The TV anime "Maou 2099", based on a light novel that was also the winner of the Grand Prize at the 33rd Fantasia Awards, began airing on TOKYO MX and other stations on October 12th. The light novel is written by Murasaki Daigo and illustrated by Kreta. Set in Shinjuku City in the year 2099, it depicts the return of the legendary immortal demon king, Berthold Velvet Berschwald, as he strives to rule the world. The appearance of a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Hino Satoshi as Berthold and Ito Miku as Makina Solege, one of the six demon lords and former vassals of the demon king, is also a hot topic. We spoke to Hino and Ito about their thoughts on the series and what went on behind the scenes at the recording sessions.
◇ Pushing the boundaries
-- What was your impression of the original work?
Hino: It's packed with all kinds of entertaining elements, from classic fantasy to comedic parts, and there are many descriptions that link the present to the future, so it was fun to read. I can't wait to see the movie.
Ito: It's based on a classic story of the demon king being resurrected as the main character, and I was wondering what would happen, but then characters with strong personalities get involved and I thought they might fight the hero, but the hero seems a little strange... It's a work with a new world view while still following the classic story. The action is also amazing, so it looks like it will be an interesting anime.
--Hino and Ito also appeared in the promotional video for the original work.
Hino: About three years ago. I'm grateful to be able to act again.
Ito: At the time, I didn't think it would be made into an anime, so I was surprised. The PV ended on a point that left me curious, so I was happy to be able to play out the rest of it.
－－Hino-san's Berthol is a legendary demon king, but he also has some comical scenes.
Hino-san: Objectively speaking, he is funny, but he's not aiming for that, he's very serious. His perspective is a little different from everyone else's, but he's not joking around, and he's serious, so that's what makes him funny. I'm conscious of valuing his honesty as a demon king, and I try to restrain him from being dragged down by those around him, while being careful to strike a balance.
－－What about Makina?
Ito-san: Makina has sworn loyalty to Berthol-sama, really loves him, and accepts everything about him. I try not to let her loyalty waver. There are quite a few lines that explain the historical background, so I'm careful to make sure that it gets across clearly. Makina is also very serious, but there are many scenes that feel like they're the laughing matter, and the comedy elements become even stronger when it becomes an anime. There are some parts where I go wild, so I push the boundaries and act with all my might.
--Is it difficult to know the line?
Ito: Sometimes I go over the edge (laughs). Even when I think I've gone too far, I get the OK, so I go wild. Sometimes I'm asked to do more than I expect, and it's a learning experience for me.
Hino: In scenes that require a delicate balance, when I "overdo it" or "lack expression," the sound director and director Ando give detailed direction, so I correct it each time.
◇Recording that's full of excitement
--Did you record together?
Hino: We recorded with a large group of people. It's great because we can have a unified sense of energy in the acting and on set. It should be an inspiration for the younger generation too. There's a great balance of veterans, mid-career actors, and young actors.
Ito: I'm always inspired. When we're recording with a large number of people, there's a high level of enthusiasm, like before COVID, and there's a sense of teamwork. When there are fewer people, I watch my seniors closely and learn from them. They're so cool! They're all showing us by example.
Hino: Surprisingly, everyone, including me, might not be thinking about anything at all~? (laughs). But the atmosphere on set is really good and fun.
--I'm looking forward to some well-paced dialogue.
Ito: There are a lot of comical scenes, so the tempo of the dialogue is definitely important.
Hino: Takahashi (played by Hishikawa Kana, a self-proclaimed super genius beautiful hacker) is also a big presence. She's a different kind of absent-minded from Belthol (laughs). Makina and Takahashi have a lot of scenes where they explain things and there's a lot of tension.
Ito: There are a lot of long lines of explanation.
Hino: That's especially true in the beginning.
Ito: If the lines and serious scenes don't reach the audience's ears properly, they won't be understood, so I act carefully. The comical scenes come and go, so I'm sure you'll enjoy the contrast. Berthol's live commentary is also amazing.
Hino: The live commentary scenes are also important, aren't they? The comments from people watching the stream are also amazing, so I hope you'll pay attention to them. Also, the AI-like voices you often hear online? They're actually voiced by voice actors, so pay attention to that. It's a challenge to AI.
Ito: I was surprised.
◇Ito Miku's reliability and strength
--Hino and Ito, you've worked together before, but what are your impressions of each other as actors? Ito: You play a lot of partner roles, don't you? You've also played the role of my boss.
Hino: That's certainly true. I feel completely at ease.
Ito: I was happy from the time of the original PV.
Hino: After that PV, we had more opportunities to work together. We'd talk about Kamen Rider during breaks.
Ito: You're willing to listen to what I have to say. I'm very happy, and Hino is truly amazing! Every single time, I learn from how Hino researches his work and how he approaches his roles. He asks questions, gives advice, and discusses things that are not just about his own character, but about the work itself, and watching him next to me, I think it's amazing! I was very nervous in the first episode this time as well, but just having Hino by my side allowed me to approach the recording with ease.
Hino: I'm glad he never says things like that to me. I feel the same way, and at ease. Not only in the dialogue, but I've seen how she approaches and creates her roles in each work, so I was sure that this one would be interesting as well. In that sense, I feel at ease. I have many opportunities to work with her at interviews and events, and she is very reliable and reassuring at those times. When something happens, she instantly notices and supports me. I myself find it very helpful.
Ito That's not true... I'm so happy, I'm getting goosebumps.
--It seems that this anime has a variety of highlights, from comedy to seriousness to battle scenes.
Ito Every character is unique, and you'll fall in love with them all.
Hino I like Takahashi too. Watching it makes me feel energized. I think it gives me energy.
Ito I also really love Takahashi. He's so energetic. He really leads the tension.
Hino: That's right. He gets caught up in Takahashi.
Ito: I can't wait to hear Marcus' lines.
Hino: It's so intense. It's almost frustrating! The storyboards are amazing, so I'm looking forward to the battle scenes. I think they'll be very impressive.
