A TV anime based on the popular light novel " The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows(The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows )" from the novel submission website " Shosetsuka ni Naro " began airing on TOKYO MX, BS11 and others on April 3rd. The story is about a genius healer, Zenos, who was unreasonably banished from his party, meets an injured elf girl, Lili, and opens a clinic as an unlicensed The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows... an "unconsciously powerful The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows" about an unlicensed genius healer. We spoke to Sakata Shogo, who plays the role of Zenos, the genius unlicensed dark healer, and Miharu Hanai, who plays Lili, the elf girl whose life was saved by Zenos, about the highlights of the anime.
◇Sakata Shogo is funny!?
--This is your first time acting together, so what are your impressions of each other?
I got the impression that Sakata and Hanai were really enjoying playing their characters, even adding ad-libs during the recording. They are really wonderful actors.
Thank you, Hanai-san ! Sakata-san has a cool and calm demeanor like Zenos, but he is actually very frank and easy to talk to. He would often make me laugh during breaks, and I would think, "Huh? Maybe this guy is really funny?" Together with senior voice actor Hikasa Yoko-san, he always livened up the set.
--What are the highlights of the anime?
Hanai: I think it's the "fight to protect" attitude of the main character, Zenos. Zenos comes from a slum, so he's an unlicensed black market doctor. He's unaware that he's a genius, and he gives off an air of being somewhat of an outcast. But when he sees injured patients, including Lili, he fights with all his might to save them with healing magic. I like that dark hero side of Zenos.
Although Zenos appears cool and unwavering at first glance, he is a kind and loyal person who cannot abandon those in need. Personally, I would like you to pay attention to the dialogue between the characters. It is not an up-tempo comedy, but rather the scenes where they exchange sarcastic remarks in the tone of everyday conversation are heartwarming. The contrast with the action scenes and medical treatment scenes that Hanai mentioned is also good!
◇ Zenos has an unaware harem surrounding him!
--The original author, Sakaku Hishikawa, is also a medical professional, so the careful and realistic portrayal of medical matters stands out. What did you keep in mind while acting?
Sakata-san: Zenos is a genius healer who can heal anything, but he has honed his skills through a few lessons from his master and self-study. That's why I thought he must have his own theory about how he heals, and I went into the recording with that in mind. In particular, I think the scene in episode 2 where Zofia's arm is healed is a symbolic moment of the series. Zenos explains the procedure of the treatment in a monologue, and even though he uses magic for local anesthesia, you can see that he has a firm grasp of the structure of the human body, including bones, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. I think it's a great scene that is typical of a medical drama.
The realism of Hanai's treatment scene is appealing, but I also like how Lili gets up cheerfully and without a trace after being saved by Zenos from a near-death state (laughs).
Mr. Sakata: Those kinds of humorous elements are one of the charms of this work.
-- During healing and combat scenes, Lili is in the position of "watching over" and "waiting" for Zenos. What did you keep in mind when acting?
Hanai-san was conscious of the innocence appropriate to her age when she was recording, and it was important to have a sense of naturally expressing her emotions. Lili is a girl who has the gaiety to brighten up the room just by being there, but also has a strong core. There are many scenes in which Lili makes tea, and I think this is her way of expressing her love, wanting those who drink it to be happy, even if only a little. Lili herself cannot heal, but she may be healing everyone in her own way.
-- Zenos's Clinic is filled with a variety of unique characters. Who is your favorite?
Sakata: It's a tough choice, but for me it's Carmilla, played by Hikasa. There are many scenes where she talks one-on-one with Zenos, and there are many moments when Carmilla listens to him and Zenos comes to an understanding. I'm also drawn to the mysterious setting, such as the fact that she is the strongest character, a wraith who reigns over the undead, yet her true identity is not revealed.
Hanai: I love Krishna. At first, she appears as a dignified and cool female vice commander of the Imperial Guard, but when you open the lid... (laughs). Anyway, she's a cute character with a gap between her personality and her personality. Other than that, the heroines, such as the three main female leaders of the demi-humans, are all expressive and charming. Please pay attention to how Zenos unconsciously forms a harem around him.
◇What is a top voice actor?
--There is a line that goes, "A healer is third-rate at healing injuries, second-rate at healing people, and first-rate at fixing the world." If you were to replace "healer" with "voice actor," how would it turn out? What kind of voice actor do you think is "first-rate"?
Hanai-san and Sakata-san, let's think about it together!
Sakata-san is often told that "newcomers should just speak out loud," so maybe "being able to speak loudly is third-rate." No, or being able to greet people...
Hanai-san, that would make it "as a working adult" (laughs). How about "good pronunciation but second-rate". Speaking of a top voice actor I admire, for me it is Mami Koyama. She can play a wide range of roles from children to adults, and I would like to become a voice actor like her in the future.
Sakata: I think the job of a voice actor is only fulfilled if the people watching the anime enjoy it, so I would say "if you can entertain people, you're first class!"
Hanai-san , oh... that's exactly right! To do that, I think it's important to understand the character and act accordingly. I'd be happy if the viewers could understand that "Riri-chan is like this" while respecting the depiction in the original work.
--Finally, please give us a message.
Hanai-san's main character, Zenos, uses magic to heal patients, and the relationships between the characters change little by little, which is a highlight of the story. All the characters are charming, so I'm sure you'll find your favorite one. Please enjoy!
Sakata: There are many funny scenes, but the charm of this work is also in the delicate depiction of the warmth and emotional movements of the characters. In addition, the scenario is really well-constructed, with information and hints firmly packed into each line, making it a work that can be enjoyed in its overall direction. I hope everyone will enjoy it. Thank you!
