The film Eiga Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchujin o Sagase! has been screening at Aeon Cinema and other theaters since September 11, 2026. On September 12, a special commemorative stage greeting was held at Aeon Cinema Theatrus Chofu, with theme song artist Nakagawa Shoko, Kotetsu-kun voice actress Fujiwara Natsumi, National Astronomical Observatory lecturer Hiramatsu Masaaki, and Kotetsu-kun himself taking the stage.
Fujiwara opened the event in character, greeting the audience as Kotetsu-kun with a cheerful “Chottokura bouken itte koi!” which delighted the children in attendance. Nakagawa shouted “Uchuu daisuki yatta!” at full volume, expressing her joy at being part of the project. Hiramatsu, who contributed to the film as a space science advisor, looked over the crowd with a warm smile.
Discussing the film’s highlights, Fujiwara recalled the dubbing sessions: “It was nostalgic and fun to have everyone from the TV series gather and talk about space again. The big screen really impressed me—the sound is powerful, and you can feel the vibrations. That’s definitely a part to look out for!”
Nakagawa revealed that she voiced a large number of alien characters in addition to singing the theme song. “It feels like my whole life has been packed into this. I learned about the wonders of space from Kotetsu’s grandfather and have been thinking about Jupiter every day since.” She also shared that the theme song plays twice in the film, joking about how she nearly spoiled it. “Not only do Kotetsu and friends dance to the song, but my voice also appears over live footage of Jupiter! Grandpa in heaven, are you watching? I’m overjoyed!”
On the recording process, Nakagawa explained that the director had her perform all the alien voices not in the original script. “I thought, how much stamina do you think I have? (laughs) The staff, the characters, the animation—everything was so lively. It was the ultimate space diversity, and I felt like space juice was pouring out of my brain the entire time.” She also noted that she was deeply involved in writing the lyrics, including references to all her favorite stars. Turning to the children in the audience, she said, “The memories of experiencing this film in a theater will definitely help you someday. By the time you’re grown, maybe all of humanity can travel to space. For the sake of space, let’s keep living long after watching today’s movie!”
Hiramatsu praised the film’s blend of playful animation and realistic footage. “There are many places you haven’t actually seen or can’t visit, and I think it stirs a desire to one day observe them with a real telescope. The large screen and powerful sound make it a truly impressive experience.” Nakagawa remarked that despite the relaxed, fluffy feel, the film is “absolutely serious,” and Hiramatsu agreed, emphasizing its genuineness. Nakagawa called it “the ultimate space educational anime,” adding, “After watching, you’ll definitely become a planet expert!”
During a talk segment, the trio was asked, “If you could meet an alien, what would you do?” Fujiwara said she would first try talking, and if words failed, she’d say “Excuse me!” and touch the alien, “and then once I know it’s harmless, maybe punch it.” She quickly corrected herself with a smile: “I wouldn’t punch, though. I’d want to try all kinds of communication.” Nakagawa spoke about Earth’s treasures—delicious food, cute cats, interesting anime, great voice actors, and space knowledge. “We have so much to offer, so we could win, but we shouldn’t fight. Usually we’d be guarded against aliens, but in Kotetsu-kun, we make contact casually. Maybe that’s the right answer. So I try to think of myself as an alien every day.” She added, “They say we’re one step away from finding extraterrestrial life. If we live long enough, we might witness that historic moment. You’d better be ready to be the first person to meet an alien!” Her bold claim even impressed Hiramatsu.
Hiramatsu commented, “Aliens themselves might not be found immediately, but astronomers around the world are already serious about searching for planets that could host them. Planets that resemble Earth—with oceans or atmospheres—are gradually being discovered. Within ten to twenty years, we may really know where to look.” Nakagawa nodded and called the film “an anime to prepare you for meeting aliens.”
When asked for a one-word recommendation, Fujiwara pointed out the quizzes in the film. Nakagawa highlighted the live Jupiter footage during the end credits, saying, “My song plays there! I’ve dreamed of this since childhood, and now it’s come true.” She also mentioned that she showed the song to newborn twins on YouTube, and they were so excited they devoured their baby food. “So today’s kids are bound to fall in love with space too. I hope you get excited along with the song!” Hiramatsu said, “Kotetsu and his friends go after what they want to do. I watched the film feeling encouraged by that spirit, and I hope the audience shares that feeling.”
Later, Nakagawa’s special illustration, drawn to celebrate the film’s release, was unveiled. She said, “I drew the biggest dream of my life!” and asked Fujiwara to comment on it in Kotetsu-kun’s voice. Fujiwara cheerfully obliged, hiding behind the illustration and delivering the requested tsukkomi, leaving Nakagawa thrilled.
After the illustration reveal, Kotetsu-kun himself appeared, drawing cheers from the children. Nakagawa then performed the theme song “Uchuu no Nanchara Nakama” live, teaching the audience the chorus. She introduced the song’s fast-paced planet tongue twisters, encouraging everyone to cheer if they could say them without stumbling. The energetic performance, complete with cute choreography, sent the venue’s excitement soaring.
Following the live segment, announcements were made about the release of Kotetsu-kun LINE stamps and a joint PV production project with Digital Hollywood University. In her final remarks, Nakagawa declared, “The number-one space-friendly anime in the anime world has just been born. Please recommend it to your friends, get excited about space together, and make today a lifelong memory. I’ll never forget singing and dancing ‘Uchuu no Nanchara Nakama’ with all of you. Space is the best! Let’s all live long and watch it a lot!”
Fujiwara closed the event with gratitude: “Although time has passed since the TV series ended, seeing everyone come to the theater with such passion and love made me realize how much Kotetsu-kun is cherished. Thank you for taking an interest in space through this character. The film carries the same wonder and excitement as the anime, so please enjoy it without blinking!”
The film Eiga Uchuu Nanchara Kotetsu-kun: Ukkari Detekita Uchujin o Sagase! is currently screening at Aeon Cinema and other theaters. Additionally, special greeting screenings will be held at MOVIX Hashimoto in Kanagawa on September 19, 20, and 21, with appearances by Kotetsu-kun and various companion characters.
Special greeting screening schedule (after the 12:40 show):
- September 19 (Sat): Kotetsu-kun & Gokigen Panda
- September 20 (Sun): Kotetsu-kun & Konezumi
- September 21 (Mon): Kotetsu-kun & Love Rabbit
©Space Academy/Chottokura Tsuki Made Eiga Iinkai
