Koji Yamamoto, who stars as the fierce and battle-hardened Killer T Cell in the upcoming movie Cells at Work! (releasing December 13), has taken on a surprising new role—a singer! In a promotional video, Yamamoto dons his movie costume to perform a parody song titled Hataraku Saibou (Working Cells), a clever reimagining of the beloved children’s tune Hataraku Kuruma (Working Cars).

A Classic Song Reimagined for All Generations

The original Hataraku Kuruma has amassed over 100 million YouTube views, becoming a nostalgic staple for parents, teens, and kids alike. This parody ties into the film’s theme of learning through laughter and tears, aiming to be a fun and educational experience for families. The production team pitched the parody on a whim, hoping its “working” theme would resonate—and it did, leading to a heartfelt collaboration.

Yamamoto, a father himself, eagerly embraced the project. He filmed the video during breaks in his packed schedule, fully committing to his role as Killer T Cell—even incorporating the character’s intense energy into his performance.

A Collaborative Effort with Co-Stars

The video also features a star-studded chorus: Maika Pieu (playing Platelet), Sena Izumiya (known for The Beginning of the Sea), and DJ KOO (Nerve Cell). Together, they add a playful and upbeat energy to Yamamoto’s spirited performance. Despite the two years since the movie wrapped, Yamamoto reflects, “I could immediately slip back into the character. Singing as Killer T Cell felt natural, and I hope kids enjoy it as much as I did.”

Co-Stars React to the Energetic Performance

Cast members Sadao Abe (as Shigeru Urushizaki) and Wakana Matsumoto (as Macrophage) were quick to praise Yamamoto’s singing. Abe joked, “Koji can do anything, can’t he? He’s really owning it!” while Matsumoto fondly recalled her childhood love of Hataraku Kuruma, saying, “This parody is so catchy! I couldn’t help but sing along.”

Koji Yamamoto’s Message to Fans

In his comments, Yamamoto highlights the universal appeal of Cells at Work!:

“This story applies to everyone worldwide. It’s an accessible way to learn about our bodies without the pressure of medical textbooks. Kids will have fun, and adults might reflect on their own habits. It’s entertaining and informative for all ages!”

Don’t Miss Cells at Work! in Theaters

The film, based on the groundbreaking manga by Akane Shimizu, continues to captivate audiences with its unique anthropomorphic cells. Directed by Hideki Takeuchi (Thermae Romae, Fly Me to the Saitama), with action choreography by Takahito Ouchi (Rurouni Kenshin, Yu Yu Hakusho), and top-tier CGI by Shirogumi, Cells at Work! promises to be a cinematic treat.

Source : ORICON NEWS