Shizuno Koubun x Sadamoto Yoshiyuki’s “Azowan/AS ONE” Adds Shiraishi Haruka, Takeuchi Shunsuke, Hikasa Youko to Additional Cast! Maruyama Ryuhei (SUPER EIGHT) Also Makes Voice Acting Debut

The feature-length anime film Azuan/AS ONE, directed by Shizuno Kobun, known for his work on the theatrical Meitantei Conan series, and featuring character designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki of Shin Seiki Evangelion fame, is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 22, 2025. It has just been announced that Shiraishi Haruka, Takeuchi Shunsuke, and Hikasa Youko have joined the cast. Additionally, Maruyama Ryuhei (SUPER EIGHT) will be participating, marking his debut as a voice actor.

Azuan/AS ONE is a feature-length anime film helmed by Shizuno Kobun, who has directed the Meitantei Conan theatrical films since the 15th entry, Meitantei Conan Chinmoku no 15 fun (Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence), and notably directed Meitantei Conan Kara Kurenai no Love Letter (Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter), which was the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2017. The character designs are handled by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, a prominent figure active as both an animator and manga artist, renowned for his contributions to beloved anime titles like Shin Seiki Evangelion, Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time), and Summer Wars, solidifying his status as one of Japan’s leading creators.

The project originated from the arcade game Hoshi to Tsubasa no Paradox. While it adopts the setting and world view of the game, Azuan/AS ONE tells a completely original story developed by the production team and scriptwriters based on Director Shizuno’s vision. All the characters are newly created, with Sadamoto Yoshiyuki once again undertaking the character designs. The mechanic design is handled by Katabe Ippei, recognized for his work on Gundam G no Reconguista.

With the recent announcement that Shiraiwa Ruki of the group JO1 will lend his voice to You, the film’s protagonist, anticipation has been mounting. Now, the addition of Shiraishi Haruka, Takeuchi Shunsuke, Hikasa Youko, and Maruyama Ryuhei (SUPER EIGHT) to the cast has been revealed.

Shiraishi Haruka will voice Laco, a girl You meets who lives on a 巡星 (Meguriboshi), a star floating in space, working as a robot mechanic. Takeuchi Shunsuke is cast as Vigo of the Pullguard unit, a figure Laco looks up to like an older brother. Hikasa Youko will play Kizana, a mysterious researcher who holds a key to the story.

Furthermore, Maruyama Ryuhei, a member of SUPER EIGHT known for playing bass and actively involved in both music and acting, has been chosen to voice Laco’s father, Leroy. Maruyama-san has appeared in numerous acclaimed works, with his starring film Kaneko Sairi Ten released in May of this year receiving high praise for his compelling performance. This film marks his very first challenge in the realm of voice acting.

Speaking about his voice acting debut, Maruyama-san shared his feelings of excitement and nervousness: “I am overjoyed to have had an experience unlike anything else in my career so far. Stepping into a Japanese anime film delivered at such a high standard today required a lot of courage.” He continued, “In particular, this film seems to revolve around the major themes of ‘connecting feelings’ and ‘believing in oneself.’ Within this grand entertainment, despite being new to voice acting, my specific role demanded specialized techniques. My character is also quite enigmatic, and I’m genuinely excited to see how everyone will enjoy my part as a piece of the overall work.” His comment reflects his enthusiasm for the project and anticipation for its release.

Shiraishi Haruka, voicing Laco, commented, “I was deeply moved by the beautiful visuals in the scenes. Laco is a cheerful, highly communicative, and strong-willed girl. I dedicated myself fully during the recording to truly express her strength, brightness, and struggles!” Her words hint at the care and effort she put into bringing the character to life.

Takeuchi Shunsuke, who plays Vigo, stated, “Confronting his emotions, the kind that expend energy to uphold one’s own justice – that’s what I focused on. The recording sessions demanded intense concentration; I revisited and pondered over each line many times, truly savoring them. As expected from the director’s skill, I believe it’s a film that magnificently utilizes the power of 3D animation! While incorporating the world of the original game, it’s also a film that pushes the work to a brand new stage!” He encouraged audiences to experience the film with the dynamic sound in theaters.

Hikasa Youko, cast as Kizana, shared, “When I received the notification that I was cast, I was thrilled to open the script and discover the story. I believe her figure, steadfastly carrying through her beliefs, is sincere and beautiful, regardless of the path she takes. Azuan/AS ONE makes you contemplate whether the power of song, the power of feelings, might genuinely save the world or someone. Please look forward to the release.” Her comment reflects a thoughtful engagement with her character and the film’s thematic depth.

The feature-length anime film Azuan/AS ONE is set to open in theaters on August 22, 2025. We eagerly await further news and updates about the film.

Comments from the Cast

Shiraishi Haruka / Laco

When I auditioned, I was really drawn to Laco’s charming character, so I was incredibly happy when I was cast. During the recording session, the visuals weren’t completely finished yet, but I was already impressed by the beautiful visuals in the scenes that were ready. Laco is a cheerful, highly communicative, and strong-willed girl. I gave my all during recording to properly express her strength, brightness, and struggles! Please come to the theater and enjoy the heartwarming story that begins with the mysterious encounter between You and Laco.

Takeuchi Shunsuke / Vigo

I confronted his emotions, the kind that burn through energy to uphold one’s own justice.
The recording required immense concentration; I pondered over each line numerous times, truly savoring them.
As expected of the director’s skill, I believe it’s a film that fully leverages the power of 3D animation!
While incorporating the original game’s world, it’s also a film that advances the work to a new stage!
I sincerely hope you can enjoy it with the powerful sound in theaters!

Hikasa Youko / Kizana

When I received the notification that I was cast, I was excited to open the script and see what the story held.
I believe her figure, dedicated to 貫き通す (tsuranukitoosu – carrying something through to the end), is sincere and beautiful, no matter what path that is.
Azuan/AS ONE makes you think that the power of song, the power of feelings, might truly save the world or someone. Please look forward to the release.

Maruyama Ryuhei (SUPER EIGHT) / Leroy

This time, I will be making my voice acting debut with Azuan/AS ONE.
I am delighted to have had an experience unlike anything in my career thus far.
Participating in a Japanese anime film delivered at such a high standard today required great courage.
This work, in particular, seems to have “connecting feelings” and “believing in oneself” as major themes.
Within the scope of grand entertainment, despite being new to voice acting,
my own role required special techniques for performance.
My character is also enigmatic, and I’m looking forward to seeing
how everyone will enjoy my part as a component of the film.

Film Information

Cast

Staff

(C)SQUARE ENIX, SUNRISE

(C)ASONE製作委員会

(C) 2025 IID, Inc.

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