original:https://aniverse-mag.com/archives/369664
After two failed attempts, the Shark Team finally lands on the third try! The official report for the "Oarai Spring Festival: Kairaku Festa 2026 Garupan Cast Talk Show" has arrived!
Currently, the spin-off work "Girls & Panzer: It's More Love Love Operation!" is also being screened in the "Girls & Panzer" series.
On Sunday, March 15th, the official report for the "Oarai Spring Festival: Kairaku Festa 2026 Garupan Cast Talk Show," held in Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, which serves as the setting for the series, has arrived.
This year, the much-anticipated cast members of the "Shark Team" appeared, including Ms. Fuchigami Mai, along with Ms. Sakura Ayane (as Gin), Ms. Takamori Natsumi (as Ram), Ms. Daichi You (as Murakami), Ms. Yonezawa Madoka (as Flint), and Ms. Nanase Asami (as Cutlass).
Furthermore, the event was packed with numerous new announcements.
■ Event Title
Oarai Spring Festival Kairuku Festival 2026 "Girls und Panzer" Cast Talk Show
■Date
Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12:00 PM
■Venue
Lawn Plaza in front of Hitachi Naka Energy Logistics Oarai Marine Tower
■ Cast (titles omitted)
Fuchigami Mai (as Miho Nishizumi) / Sakura Ayane (as Gin) / Takamori Natsumi (as Ram)
Daichi You (as Murakami) / Yonezawa Madoka (as Flint) / Nanase Asami (as Cutlass), Chono Masahiro (Special Appearance)
Shark Team Finally Lands on the Third Try!
Oarai Spring Festival Kairuku Festival 2026 "Girls und Panzer" Cast Talk Show Report
On March 15, 2026, the "Girls & Panzer" Cast Talk Show was held at the "Kairaku Festa 2026" (Oarai Marine Tower Front Lawn Square). This time's guests included Ms. Fuchigami Mai, who plays Miho Nishizumi, plus the Shark Team: Ms. Sakura Ayane (Gin), Ms. Takamori Natsumi (Ram), Ms. Daichi You (Murakami), Ms. Yonezawa Madoka (Flint), and Ms. Nanase Asami (Cutlass). For the Shark Team, this was a successful arrival in Oarai on their third attempt, following cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bad weather. Facing the large crowd that filled the venue, they delivered a talk packed with new information. The discussion touched upon their roles and their passion for the series.
On this day, Oarai was blessed with clear skies, a stark contrast to last year's bad weather. Many visitors flocked to the "Kairaku Festa" venue, with people enjoying the local specialty, ankimo (monkfish liver) soup, seen everywhere. Events were held on the lawn square from the morning, and after a "Garupan" quiz competition, the Cast Talk Show corner began at 12:00 PM. As the six cast members appeared to the BGM "Oarai no Kaizoku no Uta" (Song of the Oarai Pirates), they were met with loud applause and cheers. The cast started with self-introductions and greetings. Ms. Sakura, visiting Oarai for the first time, was astonished by the number of attendees filling the square, saying it was "10 times what I expected." Ms. Daichi also expressed surprise at the excitement and attention towards the event, remarking, "It was worth re-dyeing my hair."
The Shark Team finally crosses the rough seas and lands in Oarai!
Regarding finally setting foot in Oarai as the Shark Team, Ms. Takamori spoke with emotion, noting it "took six years" since the first cancellation. Ms. Yonezawa confessed she was nervous until the day, thinking, "What happens twice might happen three times (cancellation)." Ms. Nanase mentioned that seeing the dazzling sea made her truly realize they had made it ashore. Meanwhile, Ms. Fuchigami, who had appeared at last year's 'Ankou Festival' and called herself a "veteran of these events," mentioned she had forgotten to tell the Shark Team something important. It was that locals give out bags full of souvenirs, so she meant to advise them to "bring a suitcase." Ms. Sakura, who arrived on the day itself, got excited hearing about the souvenirs, happily asking, "Will I be pampered from now on?"
With the Shark Team finally assembled, Ms. Sakura called out, "Let's cross the rough seas!" followed by the entire venue shouting "Yo-soro!" (sailor's chant meaning "steady as she goes"), celebrating the Shark Team's successful landing in Oarai.
Memorable Episodes from "Love Love Operation"
As the talk show kicked off with such a spirited start, Masahiro Chono, the town ambassador, appeared, accompanied by an Oarai Town Hall representative and the town's mascot "Araippe." First, he promoted the "Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival," scheduled for September 26th, where approximately 20,000 fireworks will light up the night sky. He also explained the "Salt Making Project," a long-held aspiration for the town hall. During this, the cast seemed captivated by Araippe! Finally, Mr. Chono introduced his own exhibition booth, concluding the Oarai Town PR segment.
The event then returned to "Garupan"-related talk. The first topic was "It's More Love Love Operation!," currently screening its third act. Ms. Takamori discussed the characters' slightly chibi-style appearances and expressions. Ms. Sakura and Ms. Daichi commented on the "chaotic, fun feeling" arising from the short time allotted for recording lines and the tempo, noting the differences from the main series like "Final Chapter" during dubbing. The charm of the spin-off was also noted for featuring characters, like Flint played by Ms. Yonezawa, with heightened energy levels, and for depicting active interactions with other schools.
When Ms. Takamori pointed out that "Love Love Operation" features many "swimsuit episodes," everyone agreed. Ms. Sakura candidly admitted, "If you let your guard down, they're taking clothes off. I find myself expecting it." Ms. Fuchigami recalled being shocked by Momo Kawashima's risqué swimsuit. Despite the many comedic scenes, Ms. Fuchigami mentioned being moved by a moment in Act 2, Episode 5 ("Oh my! The matriarchs?!"), where the two iemoto (school heads) had their beloved daughters as smartphone wallpapers. She described being unexpectedly emotionally stirred by such poignant moments, calling it "frustrating (laughs)." Ms. Daichi selected Act 1, Episode 2 ("It's More Anzio Weather!") where Momo, captured by Anzio, rises to the position of Duce. She explained the character's appeal, saying, "The more she's teased, the more her true character comes out." Ms. Yonezawa recommended Act 3, Episode 7 ("Typhoon Gloriana"), noting the cuteness of Mini-Peko and the lovable foolishness of Rosehip. Ms. Nanase cited Act 3, Episode 9 ("It's Koala-sensei's March!") as a favorite episode, expressing a desire to keep animals in Oarai, prompting suggestions from other cast members like "sharks," "piranhas," "clams," and "deep-sea fish"—none of which are ordinary pets.
The time has finally come! The release date for "Final Chapter" Part 5 is set!
Next came an information corner filled with surprises.
Firstly, it was announced that following the screening of "Love Love Operation" Act 4, which starts on April 10th, a pilot version of the spin-off comic "Girls & Panzer: Ribbon no Musha" will be shown. Produced by Actas, this animation will be a short piece of about four minutes. Ms. Sakura, who had seen a preview, clarified, "When you hear 'pilot version,' you might think it's a rough cut, but it's proper animation." Ms. Fuchigami added a hint about the content, describing it as "a slightly different angle than the main series, with a hard-boiled, serious feel."
Another reveal was the lineup for the "Love Love Operation" event, "Girls & Panzer: It's More Love Love Carnival!" scheduled for June 28th at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Tokyo. From the members present that day, it was announced that Ms. Fuchigami, Ms. Takamori, and Ms. Daichi would participate. Part of the event's content was also unveiled, including a new picture drama by Marco Ni-i-sensei and live performances by artists, promising an event that fans will eagerly anticipate.
Furthermore, new information about "Final Chapter" Part 5 was unveiled. When the cast flipped over panels prepared for each of them, the words "October 9th Release" appeared! In addition to standard screenings, it will be shown in five formats: Dolby Atmos®, MX4D, 4DX, and, as a first for "Garupan," Dolby Cinema®. Recording for the film has already been completed, allowing for a brief discussion about its content. Initially, it was said to feature many daily-life scenes, but everyone, led by Ms. Takamori, denied this. It seems the film offers a satisfying mix of both daily life and action. From March 27th, Mubichike cards (first edition) with clear files will go on sale at theaters scheduled to screen the film.
The future of Oarai and "Garupan" – continuing with "Panzer Vor!"
Following this, the cast on stage held an information corner before the event moved towards its conclusion. The six members expressed their gratitude to the large audience and delivered individual messages.
Ms. Nanase: "I visited Oarai Isozaki Shrine this morning and found an ema (votive tablet) with today's date on it, which made me realize we were all enjoying the same moment together with the fans. I hope for your continued support!"
Ms. Yonezawa: "I'm looking forward to 'Love Love Operation' Act 4, and also to the screening of 'Final Chapter' Part 5. I've done the voice recording, but I don't know much beyond the parts where 'Love Love Operation' characters appear, and I haven't seen the completed version of 'Final Chapter' Part 5 yet either, so I look forward to enjoying the world of 'Garupan' together with everyone."
Ms. Daichi: "There was so much information that I think my head is about to burst (laughs). Please check the official website as well, and I hope you all will get into the spirit of going to all the screenings and events (laughs), and really liven up 'Garupan' and Oarai."
Ms. Takamori: "Coming to Oarai with the whole team and seeing all your happy faces, I truly enjoyed today. We were able to make many exciting announcements, and regarding 'Final Chapter' Part 5, I remember how much effort we put into it, so I hope you will look forward to it."
Ms. Sakura: "I just arrived in Oarai a little while ago and haven't experienced much yet, but I'm hoping to eat some ankimo nabe (monkfish hot pot) later. The town is really full of 'Garupan,' and I'm happy to realize it receives this much support. Voice actors usually work shut away in places with no sunlight, so (being in the sunlight) I'm reaching my limit (laughs), but it's been a while since I've had the chance to be outside without a mask. I don't think I'll ever forget the smiles of everyone who gathered here. I'll do my best so we can come back again."
Ms. Fuchigami: "I'm glad we could stand on stage together with everyone from the Shark Team. It was a fresh experience for me as well. Even though I'm not from Oarai, it was fun explaining how to spend time in Oarai to everyone (laughs). Thinking that we still have more enjoyable times to share with 'Garupan' and all the fans supporting us makes me truly look forward to it. I hope you will continue to join us."
After Ms. Fuchigami's remarks, Mr. Chono returned to the stage. Everyone, including the attendees, shouted in unison, "Panzer Vor!" bringing the highly successful talk show to a close.