we've introduced the people involved in the production of "Urusei Yatsura." In particular, the voice actors in this work were cast with consideration for the unique qualities of their respective fields. Since each voice actor was chosen with an eye toward their areas of expertise, I think you'll be able to seamlessly accept the new voice actors! Even fans of the original work will thoroughly enjoy this work, so be sure to check it out.
