I got to meet Satoshi!" Kana Hanazawa was also very excited! Report on the advance screening of the new "Pokémon" anime series, which depicts the story of how it all began.

An advance screening of the first episode of the new "Pokémon" TV anime series, which will begin airing on November 17, 2019, was held at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi on November 15. In addition to Rika Matsumoto, who voices the series' main character Satoshi, Kana Hanazawa, who plays Koharu, a new character from this series, and actress Marie Iide, an official supporter of the series, Pikachu and the new Pokemon Sword Shield, which was just released on the same day, appeared The new Pokémon Hibaney appeared on stage at the screening.

At the beginning of the screening, TV Tokyo announcer Akane Katabuchi and Pichu, Pikachu's baby Pokémon (pre-evolved), appeared as MCs. The audience immediately started yelling "Cute! and "Cute!" from the audience. After a brief announcement of the first few notes, the first episode of the new "Pokemon" series and, as a surprise, the second episode were screened to meet the fans' eagerness to see the new series.

Written by Reiko Yoshida, the first "Pokémon" episode, "Pikachu Birth! features a story centered on Pikachu before he meets Satoshi." As the story is titled "The Story of the Beginning of the 'Pokémon' Animation," it includes scenes reminiscent of the first TV series "Pokémon," and is a must-see for old fans as well as young children. Official supporter Iide-san also appeared in the film as Garula's child.

After the broadcast of the first and second episodes, Pikachu and Hibaney took the stage for a talk event with Matsumoto, Hanazawa, and Iitoyo. They all responded to the audience's loud cheers and applause with smiles. When first asked what he thought of the first and second episodes, Mr. Hanazawa said, "There were so many early Pokemon that it gave me goosebumps," to which Mr. Matsumoto replied, "It felt nostalgic. Iide also expressed his excitement, saying, "As a Pokemon fan, I was impressed that Pikachu (before meeting Satoshi) had such a touching story," to which Matsumoto replied, "I didn't know about it for 23 years! which drew laughter from the audience.

Matsumoto continued by mentioning that in addition to Satoshi, Gou, played by Daiki Yamashita, is the main character in this "Pokemon" movie, and said, "On site, it's like Yamashita-kun, Gou, and Satoshi. I will do my best to play Satoshi cheerfully to make everyone smile as the new story begins," he said, renewing his determination.

Hanazawa and Iide, both Pokemon fans, expressed their joy at being cast in the film.

I was waiting at a traffic light when I heard that I had been selected through an audition, and I said, 'Yay! I was waiting at a traffic light when I heard that I had been selected for the audition, and I said, 'Yay! I've always loved Pokemon and have watched it since I was little, so I was glad to be a voice actor and to be alive.

The first anime I fell in love with was Pokemon, and you are like a god to me, so it was like a dream come true to meet you. (I played the role of Garula's child this time.) I realized how much fun it is to voice a Pokemon.

Both of them seemed to be in a state of excitement at the talk event, perhaps because they were so happy. Hanazawa told Matsumoto, "From the moment I met Satoshi, I was like, 'It's Satoshi! (like that, he was so excited). (Is it weird for me to be so excited?)" (laugh). (Laughter)" to which Mr. Matsumoto replied, "It's not creepy at all (laughter)," causing the audience to laugh.

The MC also asked the audience, "If you were to compare each other to Pokemon, how would you compare them? When asked by the MC, "If you were to compare each other to a Pokemon," Matsumoto said "Hanazawa as Kyrillia" and Iide as "Chicoryta," and many in the audience agreed with her. Ms. Hanazawa added, "Matsumoto-san is Satoshi in my mind, so it's hard to compare them. ...... （I want him to be an electric Pokémon, so I think he is Sanders. I want it to be an electric Pokémon (in combination with Pikachu), so I think it's like Thunders. In a Pokemon self-analysis ( # ), Yutaka Ii said he was a Kodak, and both Mr. Matsumoto and Mr. Hanazawa said they were Caillou.

Finally, each of them sent a message to the fans in the hall and to Pokemon fans nationwide.

Let's watch it together on the evening of the 17th! （Iide.)

Koharu-chan (played by Hanazawa) is in a slightly different position from Satoshi and Gou, and we don't know yet how she will interact with Pokemon or whether she will battle with them. I would like to see Wampachi fighting. Please give me your support!" (Hanazawa)

Satoshi has changed his costume and is working hard for a new encounter. This time, I think people who play "Pokemon Go" and other games will definitely enjoy it, so I hope everyone from little kids to their parents and grandparents will join us and smile" (Matsumoto)

The first episode of the new "Pokémon" anime series will be broadcast on Sunday, November 17, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. on the TV Tokyo network.
The second and subsequent episodes will air every Saturday evening at 6:00 pm.

(Reporting, writing, and photography by Michi Sugahara)