This is a report on "Let's Watch Toy Story 3 Together: Movie Live Commentary," held on Niconico Live Broadcast starting at 8:30 PM on June 26, 2026 (Fri). Guests included voice actors Tomoyuki Morikawa, Junichi Suwabe, Shuka Saito, and film writer Masamichi Yoshihiro.

<Program Report>

This program was held to commemorate the upcoming theatrical release of Disney & Pixar's latest film, "Toy Story 5," which is currently a massive global hit and has set a new record for the series, on July 3rd (Fri). The program involved viewers watching "Toy Story 3" together during its broadcast on Friday Roadshow.

At the beginning, Morikawa, who voiced Duke Caboom, the stuntman toy, in the Japanese version of "Toy Story 4," expressed his honor at Keanu Reeves being the US voice actor for Duke. Saito, a big fan of the series, shared her feelings about the work, stating, "The "Toy Story" series, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is the same age as me. I've enjoyed this series as I've grown up." Suwabe also revealed that his favorite in the series is "Toy Story 3," which was watched on this day.

Before the Friday Roadshow broadcast, Yoshihiro presented a segment reviewing the charms of the past series. Regarding the first film, "Toy Story," released in Japan in 1996, he shared trivia, saying, "Before this film, animation was hand-drawn, but this work set a precedent for creating animation entirely with 3DCG. It's no exaggeration to say that this marked a turning point in the history of the animation and film industries." The guests also shared their personal attachments to the series.

Then, the conversation turned to the upcoming "Toy Story 5." In addition to introducing new characters voiced by a豪華 cast, "3 Points You Absolutely Must See" were highlighted: the film has achieved the series' biggest hit and highest rating in countries where it has already been released, its story revolves around the theme of toys vs. digital, and it's a film that can move adults to tears. The new film's highlights were explained. As the Friday Roadshow broadcast was about to begin, Suwabe dropped a big piece of news. "Actually, I've already seen a preview," he began, "and the reason I saw it is..." he revealed as a surprise that he would be appearing in "Toy Story 5" as the Japanese voice actor for a certain character. "I can't say which role..." he said, prompting a flood of comments from viewers such as "Eh?!" "88888888," "I'm curious," and "I'm even more excited to go to the theater."

After the first half of the talk segment, the program moved into the movie live commentary part, where guests shared their real-time reactions while watching "Toy Story 3" with the viewers. At the beginning, Suwabe commented, "I'm already tearing up" at the home video footage of a young Andy. Viewers in the comments also expressed their emotions, with early comments like "The home video is so emotional" and "I'm about to cry."

As the story progressed, Yoshihiro shared trivia: "There's a long gap between the releases of "Toy Story 2" and "Toy Story 3." During that time, VFX technology advanced rapidly, so "3" was recreated from scratch without inheriting data from the previous film." He also mentioned, "The biggest challenge for CG creators was how to express the light reflection on the trash bags." This elicited comments of surprise from both the studio and viewers, such as "Wow~" and "Listening to Yoshihiro's trivia is the best."

As the story unfolded, the guests became immersed in the film's world. In particular, during the scene where Buzz and the others left at Sunnyside Daycare are roughly played with by the children, the guests in the studio cried out, "Aah!" "Waaah!" "Poor things!" "Glad they didn't break!" Viewers' comments were also filled with exclamations like "Gyaaaaaaaa" "Aaaaaaaaah" and "Kids play rough, don't they lol."

During a commercial break, guests were asked to share something that is their "You've Got a Friend in Me" equivalent, inspired by the series' iconic song. Morikawa, the first to go, introduced his golf club. "I'm an old man! This one on screen is my second. My first one didn't quite listen to me. But this second one also sends the ball flying left and right... it doesn't quite listen either (laughs). But that's also cute," he said. Viewers responded with comments like "A free friend" and "A friend who doesn't listen lol."

Suwabe introduced his beloved car, a 1972 Hakosuka. "This car is actually the same age as me, my friend. Of course, it runs. When I got it, I had it serviced so it could be driven on modern roads. I want to take good care of it so I can keep driving it," he passionately stated about his car. Viewers reacted with comments like "Kyaa! Hakosuka!!!" "Amazing that it runs" "So cool" and "What a wonderful friend!" Saito, the last to share, talked about her in-ear monitors. "I've been in this business since I was 18, and they're an indispensable partner. I feel anxious without them. I'm the type who dislikes being without music, so I always have earphones with me," she revealed. This episode received comments like "Amazing! Shuka-monitors!! So cool!" and "The (vermilion) color is cute too."

In the latter half, both the studio and viewers were highly engaged. When Ken started a fashion show, boasting about his wardrobe in front of Barbie, comments like "Fashion show time," "I love this scene," and "Ken's show has started!" poured in, as if they had been waiting for it. Also, in the scene where Buzz's reset button is pushed and he starts speaking Spanish, viewers were surprised by Buzz's transformation, commenting "It's bugged lol" "Spanish Lightyear" and "Unnecessarily cool lol."

During the gripping climax, Suwabe remarked, "I'm getting goosebumps," and Yoshihiro said, "This scene feels like tens of minutes." When the aliens appeared, excited comments like "Here they come!!!" "God~" and "Eternal gratitude! > <" flooded in. At the very end, the screen was filled with the "#GoodbyePartner" hashtag, a famous line from "Toy Story 3," as a barrage of comments.

In the ending, the guests shared their thoughts on the film with a touch of sentimentality. Saito commented tearfully, "It's interesting how your perspective changes as you grow older. As I get older, if I have children, I might be able to watch it from a different viewpoint." Suwabe added, "'Toy Story' is a work that people of all generations can enjoy. I'm also in the Japanese dub of the upcoming "Toy Story 5," so please go see it in theaters." Morikawa concluded, "I think you can enjoy "Toy Story" no matter how many times you watch it. It's a wonderful work that can make adults feel like they've returned to childhood at unexpected moments. I believe it's a work that will be loved for all time."

┃ "Let's Watch Toy Story 3 Together: Movie Live Commentary" Program Overview

Date & Time: June 26, 2026 (Fri) 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Performers: Tomoyuki Morikawa, Junichi Suwabe, Shuka Saito, Masamichi Yoshihiro

Viewing URL: https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350777625

Timeshift Period: Until July 26, 2026 (Sun) 11:59 PM

"Toy Story 5" Film Information:

30 Years Since "Toy Story" Premiered in Japan—What Remains Unchanged Over Time... The Answer Is Here.

Cowgirl doll Jessie watches over the growth of the young girl Bonnie. However, her daily life is turned upside down with the appearance of the tablet "Lilypad." Sensing that Bonnie's "playtime" is being taken away and her smile is fading, Jessie, along with Woody and Buzz, stands up to win back her heart. What answer will they find at the end of their adventure, as time goes by and toys do what they can?

"Toy Story 5" Opens in Theaters July 3rd (Fri)!

Official Website: https://www.disney.co.jp/movie/toy5

©2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: エンタメ