The "Sailor Moon" series is only possible thanks to Kotono Mitsuishi's presence... An interview with Kotono Mitsuishi and Misato Fukuen in commemoration of the release of "Sailor Moon Eternal" the movie version!

The legendary girls' manga "Sailor Moon," which has transcended time and generation, returns to the screen after 25 years!

The "Dead Moon" version, which depicts Chibiusa and Elyos' "first love" and the "growth" of the Sailor Senshi, will be made into a movie in two parts, the first part and the second part!　The movie version of "Sailor Moon Eternal" (Part 1) is currently showing to great success. The second part will be released in theaters nationwide on February 11, 2021 (Thursday, national holiday).

This time, Kotono Mitsuishi, who continues to support the work as the main character Super Sailor Moon/Usagi Tsukino, and Misato Fukuen, who plays Super Sailor Chibi Moon/Chibi-Usa and has grown up a lot in this work, had a talk with each other.

They talked about episodes of postrecording after a long absence, their feelings toward the characters, and their enthusiasm for "Part 2. She also shared her enthusiasm for the second part of the series.

Q: How did you feel when you heard that a theater version of "Sailor Moon" would be produced for the first time in 25 years?

Mitsuishi: I was really looking forward to seeing the Sailor Senshi in action on the big screen.

Fukuen: For me, this is the first time to see a theater version of "Sailor Moon," so I was excited from the moment I heard about it. When I saw the movie at the preview, it was full of sparkles that exceeded my expectations, and I was very happy.

Did you feel like you were under pressure?

Mitsuishi: I thought my feelings were fine, but my body as an instrument has accumulated a lot of things over the months, so I wondered if I would be able to match the sound well. ...... So I was anxious until I played the sound.

Fukuen: It has been 25 years since your last performance. I can't say that I don't feel pressure because there are many fans of this work, and I think there are people who will find out for the first time that I am playing Chibi-Usa in this theater version. Talking about instruments, it has been four years since I played Chibiusa. Since then, when I think of cute, I think of Usagi and Chibi-Usa, so I remember the day when Kotono-san and I made a firm resolution that we would do our best to maintain our instruments, and I went to the recording session while doing muscle training and voice training.

Mitsuishi Is that so?　What kind of voice training should I do?

Fukuen I do it in a high tone, after saying "I'm going to make an unbelievable high tone to the teacher. (and I show you my actual voice).

Mitsuishi It's hard to put it in print. ...... (laughs).

Fukuen (laughs). But it is a work with high expectations, so I was able to record it with the support of everyone, including Usagi-chan!

Mitsuishi I feel the same way, and I would like to thank you. Although we couldn't record it together, I was energized thinking that the lively Amazoness Quartet and the glamorous Amazon Trio were working hard at different times, and I am sure it will be a great piece! I thought, "This is going to be a great production!

Q: What is your impression of the story of this movie version?

Mitsuishi: The "Sailor Moon Crystal" series is based on the original work, so I knew the flow of the story to some extent, but when I saw the movie, I was surprised at the beginning of the love between Elyos and Chibi-Usa (......) and how cute the cheeky Chibi-Usa looked! I was impressed by the cute expressions on the faces of the little bunny! I was so impressed. Also, Usagi and Momo-chan (Tuxedo Mask/Mamoru Jiba) are getting along well, but I thought they were clumsy in the way they crossed paths over little things or became timid because of their feelings for each other. I thought that they are clumsy. If they boldly express their feelings, they will be able to reaffirm their love for each other, so I thought again that courage is necessary for love.

Fukuen: It was a story about love, wasn't it? As the role of a girl in love, I was told by the director, "You're just a girl in love! She's a girl in love! I was reminded many times (laugh).

Mitsuishi: But basically, the theme of the film is dreams. Both dreams of sleeping and dreams of what you want to be in the future.

Fukuen Yes, that's right. I entered everyone's dream worlds and came back to reality, and I went to various time-spaces more often than in the usual "Sailor Moon," so it looked amazing on the screen.

It is every girl's dream to have her lips captured by a cool guy!

Q: What did you think when you saw the finished film?

Mitsuishi: It is the "first part" of the movie, so what happens next? but I thought there were a lot of sparkling things scattered in it. What I felt when I watched the film was that there was always a pleasant breeze blowing, and I could see leaves flowing smoothly, petals flowing, and feathers flying in the air. I thought that it must be a film with a nice smelling wind.

Also, I thought, "Thank you very much, Director Chiaki, for showing us so many characters in such a short amount of time, and showing off their charms to the fullest! I thought, "Thank you very much!

Fukuen: It was really extremely colorful, and I had the impression that the wind was blowing, and I also had the impression that the stars were twinkling. I had the impression that it was a film directed by Kon. The original work is rather light in color, but in the case of the animation, the colors are very vivid, and the story is developed rapidly, so there is a lot of space to showcase the characters. So I was so excited with them that the time flew by.

I like the "Dead Moon" part the best. This is partly because it is the story of Chibi-Usa and Elyos, but also because the enemies are really cute!　The scene where the Dead Moon circus performers appear is very exciting, so I hope you enjoy it. When I saw the movie at the preview, I thought, "Wow!　That's so cool! I was like, "Wow! The Dead Moon Circus Troupe is here!" I can't wait to see them come in like that!

Mitsuishi: I knew it! They are cheeky and cute, aren't they?

Fukuen That's right. Everyone is different and everyone is cute!　I was thinking how glamorous they are, and time passed quickly. Also, I thought the first appearance of Elyos was more prince-like than I imagined.

Mitsuishi: Chibi-Usa flies on such a prince (Elios in Pegasus costume), right?

Fukuen I thought, like Chibiusa, that it was a scene I will never forget. I believe that there are tengu and kappa, but not pegasus. At least, they definitely don't exist in Japan!

Mitsuishi I see (laughs).

Fukuen But there were! (laughs). I thought I would never meet him, so I had a crush on him even more, and he suddenly turned into a cool boy and kissed me, it was irresistible!

Mitsuishi But when he kissed me, I was a horse (laughs). (laughs) Then I suddenly realized that I was Elios in human form.

Fukuen Is that right?　The horse part is cut out in my memory. ......

Mitsuishi I remember thinking, "My daughter's first kiss was by a horse!　I think I thought.

Fukuen Ha-ha-ha (laughs).

Mitsuishi But it is a girl's dream to be kissed on the lips by a cool guy, isn't it?

Fukuen: Yes, it is!　When I saw the movie, I was also surprised! When I actually saw the movie, I was like, "Wow! When I read the script, I was like, "Why? What are you doing all of a sudden? I thought, "What are you doing all of a sudden?

Mitsuishi: It becomes real when it is on film, doesn't it?

Fukuen That's the power of images.

Mitsuishi My favorite scene is the one where the rabbit became smaller and Chibiusa grew up, which is cute and interesting! When Diana chases after Chibi-Usa and calls "Small lady! Chibiusa replies, "I'm not a small lady now. Then Diana says "Lady ......" and I love it!

Fukuen: Obedient!　Sometimes (Shoko) Nakagawa (who plays Diana) calls me "Princess. For some reason, it makes me happy to hear her say that in everyday life. But in that scene, I was thrilled to see that Chibi-Usa really admired the slender Usagi-chan, and I thought it was very touching and charming.

The Sailor Senshi cast members connected around Kotono Mitsuishi

Q: Do you have any memories or episodes from the recording sessions?

Mitsuishi: In the "Part 1" episode, Momo-chan was suffering from a chest ailment, and I regretted that I was always slowing her down, but in this work, Momo-chan is the heroine! But in this work, Mamo-chan is the heroine! （I was talking about this with Kenji Nojima (who plays Mamoru Jiba).

(laughs) . Mr. Nojima was worried that he wasn't being useful, but that couldn't be helped. (laugh) But that couldn't be helped, because she is a heroine.

But in "Part 2," it is only with the help of Momo-chan that we are able to confront the situation, so she is still an important person. The second part was recorded separately due to the coronavirus, but we and Nojima-kun were together. On the day of the recording, Fukuen-chan and I were wearing the same color clothes.

Fukuen We were both wearing pink.

Mitsuishi I knew that this was the energy I wanted to bring (to the recording).

Fukuen I chose pink because I wanted to borrow the maiden's power from her clothes. ...... There were only three people in the studio, but two of them were pink, so the moment I opened the door, the director said, "Pink! (laughs). In terms of postrecording, I was able to record with Teijo Matsuoka, who played the role of Elios. Matsuoka-kun's performance is really wonderful, and his voice is that of a gentle prince with a bit of a shadow. But neither of us is actually a prince or a maiden, so it was interesting how we switched between the two when we stood in front of the microphone.

Mitsuishi It was really wonderful!

Fukuen I have never whispered such sweet words to her, so I was really embarrassed, but I think it would have been impossible if we hadn't recorded together, so I was glad that she took it into consideration.

I heard that you were able to record "Part 1" with a large group. How was it to meet the Sailor Senshi for the first time in 4 years?

Mitsuishi: When we recorded "Part 1," we were not yet at the Corona Disaster. It had been 4 years since we had worked together, but we had been going out for dinner, going to the collaboration cafe (of "Sailor Moon"), and so on, but it had been a long time since we had worked together.

But when the warriors get together, it's really fun to see how lively and colorful they are. I feel like I can do Sailor Moon with them around.

Fukuen: I don't feel like that much time has passed. As Kotono-san said, we had opportunities to get together often. But when we saw each other again at the recording studio, I was surprised! I was surprised.

Shizuka Ito was in the lead, Ami Koshimizu was making a lot of noise, and Hisako Kanemoto and Rina Sato were laughing at them. I really felt that Kotono was at the center of it all, and that the members were all connected there.

Mitsuishi: But I am sometimes asked, "How do you feel as the chairperson? I can only think "I'm sorry for being a clunker" (laughs).

(laughs) ! 　It's not like that at all.

Mitsuishi When I was putting eye drops in my eyes, I was told "Kotono-san, you shouldn't put the eye drop container on your eyes" (laughs). ...... I am glad to have such a thing pointed out to me! Like that. ...... rusty? (Laughs)

Fukuen Everyone loves Kotono's voice for Sailor Moon. It's been a long time since I started working on "Sailor Moon Crystal," but I haven't forgotten how I felt when I was a viewer of the first TV anime,

Even now, when I hear the line "I'm going to punish you on behalf of the moon! I still get goosebumps every time I hear that line. Even in my private life, I feed Kotono-san and ....... Feeding her?

Mitsuishi Ha-ha-ha (laugh). (In a grandma voice) I'm indebted to you. ......

Fukuen (rephrasing) Even though Kotono-san takes me out to eat and we work on stage together, I still get goosebumps when I hear Usagi-chan's voice. That's why I think there is a chairperson!

Mitsuishi Really?　Thank you very much. I can do my best!

Q: By the way, what is your favorite character in the "first part"?

Mitsuishi I like them all, but I'd like to recommend the Amazon trio. I felt it was a waste because they were based on the original story, and I would have liked to hear more of their performances. I was particularly impressed with Hawks-Eye's final line, which was added to the movie: "Make your dreams come true," which he says to Mako-chan (Super Sailor Jupiter/Makoto Kino).

Fukuen My favorite is Chibi-Usa. I was reminded how cute she is. Every single gesture was cute. I also love Parapara-chan from the Amazones Quartet since the TV anime version in the 90's. I like her childish and free-spiritedness. This time, Sumire Moroboshi is playing the role, and she is also very cute!

Q: Mr. Mitsuishi participated in singing the theme song "Tsukiiro Chainon", how did you like it?

Mitsuishi: This song was written by Akiko Kosaka, and the melody line is wonderful. Ms. Kosaka is closely related to "Sailor Moon," and it conveys the sadness, strength, and loveliness of the Sailor Senshi. With the help of Momoiro Clover Z and the other four warriors, I managed to do my best. I think it turned out to be a really great song.

Fukuen: It was really a wonderful song!

Mitsuishi: In the "second part", there are some tricks in the song that will make you say, "What the heck? There are some tricks in the song that will make you say, "Oh my God!

Q: Lastly, what are the highlights of the "second part"?

Mitsuishi: "The second part" will be the climax of the movie, which will be very exciting while recovering various things!　If "Part 1" was an assortment of jewels, it would be about 10 dozen of them with richness, weight, and brilliance. If the first part was an assortment of jewels, I think it would be about 10 dozen. I think everyone will be surprised.

Fukuen The highlight is the big climax. The climax is the highlight. It is so hot and intense that there is not a single line of dialogue in "Part 2" that is not stretched out. I'm looking forward to seeing the tension in the critical situation and the series of showcases that will finish the video, and then the sound will be added to it. Chibiusa also takes a step forward from the troubled point in 《Part 1》. She will be separated from Usagi-chan and Momo-chan and will start to act independently, so I hope you can look forward to seeing her as an adult as well. Also, I think the entrance of the external solar system warrior is very hot if you like it!

Mitsuishi That's right. It has been a while since we have seen those guys, so please look forward to it!

(Reporting, writing, and photography by Junichi Tsukagoshi)

Film Information

Sailor Moon Eternal the Movie Part 1 / Sailor Moon Eternal the Movie Part 2

Release date: January 8, 2021 (Friday) for the first part, February 11, 2021 (Thursday, national holiday) for the second part

<Cast

Kotono Mitsuishi Kotono Kanemoto Hisako Sato Rina Koshimizu Ami Ito Shizuka Fukuen Misato Kenji Nojima Junko Minagawa Junko Ohara SayakaAi Maeda Yukiyo Fujii Ryo Hirohashi Taishi Nakagawa Shoko Matsuoka TadaoWatanabe Naomi Nanao

＜Staff

Original Story/ General Supervisor : Naoko Takeuchi

Director : Chiaki Kon

Screenplay : Kazuyuki Fudeyasu

Character Design : Kazuko Tadano

Animation Production: Toei Animation/Studio Deen

Distributor: Toei

＜Theme Song

Tsukiiro Chainon

Momoiro Clover Z with Sailor Moon (CV: Kotono Mitsuishi) & Sailor Mercury (CV: Hisako Kanemoto) & Sailor Mars (CV: Rina Sato) & Sailor Jupiter (CV: Ami Komizu) & Sailor Venus (CV: Shizuka Ito)

Lyrics: Shirobara sumire Composed by Akiko Kosaka Arranged by Gekishoku Kaikan