Frozen 2 Japanese Dub !!link!! -

Title: Frozen II (Furieshitsu II)

Release Date: November 22, 2019 (Japan)

Dubbing Studio: Walt Disney Japan

Director: Takuya Igarashi (previously directed the Japanese dub of Frozen)

Cast:

• Anna: Sayu Aoi (previously voiced Anna in the original Frozen)
• Elsa: Takako Matsu (replacing Saeko Busujima, who voiced Elsa in the original Frozen)
• Olaf: Kōki Uchiyama (previously voiced Olaf in the original Frozen)
• Kristoff: Daisuke Ono (replacing Hiroshi Kamiya, who voiced Kristoff in the original Frozen)
• Sven: Kōki Uchiyama (also voiced Sven in the original Frozen)
• Hans: Takahiro Sakurai (replacing Junichi Suwabe, who voiced Hans in the original Frozen)

Additional Cast:

• Iduna: Keiko Kitagawa
• Agnarr: Kiyoshi Kawaguchi
• Yelana: Megumi Hayashibara
• Bart: Aoi Miyazaki
• Hive: Yūji Kishi
• Gale: Tesshō Genda

Plot:

The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 follows the same plot as the original English version. The story takes place three years after the events of the first film. Elsa is still struggling to control her powers, and a mysterious voice calling to her from the forest sets her on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and the kingdom of Arendelle.

Reception:

The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many praised the voice cast, particularly Sayu Aoi (Anna) and Takako Matsu (Elsa), for their performances. The dubbing was also well-received, with many commenting on the high quality of the translation and adaptation.

Box Office:

The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 was a commercial success, grossing over 2.2 billion yen (approximately 20 million USD) at the Japanese box office.

Soundtrack:

The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 features a new soundtrack, with all the songs re-recorded in Japanese. The soundtrack was released on November 22, 2019, and features the same songs as the original English version, with new lyrics translated and adapted by Takashi Fujimoto.

Marketing:

The marketing campaign for the Japanese dub of Frozen 2 included several promotional partnerships, including a collaboration with Japanese fashion brand, Uniqlo. The film's trailer and promotional materials were also released on various Japanese media outlets, including TV, social media, and online advertising platforms.

Cultural Impact:

The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 continued the cultural impact of the original Frozen in Japan. The film's themes of sisterly love and self-acceptance resonated with Japanese audiences, and the film's music and characters became popular once again. The dub also sparked a renewed interest in the original Frozen, with many Japanese fans re-watching the first film and sharing their love for the franchise on social media.

Interesting Facts:

• The Japanese dub of Frozen 2 features several nods to Japanese culture, including a reference to the traditional Japanese festival, Obon.
• The film's director, Takuya Igarashi, aimed to stay true to the original story and characters while also making the dub feel distinctly Japanese.
• The voice cast for the Japanese dub of Frozen 2 participated in several promotional events and interviews, including a live broadcast on Japanese TV.

Overall, the Japanese dub of Frozen 2 was a success, both critically and commercially. The film's themes and music resonated with Japanese audiences, and the voice cast delivered strong performances. The dubbing was well-received, and the film's marketing campaign helped to promote the film to a wide audience.

Beyond the Translation: Why the "Frozen 2" Japanese Dub is a Cultural Masterpiece

When Frozen 2 premiered in Japan in November 2019, it didn’t just break box office records—it obliterated them. The film grossed over ¥13.3 billion (approx. $122 million), becoming the highest-grossing foreign animated film in Japanese history. While stunning visuals and a moving soundtrack were global factors, the secret weapon of Frozen 2’s success in Japan lay not in the original English dialogue, but in its meticulously crafted Japanese dub (吹き替え, Kikikae).

For international fans and language learners, the Frozen 2 Japanese dub is more than a translation; it is a standalone work of art. It offers a different interpretation of the characters, a poetic adaptation of the songs, and a masterclass in how localization can elevate a story to resonate with a completely different cultural audience.

Sayaka Kanda as Anna

The late Sayaka Kanda, who tragically passed away in 2021, remains the definitive voice of Anna for Japanese audiences. Her performance in Frozen II is particularly poignant.

• The Characterization: Kanda mastered the "Disney Princess" voice—slightly higher pitched, energetic, and warm. However, in the sequel, she had to convey Anna’s maturity.
• Emotional Weight: In the song "The Next Right Thing," Kanda’s performance is devastating. Her voice cracks with genuine grief, capturing the isolation Anna feels. For many fans, revisiting Kanda’s performance in Frozen II is a bittersweet experience that adds a layer of real-world tragedy to the character's arc.

3. Notable Changes from English Original

• Character Voices: Elsa is softer, more gentle in Japanese (Takako Matsu) compared to Idina Menzel’s belting style. Anna (Sayaka Kanda) is more energetic and “anime-like” in expressiveness.
• Script Adaptation: Japanese script uses more formal royal speech for Elsa and casual/familiar speech for Anna, emphasizing their relationship dynamic.
• Olaf’s humor: Many puns and cultural jokes were localized. For example, the “water has memory” line is phrased more poetically.

"The Next Right Thing" (Tadashii Koto)

This song works exceptionally well in Japanese due to the language’s capacity for conveying sorrow.

• The Breathing: Sayaka Kanda’s breath control here is the highlight. You can hear her inhaling shakily, simulating the act of crying while trying to sing.
• The End Rhyme: The Japanese lyrics maintain the somber, descending melody while avoiding the trap of sounding too repetitive, which is common in translations of slower ballads.