Disney & Pixar’s Hoshitsunagi no Erio: WatanaBe Naomi First Japanese to Voice in US Original & Japanese Versions

Watanabe Naomi Voice Acts in Both US Original and Japanese Versions of Disney & Pixar’s Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio!

Disney & Pixar’s latest theatrical film, `Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio` (known internationally as ‘Elio’), is set for national release on August 1st. It has now been revealed that talent Watanabe Naomi will be voice acting in both the US original version and the Japanese version. She will be playing Oova, the ambassador of a peace-loving planet.

About the Story

`Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio` is a fantasy adventure depicting the grand journey of the lonely boy Elio. Seeking his true place, Elio is invited to the Communiverse, a place where representatives from various stars gather, and there he meets Glordon, a lonely alien boy.

Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio / Naomi Watanabe

Watanabe Naomi’s Historic Role as Oova

Oova, played by Watanabe Naomi, is full of positive energy and is a character who gently watches over Elio’s adventure, teaching him about the Communiverse. This marks the first time a Japanese person, other than a Pixar creator, is voice acting in the US original version of a Disney & Pixar film. Furthermore, simultaneously voice acting in the Japanese version as well is also a first for a Japanese person.

Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio Oova Scene Photo

Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio Scene Photo Oova and Aliens

Director’s Insights on Casting

Regarding the message embedded in this film, the directors commented, “It teaches us the importance of connecting deeply with others precisely because each of us possesses different individualities, and the importance of accepting and loving ourselves just as we are.” They continued, “We realized that this message perfectly aligns with Watanabe Naomi-san’s own journey so far. She is a person who constantly challenges herself in new environments, protects her individuality, pursues her dreams, and truly shines in a unique way. For these reasons, we felt she was the ideal choice for this project,” they revealed, explaining the reason for her casting.

Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio Naomi Watanabe

Watanabe Naomi Shares Her Experience

When Watanabe-san received the offer for the US original version, she said, “I was super surprised! Like, ‘Is something like that even possible?!'” She added, “In Japan, I’ve had the opportunity to do voice-over work for various productions, but I thought, ‘Huh, America’s!? In English!?’ At first I was surprised, but there’s nothing more honorable than this, so I was extremely happy,” she said, seemingly overjoyed.

Regarding the recording in America, she commented, “There was also the tension that Oova would be formed by the words I spoke.” She found the English challenging, saying, “At first, I was speaking in a reserved manner, but the director told me, ‘You can show more of your Naomi-ness!’ and that made it easier,” she recalled.

Regarding also being in charge of the Japanese voice, she said, “It was strange. It was my first time recording in Japanese while listening to my own English lines.” And upon hearing that simultaneously serving as the voice actor for both English and Japanese versions was a first for a Japanese person, she couldn’t hide her excitement, exclaiming, “Eh?! A first!? Isn’t that amazing!?”

Finding Your Place: The Film’s Message and Fans

When asked about “the presence that embraces the true Watanabe Naomi” in relation to the film’s message, she immediately replied, “Definitely my fans are number one!” Watanabe-san, who approaches different media like TV, SNS, and stage by changing her persona, said, “Even when I do that, my fans accept it. No matter what form I take, even if they see me making mistakes, they always accept the me who shows various expressions.” She added, “They accept me when I’m working diligently, and also when I’m a bit clumsy or naturally scatterbrained. I feel that it is my fans who accept all sorts of parts of me,” she conveyed, expressing the strong bond with her fans.

Detailed Story Summary

`Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio` (known internationally as ‘Elio’)
Nationwide theatrical release on August 1st (Friday)

Story
Elio, a boy who loves space, was feeling lonely after losing his parents, who were his greatest companions. He believed that somewhere in this vast world, there must surely be his “true place.” Elio’s heartfelt wish is heard, and he is invited to the dreamlike “Communiverse” where representatives of the stars gather. There, he meets Glordon, a lonely alien boy just like himself. “I like you just the way you are” – As their hearts connect, a threat that could shake the “world of stars” approaches the two. The key to saving it lay in “a certain promise” exchanged between the two lonely souls.

Staff

(C) 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

By Takahashi Katsunori

Gallery

Elio (C) 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio (C) 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio (C) 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio (C) 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio Japan Release Date Teaser Poster

Elio Teaser Poster (C) 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio (C) 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Elio Scene Photo

Elio Scene Photo

Related Link

• 『星つなぎのエリオ』Official Website

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