The stage greeting for the first part of 'Bocchi the Rock! Theater Compilation Edition Re:/Re:Re:' (Bozaro) was held in Tokyo on the 9th, featuring Yoshino Aoyama (voice of Hitori Gotoh), Sayumi Suzushiro (voice of Nijika Ijichi), Saku Mizuno (voice of Ryo Yamada), and Ikumi Hasegawa (voice of Ikuyo Kita).

When asked about the highlights of the first part, which has been well-received since its opening day, Suzushiro said, "Everything is a highlight, but what struck me the most was the beginning. It started in a completely unexpected way, making it truly feel like a 'theater' compilation. There are so many highlights, so I hope you can watch without blinking! Even though I've heard the lines and seen the scenes many times, it felt like I was seeing them for the first time, and they resonated deeply in my heart. I hope you savor your first viewing!" She emphasized the unique charm of the theater compilation. Additionally, Hasegawa, who sang the new opening song "Tsukinami ni Kagayake" and the ending song "Ima, Boku, Underground Kara," expressed her thoughts. "When the opening song was about to be released, comments from the production team were posted on X (formerly Twitter), including Ai Higuchi, who wrote the lyrics. She said, 'Have you ever thought you were a genius? And then realized you weren't? But at that moment, I felt like my dream was turning into reality.' I struggled with self-confidence after experiencing setbacks, but seeing that comment made me feel like that was the starting point, and I'm doing my best now. So, I think this song will encourage those who listen to it." Mizuno also mentioned her favorite lyrics, "Even if you can't change, there's no substitute for you," and Hasegawa added, "The lyrics and the song are great, so I hope you listen to it a lot! The ending song 'Ima, Boku, Underground Kara' is also fantastic when you listen to it after watching the whole thing," praising the new songs that perfectly match the work. On June 7, Hasegawa performed "Guitar to Kodoku to Aoi Hoshi" on THE FIRST TAKE. Aoyama, reflecting on it, said, "I cried, it was really great," adding, "It was both the Ikumi Hasegawa I know and the Kita Ikuyo of Kessoku Band, and I was deeply moved. Seeing the real Kessoku Band's activities intersect with the anime and manga's activities made me feel grateful to be alive."

Responding to Aoyama's comment, Hasegawa reflected on her experience, "Standing there as Kita Ikuyo from Kessoku Band, I was so nervous that I thought I might lose my voice, but I sang my heart out to convey Hitori-chan's lyrics." Additionally, 'Bocchi the Rock!' continues to attract the attention of artists across Japan, constantly trending. Mizuno expressed her joy, "My favorite artist, Tatsuya Kitani, posted about it on Instagram. I never imagined being endorsed by my idol!" Aoyama added, "Recently, Ado mentioned us on social media, saying 'God called it 'God,' and I was stunned and thrilled."

When asked about Kessoku Band's music activities, including the release of their mini-album "Kessoku Band," their ZEPP tour, and their appearance at ROCK IN JAPAN, Aoyama said, "We feel the need to keep up with Kessoku Band's success, but we remain the same band from Shimokitazawa's STARRY. We hope to continue delivering the music of 'Bocchi the Rock!' with that spirit."

To the audience who will watch this passionately crafted film, Hasegawa said, "I'm truly grateful that people are coming to the theater to watch this work. It's really special. I think it's incredibly fun and heartwarming to see fans of 'Bocchi the Rock!' gather to watch it. I hope that those who haven't seen the TV anime will enjoy the theater compilation and that the charm of 'Bocchi the Rock!' will reach many people from here." Mizuno added, "Even though I've watched the anime many times, there's a different kind of emotion when you see it in the theater. Experiencing 'Bocchi the Rock!' with the powerful sound system is amazing, so I hope many people will watch it until the second part." Suzushiro expressed her gratitude, "The fact that we're doing a theater compilation wasn't initially decided, so standing here feels like a miracle. It's all thanks to the support of everyone. I put all my passionate feelings into the main film, so I hope you enjoy it!"

Finally, Aoyama shared her heartfelt thoughts, "This work has also changed my life personally, so I hope it becomes an unforgettable memory in everyone's long lives. I would be delighted if 'Bocchi the Rock!' becomes a significant part of your lives, to the point where it flashes before your eyes as a life-altering work." The event concluded successfully with her message.

The original work is a popular 4-panel manga by Aki Hamaji, serialized in Houbunsha's 'Manga Time Kirara MAX.' It depicts the growth of a socially anxious and introverted girl, Hitori Gotoh, as she joins the band 'Kessoku Band' and grows with the unique members Nijika Ijichi, Ryo Yamada, and Ikuyo Kita, resonating with many.

When the TV anime aired in the fall of 2022, it quickly became popular, especially among young people, winning numerous awards and gaining immense support both domestically and internationally. Musically, the full album 'Kessoku Band' by Kessoku Band topped the annual Oricon 'Digital Album Sales' ranking in 2023, creating a significant impact.

Source : ORICON NEWS