Disney and Pixar are set to return audiences to the world of living toys with Toy Story 5, the latest chapter in one of animation’s most beloved franchises. With a heartfelt story, a packed roster of familiar characters, and a standout Japanese voice cast, there are plenty of reasons to get excited.
The Story: Jessie Fights to Win Bonnie’s Heart Back
Toy Story 5 picks up after Woody’s decision to embrace life in the outside world at the end of Toy Story 4. Jessie, the cowgirl doll who stayed behind, has been quietly watching over Bonnie — an imaginative but shy little girl — as she grows up. But the arrival of a tablet called the LilyPad turns daily life upside down.
As Bonnie becomes absorbed in her screen like so many kids today, the joyful spark she once had during playtime begins to fade. Jessie reaches out to Woody, and together with Buzz Lightyear, the trio reunites on a mission to bring Bonnie’s spirit back. Along the way, they encounter a group of high-tech toys called the Smarty Pants, whose unexpected cooperation steers the story in a whole new direction.
1. Hayato Sano’s Voice Acting Debut Is Surprisingly Polished
One of the biggest talking points of Toy Story 5 is Hayato Sano (M!LK) voicing Smarty Pants — a high-tech potty-training toy with an adorable appearance that belies a sharp, chatty personality. The character is cutting in its remarks yet impossible to dislike, and Sano brings it to life with remarkable energy. Given that this is his first voice-acting role, his composure and natural delivery are genuinely impressive.
Joining him are several other guest voice actors who each breathe life into their respective characters:
- Alice Hirose — as LilyPad
- Kazu Inoue (Nogizaka46) — as Snappy
- Kemuri Matsui (Reiwa Roman) — as Atlas
All three blend seamlessly into the film’s world, making it easy to forget they are guest performers at all.
2. Fan-Favorite Characters Return — Plus Cameo Surprises
Long-time fans of the series will be delighted to see Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the gang back together, with the witty banter and warm atmosphere that define the Toy Story franchise fully intact.
The film also features a number of voice cameos worth watching out for. Ko Kimura delivers a standout rap sequence that is sure to energize the crowd, showcasing his natural rhythm and expressive flair. M!LK members Taichi Shiozaki and Kimito Yoshida also appear in cameo voice roles, adding yet another layer of fun for fans who enjoy spotting familiar voices throughout the film.
3. A Story About the Digital Age That Resonates With Everyone
What sets Toy Story 5 apart from its predecessors is its willingness to tackle a thoroughly modern theme: the way smartphones and tablets have reshaped childhood. Crucially, the film does not take a one-sided stance against technology. Instead, it thoughtfully portrays the inner conflict of toys trying to adapt to a changing world while still striving to be there for the children they love.
The franchise’s enduring theme of the bond between toys and children remains at the core, but it is now wrapped in a message that feels urgently relevant to today’s world. The result is a film that speaks not only to young audiences but also to the generation that grew up alongside Toy Story — making it essential viewing for the whole family.
© 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
(แชร์แล้วไปกดรับที่หน้าภารกิจ · วันละ 1 times)
