Zootopia 2 Reveals New Japanese Voice Cast for Its Mysterious Companions!

Get ready for a wild ride! Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Zootopia 2, is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025. Excitement is building as the Japanese voice cast for the new companions, who will play a crucial role in unraveling the film’s mysteries, has just been unveiled. Following rigorous auditions conducted in the US, an impressive roster of talents including Takashima Masahiro, Emoto Akira, Kumamoto Pro-Wrestle, Jumbo Takao, Takagi Wataru, and Umezawa Tomio are joining the adventure.

The original Zootopia, released in 2016, captivated audiences worldwide. Set in the bustling metropolis of Zootopia, a paradise where animals live and thrive like humans, the film wove a dramatic and mysterious narrative filled with unique and diverse characters. Its profound message, relevant to modern society, resonated deeply, creating a social phenomenon dubbed “fluffy yet deep” (mofumofu na no ni fukai).

It was the first Disney Animation film since Frozen to surpass a global box office of 1 billion dollars, equivalent to 151.9 billion Japanese yen (calculated at 151.9 yen to the dollar as of October 28). In Japan, it was a massive hit, earning over 7.6 billion yen. Even today, the film maintains the highest ratings on various movie review sites among all Disney Animation titles, solidifying its reputation as a beloved and critically acclaimed masterpiece.

In this eagerly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, the diligent rabbit and first-ever police officer Judy Hopps, and her cynical-but-kind-hearted fox companion Nick Wilde, are living their dream as investigative partners, tackling various cases. One day, the unexpected reappearance of snakes in the city after 100 years triggers the revelation of a surprising secret hidden behind the very founding of Zootopia. What is the enigmatic snake Gary’s true motive? And why did their kind vanish in the first place? Faced with Zootopia’s greatest mystery, the bond between the contrasting Judy and Nick will be put to the ultimate test.

Reprising their roles from the previous film, Ueda Aya returns as the optimistic and hardworking rabbit police officer Judy, who dreams of making the world a better place. Morikawa Toshiyuki is also back as Nick, her foxy partner with a past as a con artist but a kind heart underneath his cynical exterior. Furthermore, Shimono Hiro takes on the role of Gary, a cheerful and talkative wanted snake who holds the key to Zootopia’s mysteries. Joining him is Yamada Ryousuke, cast as Paubart, the bobcat heir from Zootopia’s founding family. These announcements have consistently sparked widespread discussion, especially across social media, keeping the excitement alive.

Now, the Japanese voice actors for even more new companions, integral to the film’s unfolding enigma, have been unveiled. After successful auditions in the US, a diverse and talented ensemble of voice actors, befitting the multicultural animal haven of Zootopia, has been assembled.

A Star-Studded Lineup: Meet the New Japanese Voice Cast!

Takashima Masahiro Joins as Mayor Winddancer

Actor Takashima Masahiro will voice Mayor Winddancer, a charismatic horse who transitioned from acting to politics and captivates the masses. Takashima-san couldn’t contain his excitement, expressing immense joy at being cast: “When I watched the previous Zootopia, I was so moved by how profound it was, so when I got the audition call, I was incredibly happy. When I passed, I was absolutely thrilled!” A devoted horse lover, Takashima-san even shared a humorous anecdote from his recording session: “I love horses, so I ended up putting in too much of the sounds of conversation with horses and horse whinnies from my own riding experiences during the ADR, and the director told me, ‘Please reduce the horse-like elements a bit!'”

Emoto Akira Takes on Hayesus, the Lizard Elder

Veteran actor Emoto Akira has been chosen to voice Hayesus, a revered lizard elder who holds crucial clues about Gary, the snake, and the film’s biggest mystery: “Why are there no reptiles in Zootopia?” This marks Emoto-san’s first time participating in a Disney production. He recalled his childhood experiences with Disney films, noting their charm: “The animation and movements are just so endearing, aren’t they? Seeing those things can’t help but make you smile.” Regarding his own performance, he commented, “I haven’t done many voice acting jobs, so I’m actually curious to hear how it comes across,” expressing his anticipation for the audience’s reactions.

Kumamoto Pro-Wrestle as the Stalwart Inspector Hogbottom

Kumamoto Pro-Wrestle of the comedy duo Beni Shouga, will play Inspector Hogbottom, an honest and skilled wild boar who relentlessly pursues Judy and her companions after Gary’s escape. Kumamoto-san reminisced about her childhood: “My mother adored Disney, and she even decorated our home like Disneyland. As an only child, she raised me to be as cute as Minnie Mouse.” She also found a surprising commonality with her character: “I guess our shared trait is our intensity (laughs). At first, I wondered why they chose me, but I’m happy because I felt a connection with the character, almost as if they picked me knowing my personality!”

Jumbo Takao Embodies the Trusty Captain Russ

Jumbo Takao, of the comedy duo Rainbow, will voice Russ, a cheerful and dependable walrus captain who guides Judy and Nick to a hidden location in Zootopia. From a comedian’s perspective, he praised Disney’s appeal: “Disney films are interesting, of course, but it’s truly amazing how they can make you laugh out loud. There are many types of humor in the world, but I think it’s incredible that Disney makes children and adults worldwide burst into laughter.” Regarding his character, he stated, “You could pretty much say he’s ‘Jumbo.’ I thought, ‘That’s me coming out of the water,’ and I told the staff, ‘This is me.'” He also revealed the remarkable synchronicity he felt during his first Disney voice recording: “It fit so well it made me tremble. Russ’s voice came out so smoothly, it felt like I’d been doing it since I was a child; it was unbelievable.”

Takagi Wataru as Antony, the Crime Boss

Voice actor Takagi Wataru will take on the role of Antony, the crime boss anteater. While Takagi-san has appeared in Disney films before, such as voicing Gamma in Up, he enjoyed the first Zootopia as a regular audience member. He shared his delight in joining the sequel: “The animation is simply wonderful and captivating. The story and music are also excellent, so I was truly thrilled to be part of the sequel.”

Umezawa Tomio Cast as Milton Linxley, Paubart’s Father

Finally, actor Umezawa Tomio has been selected to voice Milton Linxley, Paubart’s father (who, as recently announced, is voiced by Yamada Ryousuke). Milton Linxley is a bobcat businessman who, as the head of Zootopia’s founding family, wields immense power in the city. Umezawa-san revealed that this was his first audition experience in his life: “I put my voice into it with such excitement, and when I got the ‘OK’ from the US team, I felt like I was floating on air! It brought me back to how I felt when I first decided to become an actor and worked hard to stand on stage!” When asked about commonalities with his character, he teased, “I can’t reveal specifics, but if I had to say one thing, it’s that he’s a very kind father,” building anticipation for the family dynamics, especially with his son Paubart.

Dive Deeper with the Special Video and Final Details!

A special promotional video featuring the newly announced Japanese voice cast has also been unveiled. Clad in special costumes incorporating elements of their characters, the video is filled with humor, showcasing various charming poses and unique expressions from the cast. We can’t wait to see what kind of adventures these new characters will bring to the screen! The participation of such a star-studded Japanese voice cast only heightens the excitement for the film’s release.

Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, Zootopia 2, is scheduled for theatrical release on December 5, 2025.

Zootopia 2: Film Information

Film Title: Zootopia 2
Japanese Theatrical Release: December 5, 2025 (Friday)
Original Title: Zootopia 2
US Release: November 26, 2025
Distribution: Walt Disney Japan
Directors: Jared Bush (Zootopia, Moana 2), Byron Howard (Zootopia, Tangled)
Original Soundtrack: Walt Disney Records

Japanese Voice Cast

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