Hotarubi no Mori e Cast: See Who Played in this Enchanting Forest

Released on June 30, 2012
Animation Fantasy Romance

Hotarubi no Mori e is a beautiful and heartwarming Japanese animated film that tells the story of a little girl named Hotaru and her enchanting adventures in an otherworldly forest. The film features a talented voice cast, including Izumi Sawada as Hotaru's Mother and Hayato Taya as the voice of Ryouta, a mysterious young boy who becomes Hotaru's companion on her journey.

The movie begins on a hot summer day when Hotaru, a young and curious child, becomes lost in a magical forest that is said to be home to the mountain god and his spirit companions. As she wanders deeper into the forest, Hotaru encounters Ryouta, a kind and gentle boy who appears to be made of light. However, Hotaru soon learns that she cannot touch Ryouta, as doing so would cause him to disappear forever. Despite this, the two quickly become friends and set out on a series of adventures together, exploring the wonders of the enchanted forest and growing closer with each passing day.

As the years pass and Hotaru continues to visit the forest each summer, she and Ryouta become increasingly attached to one another. However, their friendship is threatened by the knowledge that Ryouta is a spirit who cannot leave the forest, and that Hotaru must eventually return to the human world. Faced with the prospect of losing one another, Hotaru and Ryouta must find a way to preserve their bond and navigate the complexities of growing up, even as the forces of nature conspire to keep them apart. With its beautiful animation, engaging characters, and timeless themes of love and loss, Hotarubi no Mori e is a must-see for fans of anime and family-friendly films alike.

Full Cast of Hotarubi no Mori e

Ayane Sakura's performance as Hotaru Takegawa in 'Hotarubi no Mori e' is nothing short of captivating. Her youthful and energetic voice perfectly encapsulates the innocence and curiosity of Hotaru, a young girl who befriends a spirit in the forest. Sakura's ability to convey a range of emotions, from joy and wonder to sadness and longing, adds depth to the character and makes Hotaru's journey all the more engaging. Her performance is a testament to her talent as a voice actress and contributes significantly to the emotional impact of the film.

Koki Uchiyama

as Gin (voice)

Koki Uchiyama delivers a standout performance as Gin in the movie 'Hotarubi no Mori e'. His voice acting is both captivating and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the essence of Gin's complex character. Uchiyama's portrayal of Gin's struggle with his supernatural existence and his growing affection for Hotaru is both poignant and powerful. The emotional depth he brings to the role is truly remarkable, making Gin a character that viewers can't help but root for. Uchiyama's performance is a testament to his talent as a voice actor and adds a layer of richness to this touching and memorable film.

Shinpachi Tsuji

as Hotaru's Grandfather (voice)

In the heartwarming anime film 'Hotarubi no Mori e', Shinpachi Tsuji delivers a captivating performance as Hotaru's grandfather. His voice exudes warmth and wisdom, perfectly capturing the essence of a caring and nurturing guardian. Tsuji's performance adds depth to the character, making him a memorable and endearing figure in the film. His voice acting subtly conveys the grandfather's concern for Hotaru's safety, as well as his understanding of her desire for freedom and exploration. Overall, Tsuji's performance is a standout element of the film, contributing significantly to its emotional impact.

Kanehira Yamamoto

as Shadow (voice)

Kanehira Yamamoto delivers a captivating performance as Shadow in 'Hotarubi no Mori e'. His voice is rich and expressive, effectively capturing the enigmatic and melancholic nature of the character. Yamamoto's performance adds depth and emotion to the film, making Shadow a memorable and impactful character. His delivery is nuanced, subtly shifting between moments of tenderness and sorrow, which greatly contributes to the overall atmosphere of the movie.