The TV anime adaptation of "The Strongest King, What Will He Do in His Second Life?" (original title: The Beginning After the End), a fantasy reincarnation adventure by TurtleMe that began serialization in 2018 on "Tapas," one of the largest web manga platforms in the United States, will begin airing on Fuji TV's anime slot "+Ultra" on April 2nd. The original work is a popular work with a total of over 150 million views worldwide, depicting the "second life" of Gray, the strongest king in history, who is suddenly reincarnated one morning into a magical world as a powerless baby named Arthur, and grows up despite his struggles thanks to the love of his family and friends. Natsumi Fujiwara plays Arthur, the protagonist who is living his "second life," and Makoto Furukawa plays Gray, Arthur's previous life. We spoke to Fujiwara and Furukawa, who took on a kind of "two people in one role," about what went on behind the scenes during the recording.
◇Gray is talking in my head
-What is your impression of the work?
Fujiwara: At first, I felt Gray's dignity. After Arthur was born, the atmosphere changed, and the moment Arthur appeared, I thought he was cute! Arthur's facial expressions were rich, and I thought it was a fun piece! I was really interested in how he tried to live his life to the fullest after being reborn.
I don't think there are many works that depict Furukawa- san from the time he is a baby after his reincarnation, and this is one of the interesting points. I also felt that the way the affection towards the family is portrayed is unique to the original overseas work. It is a work that is moving because of the mutual understanding between the characters, and you can enjoy the movements of their hearts. It has a juvenile feel, and is also a tale of Arthur's growth, so it is well-balanced.
-What did you feel when you found out you were going to appear?
Fujiwara-san, it was a tape audition, but I felt like saying, "Thank you!"
Furukawa: I also auditioned by tape, but I was a bit worried. I recorded what I thought was the right voice, but I wondered if it was okay. To be honest, I was a bit worried when I went to the scene, so I was a bit nervous.
That's right, Fujiwara-san .
It was my first time to play a character before reincarnation, like the "voice from heaven" for Furukawa-san . It was also my first time to audition for a character who has a monologue separate from the main character. The recording environment was unique, and I was confused at first, but as I got used to it, I started to feel the fun that is unique to Gray. While everyone else was doing microphone work, I was the only one in a dedicated booth.
Fujiwara: We listened to Furukawa's voice through headphones while we acted. When I was acting as Arthur, I felt as if Gray was speaking in my head, and the recording made me feel like I was really playing Arthur.
◇Feel the Grey inside Arthur
-What did you keep in mind when acting?
Fujiwara: Gray's soul is inside Arthur. Arthur feels like he has a place in his family, and Gray also feels that this has turned into a sense of security.
Furukawa: They 're not simply reincarnations, but Gray and Arthur each have their own souls. There's also a clear difference between the parts Gray controls to a certain extent and Arthur's will. At first, Gray thinks that Arthur's parents are strangers, but to Arthur, they're his father and mother. That affection is also imported back from Arthur to Gray. Gray imports Arthur's decisions and intentions during battle, and there's a two-way exchange of souls. I think that creates a sense of security.
Fujiwara: That's right! Since Gray's soul is in the character, I wondered if I should try to make it closer to him at first, but the director told me, "I'd rather you not make it closer to him." He said, "I want you to play the character as a child, just as you are," so I played the character as it is.
Since Furukawa-san is a different soul, Gray can be confused at times.
Fujiwara: I was always acting with Gray's soul in the back of my mind.
Mr. Furukawa: There are times when Gray says things without intending it, but ends up saying them as Arthur.
Fujiwara: When he was a baby, Gray was conscious, but his body kept moving. After he started to speak, I tried to express how he was able to sensitively receive and express Gray's thoughts.
◇ Saved by Makoto Furukawa
-What are your impressions of each other as actors?
I am always inspired by Fujiwara-san and Furukawa-san. We have worked together on various projects, and they are both courageous.
Furukawa-san, you're brave!?
I admire Fujiwara-san's approach to the work and want to follow him! He is always pulling me along. He is very friendly and I want to follow him both as an actor and as a person. He helps me a lot.
Furukawa-san, I'm just doing what's easy for me. It only seems that way because I'm the senior, but surprisingly, he doesn't think about it that way.
Fujiwara : Oh really? I find it hard to take the lead.
Furukawa-san and Fujiwara-chan are flawless. The first time we worked together was about 10 years ago, right?
Fujiwara: That's right! I was a complete rookie and was nervous about going to the site.
Furukawa-san's face was pale (laughs). I was also quite nervous at the time because I had not had a long career. I felt that he was perfect even back then. We have had more opportunities to work together in recent years, and we have both gained experience and changed in many ways. I'm sorry if I sounded so arrogant (laughs).
Fujiwara-san, that's not true! Thank you.
Furukawa: I make mistakes sometimes, but I haven't seen Fujiwara make mistakes that often. On top of that, she makes sure to make the right decisions. I can sense that she puts her soul into her work, and I'm very confident about it. I'd like to continue relying on her as a senior.
I need to become strong enough to lead Fujiwara-senpai ...
Furukawa-san, that's right! You're the one taking the lead on this project. I'll just be watching from behind.
Fujiwara-san, let's go for it! Please support us from behind!
◇Arthur and Gray's Changes and Growth
--Finally, please give a message to those who are looking forward to the anime.
Fujiwara- san and Gray-san were reincarnated as a baby, and when he struggles with not being able to move his body properly, he blurts out his emotions even though he can't, and when he reacts to the physiological phenomena that only a baby can experience. I personally think that this exchange is one of the highlights. Gray-san was a lonely king, but after being reincarnated, he feels the warmth of his family and friends, and it's heartwarming to see how Gray-san and Arthur change so quickly. That's also very appealing.
Mr. Furukawa , Arthur is getting stronger.
I hope you will also see how Arthur becomes stronger and grows thanks to all of his friends, Fujiwara-san .
Gray, who Furukawa said was the strongest, changes and grows. Despite Arthur having a lot of data from his past life, he also grows mentally as a person. Pulled by this, Gray, the soul of his past life, also grows. He overcomes the world of the past, where strength was said to be justice, and it feels like he gains a strength different from what he originally had. After listening to Fujiwara-chan's story, I once again felt that this is what makes this work so enjoyable. In the beginning, there is a big meeting and parting. These partings become important, so please pay attention.
