Studio Ghibli's first full 3DCG movie "Aya to Majo" was decided to be released on December 30, 2020. Along with that announcement, the casts, including Terajima Shinobu and Toyokawa Etsushi, have been announced. "Aya to Majo" is a story about Aya, who was raised without knowing that she is a witch's daughter, living along with a nasty witch after being adopted by a peculiar family on a certain day. The idea is by Miyazaki Hayao while the director is Miyazaki Gorou. After being selected as 1 of the 56 "Official Selection 2020" works of Festival International du Film de Cannes in June 2020, it has gathered a lot of attention from around the world. This time, the casts for this work have been announced. The protagonist Aya is voiced by Hirasawa Kokoro, who was chosen by an audition. The other announced casts are Terajima Shinobu as Bella Yaga, Toyokawa Etsushi as Mandrake, and Hamada Gaku as Thomas. The comments from the casts have been revealed as well. "Aya to Majo" will be broadcast at 7:30 PM, on December 30 on NHK General TV. Terajima Shinobu, voice of Bella Yaga It was like a dream experience for me as my first anime's voice acting is a work by Studio Ghibli. The appearance of Aya trying her best to live on magnificently regardless of her surrounding will surely give us the courage and hope in this current situation. Toyokawa Etsushi, voice of Mandrake Aya to Majo, I had finally gotten an offer for a work by my yearning Ghibli. I was nervous during my first time as a voice actor. I was unable to stop my excitement once I said my first lines. To you who are like an adult or a child, this will be a fantastic (Christmas) present that you will cherish at this time. Please do accept it! Hamada Gaku, voice of Thomas It was like a dream come true as I was able to participate in a work by my adoring Ghibli. The appearance of Aya accepting and facing all the situations with her head held high, gave me courage as well as make me smile. I am not sure what I am able to do as a black cat but I want to be by her side until she becomes independent. Hirasawa Kokoro, voice of Aya I'm Hirasawa Kokoro and I'm the voice actress for Aya! I was on cloud nine when I was chosen as the voice of Aya because I had the thought of "It might be hard for me to get the role" during the audition! Various historical Ghibli's works were displayed in Studio Ghibli, and it makes me feel excited as I have gotten the actual feel of participating in a Ghibli's work! I had done the voice acting while wanting to convey this earnest feeling. So, please enjoy Aya, who is strong, bright, and slightly cheeky yet can't be hated! Let is vibrate in everyone's "kokoro" (hearts, a play of word with her name)! （C）2020 NHK, NEP, Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli revealed teaser images for their new CGI feature film "Aya to Majo", directed by Miyazaki Goro and supervised by Miyazaki Hayao. Alongside, the director also commented briefly on the film. "Aya to Majo" is based on a novel by the children's book author Diana Wynne Jones, who also wrote "Howl's Moving Castle". The story centers around a girl, Aya, who doesn't that her true identity is a witch, until one day she is brought in to a mysterious household and ends up living under the same roof as another mean-spirited witch. The film is under direction by Miyazaki Goro, who also won an Emmy award for his adaptation of "Ronja Rövardotter". "Aya to Majo" was also one of the 56 movies chosen for Cannes Festival's "2020 Official Selection". "Aya to Majo" will broadcast on 2020 Winter at NHK. <Commentary> Director - Miyazaki Goro There are way too many adults and fewer children presently here in our country (Japan). It must be really tough for these children to be surrounded by so many grown-ups and having to deal with them on a daily basis. There was this light bulb moment while I thinking about this matter, which allowed me to come up with ideas for the protagonist Aya. Please do look forward to seeing in the movie her way of dealing with cumbersome grown-ups. Although rebellious, the lovely Aya will give courage to the kids, and cheer up the adults watching. （C）2020 NHK, NEP, Studio Ghibli