Danica Davidson
July 27, 2022 
Yutaka Hara debuted his kids’ book series Kaiketsu Zorori in 1987, and ever since there have been a number of adaptations. Next up is the anime movie Kaiketsu Zorori: Lalala♪ Star Tanjō (translated as A Star Is Born). If you’re wondering, yes, that part of the title comes from the famous American movies.
Kaiketsu Zorori: Lalala♪ Star Tanjō will hit Japanese theaters on December 9, and a teaser trailer has been released for it. The release this year is also in conjunction with the thirty-fifth anniversary of the franchise.
Erika Ikuta plays Hipopo, Kōichi Yamadera plays Zorori, Rikako Aikawa plays Ishishi, Motoko Kumai plays Noshishi, and Yuuki Kaji plays Beat.
The book Kaiketsu Zorori: Star Tanjō was published in 2019, and while they share a name, it’s been noted that the movie has a “new take” compared to the original book. It’s about Zorori and a character called Hipopo who can’t sing but who wants to become famous for her singing.
The movie’s animation is being produced by Bandai Namco Pictures and Ajia-do. Atsuhiro Tomioka, who has written for previous anime adaptations in the franchise, wrote the script. Likewise, Kōhei Tanaka is reprising a role as a composer after composing for the franchise in the past.
The last time a movie was made in this franchise was 2017, and it was titled Kaiketsu Zorori: ZZ no Himitsu.
The most recent anime series in the franchise is Motto! Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori (translated as More! Seriously Unserious Incredible Zorori). Its third series began this spring, playing on the Japanese channel NHK Educational. This anime series includes a new character (Beat, who is supposed to be the rival of the main character) and plots that did not occur in the original children’s books.
Are you a fan of this franchise? Are you interested in checking out the movie?
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
