Fans of the Japanese animated film "Fushigi Dagashi-ya Zeni Tendo" gathered at a special appreciation event on December 23, 2023, just ten days after the movie's release. The venue for this delightful surprise was a Tokyo elementary school, where two beloved figures from the film, Kazuya Ohashi of Naniwa Danshi and actress Rikka Ihara, made unexpected appearances to the sheer joy of the attendees.
The occasion was not publicly advertised beyond the cast's expected participation, which sparked excitement among the over 35 lucky families selected to attend. The event opened with the hosts introducing video messages from Ohashi and Ihara, teasing attendees about their involvement, igniting anticipation for the physical appearance of the beloved characters.
When Ohashi and Ihara burst through the doors with cheerful greetings, the room erupted with waves of excitement from approximately 70 children and their parents. "I’m really nervous... but thank you for coming! Let’s enjoy the day together!" exclaimed Ohashi, instantly relating to the young audience he had entertained through his character, Koutarou Toudou, the new teacher.
Shifting focus to interaction, the characters started engaging with the children, inviting their questions and sharing laughs. Ihara noted the rarity of such close engagement, stating, "Now, having the opportunity to talk this closely is rare, so I hope we can have various conversations today!"
Diving deep, kids were curious about the film's characters and scenes. One eager sixth-grader asked Ohashi, "Is there any advice for speaking confidently at graduation?" Ohashi candidly admitted he gets nervous too, yet suggested, "I do some stretches to calm down. It refreshes my mind, so try stretching before your big moment!"
Alongside humorous and heartfelt discussions, the atmosphere shifted to the rhythmic celebration of their film’s themes with dance. Both stars directed an energetic dance lesson, teaching participants the accompanying choreography to the uplifting movie theme song, "Negai wa Gyousan." The room lit up with laughter and shouts of "I can do it!" as families joined together, embodying the spirit of the film.
Closing remarks from Ohashi and Ihara struck heartfelt notes. Ohashi shared, "I received messages from my parents saying it was so enjoyable, I want to see it again! That’s the level of joy I hope this film brings to you all!" reflecting the positive feedback he’d received following the movie's release.
Meanwhile, Ihara added, “It’s really fulfilling to be here, discussing with you all. I hope you all feel the warmth of ‘Akiko’ and know you’re on the right path with support around you. Please visit Zeni Tendo often!"
These words resonate greatly with the legacy of the film, which is based on the beloved children’s book series by Reiko Hiroshima and has touched the hearts of many with its whimsical storytelling of wishes fulfilled through magical candies.
With photo sessions concluding the event—children and parents donning cat ears to mirror the characters—an ambiance of pure joy and gratitude hung in the air, capping off the sweet encounter. The event embodied not just appreciation but the film's spirit of community, wonder, and heartfelt connections. Through these shared moments, attendees left with treasured memories, ensuring the magic of "Fushigi Dagashi-ya Zeni Tendo" would be felt long after the credits rolled.
