On May 29, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) held the opening ceremony for its collaboration program with the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren). Two main voice actors attended the event: Atsumi Tanezaki, the voice of Frieren, and Nobuhiko Okamoto, the voice of Himmel. The program opens to the public on May 30.

At the ceremony, the pair appeared with familiar lines from the series. Okamoto said, “I wanted to show it to you someday,” while Tanezaki replied, “You’re a little late, Himmel.” The two then officially launched the program amid a field of blue Aoimonkusa flowers in full bloom, with a statue of Himmel standing before them.

A “Story Walk” Experience That Nearly Brought Tears

Before the opening ceremony, the two cast members had the chance to preview the new walk-through attraction Sousou no Frieren Story Walk: Tsuioku no Tabi.

Tanezaki said, “Beyond the emotion of being in the same space as Frieren and her companions, there were moments when I could really feel the distance between us and the stone that Fern shot through. When Frieren showed the flower-field magic, there were so many moments where I could barely hold back tears!”

Okamoto felt the same way. “From the moment I stepped into the attraction, the scenery and atmosphere of the town were exactly like the anime. When I reached the scene where we meet Frieren and her companions, and saw Stark standing at the same height as us, I really felt that he was there. We were living alongside them! The statue of Himmel and the flower-field magic were so beautiful that I was speechless. I almost cried.”

Talking About Favorite Spells

Asked about their favorite spells from the series, Okamoto immediately answered, “Genau’s Digadonacht, the spell that controls black-gold wings, was so cool in the anime!” Tanezaki said, “If we are talking about a spell I want to say out loud, it has to be Aura’s Azelyuze, the spell that commands submission, which also appears in this attraction. But personally, I like silly spells, like the spell that cleans laundry or changes a red apple into a green apple. They are trivial, but they make you smile.”

The “Tsuioku no Restaurant” – Okamoto Orders Every Item

In addition to the Story Walk, the pair also previewed the themed restaurant Sousou no Frieren: Tsuioku no Restaurant. Okamoto admitted frankly, “I eat a lot, so I ordered everything,” and praised Frieren’s three-piece meat dish, saying, “It was delicious, tender, and melted in my mouth!”

Tanezaki was especially interested in the drinks. “There was a soda the same color as the Aoimonkusa flowers, with Frieren’s staff inserted into it. When I drank it, it felt like a cool breeze was blowing.” She also praised the restaurant interior, saying, “Every detail was beautiful, from Fern’s hair ornament to the pumpkin that looked as if it had been made by magic.”

An Exciting “Story Ride” Roller Coaster

The pair also experienced Sousou no Frieren x Story Ride: Tori no Mamono to Basha no Tabi on the Hollywood Dream The Ride roller coaster. Okamoto said, “When Frieren and her companions spoke to us, YOASOBI’s season 1 opening theme ‘Yuusha’ started playing at the same time. Fans are definitely going to love it. I wanted to ride it two or three more times!”

Tanezaki said she especially enjoyed the story. “As the roller coaster sped along, I imagined, ‘Right now, we are fighting the bird monster,’ and watched how the movements of the ride matched the story. It was really fun.”

Messages to Fans

Tanezaki told fans, “For those who already love this work, you absolutely need to experience it for yourself. And for those who do not know it yet, you can start here. I want everyone to enjoy it with their eyes, ears, tongues, and every sense.”

Okamoto closed by saying, “I really felt, ‘There is a way to experience this work like this too?’ Fans are sure to have fun, and for people who want to know what Sousou no Frieren is, come here first and you will understand its charm. Please come visit!”

Kaan Arif, Creative Experience Director at USJ, added, “We use dynamic visuals, lighting, and sound to create a walk-through story experience unlike anything before. Guests will feel as if they are truly traveling together with Frieren and her companions. Please begin your journey at Story Walk, then continue with the restaurant and roller coaster to experience this world in every dimension.”

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Source: natalie