In a significant development for the upcoming Disney & Pixar production Toy Story 5, Japanese actor and M!LK member Hayato Sano has been officially cast to provide the voice for a new character in the film’s Japanese-language dub. The announcement was made during a surprise appearance at a promotional event held at Naka-Ikebukuro Park in Tokyo on May 18, 2026.
Sano, 28, will voice “Smarty Pants,” an interactive digital toy designed for toilet training that features a sharp-tongued, talkative personality. According to the production details, the character has spent a long period in “sleep” after being forgotten by his owner, only to be thrust back into the world following an encounter with the established character Jessie. The film is currently slated for a nationwide theatrical release in Japan on July 3, 2026.
International Casting Process
The selection of Hayato Sano for the role of Smarty Pants involved a rigorous audition process conducted by the American headquarters of Pixar. Sano, known for his work as a member of the five-piece dance-vocal group M!LK, noted that this experience marked his first time participating in a voice-acting audition. Reflecting on the casting, Sano described the opportunity as “dream-like” and expressed his genuine excitement upon receiving the news.
The event in Ikebukuro served as the formal introduction of Sano to the franchise’s Japanese audience. He made a dramatic entrance on stage, emerging from a delivery box to announce his participation to the gathered crowd. As the film nears its July 3, 2026, release date, the production team continues to build momentum for the latest installment of the long-running series, which has maintained a significant cultural footprint since the original film’s debut.
Character Dynamics and Production Effort
The character of Smarty Pants represents a departure from traditional toy archetypes, leaning into a more modern, tech-focused design. Sano’s portrayal of the character—a digital toy with a sarcastic edge—required a specific vocal approach to capture the nuance of a toy that has been dormant for years. Reports from the production indicate that Sano approached the recording sessions with a high level of dedication, emphasizing his commitment to the role and the Toy Story franchise as a whole.
For fans of the series, the introduction of new characters like Smarty Pants is a central component of the anticipation surrounding Toy Story 5. The film is expected to explore themes of rediscovery and the evolution of play in a digital age, as characters navigate the changing landscape of their owners’ lives.
Looking Ahead to the Premiere
With the voice cast for the Japanese dub now beginning to take shape, public attention is shifting toward the film’s premiere. As of May 18, 2026, the promotional campaign for the movie is active, with various “Toy Activity” initiatives planned leading up to the July release. These campaigns are designed to engage long-time fans and introduce the new narrative elements of the fifth installment.
The production is being closely monitored by audiences interested in how Pixar will continue the legacy of the franchise. Further announcements regarding the full Japanese cast and additional promotional activities are expected in the coming weeks as the studio finalizes the lead-up to the July 3, 2026, opening.
Are you looking forward to the next chapter in the Toy Story series? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts on the latest casting news.