MALAYSIAN FILM MECHAMOTO MOVIE HITS JAPANESE SILVER SCREENS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s number one animated film, Mechamato Movie, has made history as the country’s first local animated film to break into the Japanese market and will begin screening in over 30 cinemas starting Jan 19.

The film, a MONSTA and Astro Shaw production, garnered RM36 million during its 2022 release.

In a statement today, MONSTA Chief Executive Officer, Nizam Abd Razak said that a premiere screening was held at a cinema in Tokyo yesterday (local time), which was attended by voice-over actors, members of the media, Japanese fans, and MONSTA's strategic partners.

He said the audience's reaction was very positive, and animation enthusiasts praised the quality of Mechamato Movie.

"We received many pleasing reactions from the audience at the premiere. They did not expect Malaysia to produce an internationally acclaimed animation film with a storyline that could 'glue' their children to their seats for 116 minutes.

"We plan to bring the Japanese-dubbed version to Malaysia because we believe Mechamato fans wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to watch this version," he said during the Mechamato Movie Premiere at AEON Chofu in Tokyo, yesterday.

According to Nizam, the production company received advice and assistance from strategic partners in Japan to secure famous 'seiyuu' (voice actors) for the Mechamato Movie, as it features renowned voice actors such as Ayumu Murase as Amato, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as MechaBot, and Kenjiro Tsuda as General Grakakus.

"We found that the marketing style in Japan is very different. Their voice actors have a fan base and unique appeal. We hope this effort will attract the interest of the Japanese audience to watch this Malaysian pride film and share their experiences," he said.

The Mechamato series' first and second seasons were the first works from Malaysia successfully broadcasted on Japanese national television through the TOKYO MX channel.

Moreover, the theme song of Mechamato Movie titled 'Temaniku,' sung by local artist Yonnyboii, was also re-sung in Japanese by singer RUKA from Japan, titled 'Tomodachi,' in line with international marketing efforts outside of Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA