Following the MC’s introduction, a star-studded lineup took the stage: Mamoru Miyano (Mario), Arisa Shida (Princess Peach), Tasuku Hatanaka (Luigi), Kenta Miyake (Bowser), Tomokazu Seki (Toad), Daiki Yamashita (Bowser Jr.), Eiji Takeuchi (Fox McCloud), and ambassadors Nanase Nishino, HIKAKIN, and the comedy duo Chocolate Planet. The Japanese voice cast members greeted the audience while performing their respective characters' voices, and as the ambassadors followed suit, the venue was enveloped in thunderous applause.
When asked about his feelings regarding the film’s massive success, Miyano commented, "I was nervous because the previous film was so incredible, but seeing the global box office records made me feel so happy to be involved in a movie that is such a hit. I truly felt the 'Mario Power' and realized once again how much these characters are loved all over the world."
Shida said, "When I went to the theater on opening day to buy merchandise, I saw fans bringing their own Mario goods and wearing 'Mario-coordinated' outfits. It made me realize that this work is supported by such wonderful fans." Hatanaka added, "The other day, during a radio recording, a manager from another company called out to me, saying, 'Mario was awesome!' I felt the high level of public interest through the reactions around me." Miyake shared, "I watched it with my family, and seeing my child leaning forward in their seat made me feel very proud. I’ve played many villain roles, but this is the first character that has made people this happy. It’s the best Golden Week ever!" Seki noted, "My relatives in Nagano actually traveled all the way to Tokyo just to see the movie in 4D." Yamashita commented, "An acquaintance of mine bought Bowser and Bowser Jr. merchandise for themselves and their child and messaged me saying, 'Our bond has deepened.' I’m truly happy to be part of a work that acts as a bridge for families like that."
Furthermore, Eiji Takeuchi, who voices Fox McCloud—a casting that has been a hot topic since it was first announced—revealed his joy at being selected: "When the role was decided, I was just so happy to be in a Mario movie as a character from a game I was obsessed with in elementary school. I felt pressure because I had seen the first film, but after seeing the finished movie following its release, I was so glad I got to play the part."
Next, in reference to Mario and his friends' grand adventure through the galaxy in this film, the guests shared episodes of their own "great adventures" from the past. Miyano shared a photo taken at a studio in Los Angeles where the famous song "We Are the World" was recorded. "This was the 'great adventure' of my music career. I recorded a song here," he revealed. This world-class anecdote prompted the rest of the cast to jokingly chime in with, "Your first move is already way too high level!" Shida shared a photo of her bungee jumping, saying, "I took a 'great adventure jump' from a height of 62 meters." Hatanaka commented, "When I was a university student, I rode the Sunrise Izumo (overnight train). I could see the stars in the sky while I was sleeping at night; it was truly 'Galaxy-like.'"
Miyake shared a photo of himself and his "son" Yamashita (Bowser Jr.) when they went to Los Angeles. "Actually, this was for a different shoot, but I never imagined this photo would become a 'father and son' photo. Life truly is a great adventure." Yamashita also shared a photo with Miyake, revealing a heartwarming story from their trip: "We ate hamburgers in Los Angeles, and the fries had layers of cheese and dressing on them—they were 'great adventure fries.' Mr. Miyake helped me finish them."
Takeuchi looked back on his childhood: "When I was four years old, a relative was hospitalized nearby, and I went to visit them all by myself on a bicycle with training wheels. That was a real great adventure." Nishino shared a lovely story about diving with sea turtles. Following her, HIKAKIN recalled a cave exploration with his brother SEIKIN: "In a pitch-black cave on Ishigaki Island, a huge spider suddenly appeared right next to my face...!" Osada from Chocolate Planet shared a story about a grueling TV shoot where he traveled around the world in 10 days. "It was fun, but when I got back, I had three massive canker sores!" he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. His partner Matsuo added, "Actually, mine is also about cave exploration," before revealing the hardships of a difficult shoot: "It took four hours just to get to the cave, and then another four hours of filming inside!" He then brought the house down by adding, "But since the visuals didn't change much, it only ended up being about 20 minutes after editing."
At this point, to celebrate the "Mario fever" sweeping not just Japan but the entire world, it was time to celebrate the hit with a kusudama. At the MC’s signal, Miyano and Hatanaka pulled the strings, revealing a banner that read "Congratulations! Massive Hit!" Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Yoshi appeared as a special guest, and the unexpected surprise sent the crowd into a state of high excitement. Nishino, unable to hide her excitement, said, "Seeing everyone’s joy just now made me realize once again how much Yoshi is loved. Everything about Yoshi—from the looks to the voice—is just full of cuteness."
Near the end of the event, Miyano delivered a message to the audience: "As a result of living life as Mario with everything I had for this film, I am so happy that I was able to deliver a fun time to everyone. Since today is Children's Day, I hope you will see the movie two or three times during this Golden Week and share this fun time with us."
To conclude, the guests and the audience performed the "Mario Pose" and a call-and-response together. To Miyano’s shout of "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie!!", the entire venue responded with "Massive Hit!", and a galaxy-themed confetti cannon was fired. With the venue still buzzing with excitement, the event came to a close amidst regretful parting.
(C)2025 Nintendo and Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
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