Yu Aoi lends her voice to the live-action "Ike-chan to Boku"

by Chris MaGee

Actress Yu Aoi (above center) has been enlisted to provide voice talent for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Rieko Saibara's (above right) indie manga "Ike-chan to Boku (Ike-chan and Me)". Published in 2006 it tells the story of a young boy, to be played in the film by Arashi Fukazawa (above left) whose best friend is a strange yellow creature he calls Ike-chan. They share many adventures together, but as the boy grows older his friend mysteriously disappears.

The film recently finished shooting, and at a recent press conference (which you can check out below) Aoi gave a demonstration of her voice performance for Ike-chan. I have to say that she's got one of the most beautiful speaking voices I've ever heard. She could read the phone book and I'd drift off to sleep.

"Ike-chan to Boku" is being directed by Toshihiko Ooka, the man behind the Tokyo MX fantasy series "Fuma no Kojiro", and is set for release in Japanese theatres in later this year. Thanks to Nippon Cinema for the news on this, and to Cinema.JanJan.jp for the above image.