Aya Ueto and Koji Yakusho

Aya Ueto, Koji Yakusho attend world premiere of 'Astro Boy' in Tokyo

Tuesday 06th October, 03:00 PM JST

TOKYO —

Actress Aya Ueto, 24, and actor Koji Yakusho, 53, were at the Piccadilly Theater in Shinjuku on Monday for the world premiere of Astro Boy, titled “ATOM” in Japan.

Ueto is the voice of Astro Boy in the Japanese-language version of the 3-D animated film, and actor Koji Yakusho, 53, is the voice of Doctor Tenma, Astro Boy’s creator. Directed by David Bowers and produced by by Imagi Animation Studios, the movie is based on Osamu Tezuka’s 1960s classic, but has an original script.

Ueto said: “It’s a sad story but an excellent movie. I did my best so as to not upset all the Astro Boy fans out there.” Yakusho spoke of his long-time affection for the original animation when he said: “I used to style my hair like Astro Boy in the bath.”

“ATOM” opens in cinemas on Saturday.

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9 Comments

Rugbyfan at 03:22 PM JST - 6th October

A much bigger photograph would have been great to see Aya Ueto in what looks like a beautiful dress.
Yelnats at 03:50 PM JST - 6th October

She should be wearing a mini skirt.

Directed by David Bowers

I thought this said David Bowie at first. I would definitely have gone to see it, but now, not so sure.
stirfry at 06:47 PM JST - 6th October

wow fascinating news...2 people going to see a cartoon
Yelnats at 07:41 PM JST - 6th October

Just googled her. pretty girl. looks a lot like akina in many of her photos, but does not reveal skin so much.
Azrael at 01:29 AM JST - 7th October

Yelnats at 03:50 PM JST - 6th October: I thought this said David Bowie at first. I would definitely have gone to see it, but now, not so sure.

LOL! That would be kind of... wow, I'd actually pay to see that movie. I like Astroboy, but in this difficult economic times I rather wait for the DVD. If it ever goes overseas, that is. Japanese DVDs are way too expensive.
LoveUSA at 09:34 AM JST - 7th October

Koji Yakusho, 53

He looks much younger.
terebiko at 12:03 PM JST - 7th October

Yelnats, you had to google Aya Ueto? The CM queen of Japan? The daughter of the White Family on the Softbank commercials? Her face is on posters everywhere in Japan. I think she's one of the few who has a pretty good head on her shoulders. Seems pretty down to earth compared to others. Watching her on TV recently, I think has also made the transition from girl to lady. Seems more adult in action and appearance. I am not planning to see this movie though. Don't like the scenes I've seen on TV.
ichibanshibori at 02:57 PM JST - 7th October

Yet another classic Japanese animation remake by Americans. Unfortunately, there are no Japanese film or television companies with the intestinal fortitude or cash to make this film domestically.
gogogo at 01:33 PM JST - 8th October

ichibanshibori: Actually Japan has, they redid monkey magic with the idiot from smap and totally and utterly destroyed with bad acting silly smap faces.