Starwing Paradox Prequel Film 'As One' Reveals Ruki Shiroiwa as New Cast Member
Discover which JO1 member brings the protagonist to life in the highly anticipated film debuting August 22!
JO1 Member Ruki Shiroiwa Debuts as Voice Actor in New Anime Film
August 22 marks the release of a highly anticipated anime film prequel to the popular game Starwing Paradox. The film, titled As One, is a collaboration between Square Enix and Sunrise, and features an original story set 20 years before the game.
Casting Announcements and Voice Acting Debut
The staff revealed in a special video that JO1 member Ruki Shiroiwa has been cast as the protagonist, Yō. This marks his debut as a voice actor.
- Why was he cast? The staff chose Shiroiwa after hearing his song "Himawari" (Sunflower), which he wrote and composed himself. It’s part of his self-produced project PlanJ.
This is Shiroiwa’s first time voice-acting.
About the Film
The story centers around Yō, a high schooler whose parents oppose his dream of becoming a musician. He begins to lose touch with his bandmates and one day hears a mysterious voice in his head, calling for help. Soon, he is enveloped in a bright light.
Meanwhile, in the world Meguriboshi, two warring nations search for energy sources. An uneasy truce is reached, and robot mechanic Rako makes contact with Yō while unconscious, during a space debris incident.
- Director: Kobun Shizuno (Detective Conan movies 15-21)
- Character Design: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Evangelion, Nadia, Summer Wars)
- Other Staff: Scriptwriters Shatner Nishida, Kana Matsui, Masaya Honda; mechanical designer Ippei Gyōbu; producers Joe Teng and Takafumi Yūki.
- Animation: Honoo and Studio GOONEYS
The film hits theaters on August 22.
Background on Starwing Paradox Game
- Launched: November 2018 in Japanese arcades
- Ended Service: October 2021
- Gameplay: Up to 16 players in two teams of 8, with immersive cockpit-like cabinets.
- Setting: The game takes place on the distant planet Meguriboshi, divided between two kingdoms, Kō Country A Slegga and Va Led Sei. The planet produces Hoshinochi (Star Blood), fueling ongoing conflict.
- Key Weapons: Ae Rial, gigantic war machines equipped with advanced communication systems.
Plot elements include pairing special knights with alien allies to unlock the true power of the Ae Rial. An alien planet, Earth, with sentient life, has been discovered as well.
Visuals and Production
The project features detailed character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto and animation by Honoo and Studio GOONEYS. Directors and scriptwriters bring a wealth of experience from various acclaimed anime.
The film opens in theaters on August 22.
Sources: YouTube, Comic Natalie
Note: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. (Sunrise) is a minority shareholder in Anime News Network Inc.