Continuation of interview (1). The TV anime "mono", based on the manga by Afro, known for "Laid-Back Camp", will be broadcast on TOKYO MX and other stations from April 12th. The manga is currently being serialized in "Manga Time Kirara Carat" (Houbunsha), and depicts the daily lives of high school girls in the "Cinephoto Club", a merger of the photography club and the video studies club. We spoke to Kazuki Mikawa, who plays the main character Amemiya Satsuki, Aoi Koga, who plays Kiriyama Ann, and Hikaru Tono, who plays Shikishima Sakurako, about what went on behind the scenes during the recording. They said that while there was a comfortable atmosphere during the recording, there was also a sense of passion...
◇The “greatness” of each
--What is the appeal of each character?
Mikawa: It all started when Satsuki wanted to find something she could be passionate about, and then Ann and Sakurako joined the group. I think Satsuki was the one who first sparked the story. She doesn't have a lot of initiative, but I think she's more sensitive than most people, and that's why everyone gathers around her. It's hard to explain in one word what kind of girl she is, but she's very human, and I think that's why I can easily empathize with her.
Koga-san: Ann likes Satsuki-chan, and her world revolves around her. That's how attractive Satsuki-chan is. Satsuki-chan originally admired her senior, and continued to take photos of her, winning an award. When she finds what she is, she becomes very lively. I like Satsuki-chan, who is passionate about something. She's not the type to say, "Let's go!", but everyone can empathize with her. I think Satsuki-chan is the one viewers can empathize with the most. On the other hand, I think it's difficult to act. Both Ann-chan and Sakurako-chan have their own characteristics, but Satsuki-chan is natural. (Mikawa-san) has properly incorporated that and expressed her emotions as Satsuki-chan, and even when she's next to her, she's amazing! She conveys what she's feeling directly, so even Ann-chan can be moved. I think it's really wonderful.
While acting with Tono-san , I could feel that the seriousness and sincerity of Kazuki-chan was projected directly. In the scene where she invites Sakurako-chan to join the Cinephoto Club, I felt, "That's just like Satsuki-chan!" Her words that go straight to your heart are pleasant to hear.
Koga-san's Ann-chan lives around Satsuki-chan, and she has the ability to act reflexively, and she is naturally cheerful and energetic. She can talk to children on the same level, and she is well-liked. Ann-chan's good points and her sociable nature make her a wonderful girl.
When Tono-san's Ann-chan is lively, I can't help but smile just by listening to her lines. When I look at the script, she speaks clearly, but (by Koga-san's acting) she gives off a rounded edge. She has a funny tension and is raw, but she doesn't feel harsh. It's really mysterious.
Koga-san isn't rude or harsh; he has a casual feel to him because they are close friends, and I think that's why he uses that kind of language.
Tono-san: Sakurako is hard to grasp at first glance. I think that's her charm, and I really like her unique aura and personality. Because she doesn't show it much on her face, when you see her emotions, like when she's happy or a little proud, you really love her. I try to convey those subtle emotions in my voice when I'm acting. She's not the type to take the initiative or lead the others, so it's heartwarming to see her having fun with everyone, and you want to watch over her. But at key moments, she shows her great potential and surprises those around her. That contrast is also appealing.
Sakurako's emotions aren't that great, but she's not emotionless. I wondered how she would act that part, and she acted with a really exquisite warmth. I especially liked her response when she was invited to join the club: "Sure. I'll join in." It's hard to grasp, but you can tell she's proud or happy, and her acting with those little ups and downs is really wonderful. I couldn't do it even if I tried! I think Tono's exquisite balance of being fluffy but having a core is utilized in Sakurako.
Thank you, Tono-san ! I think it's important to relax in a good way. I don't try too hard to do things this way, which may lead to an elusive relaxed nature.
◇The passion to do more!
-What was the recording like?
Mr. Mikawa, you feel so comfortable.
Koga-san Hakamada Shoten staff members wearing aprons prepare delicious food that matches the episode.
When Mikawa-san takes a break, everyone leaves the booth.
Whenever we meet again, Tono-san usually has something in his mouth, which makes me anxious.
All of Mr. Mikawa's staff are kind and homely.
Tono: When it came to making the animation, we discussed ad-libs for scenes that weren't in the original, and conversations arose naturally. It's light-hearted, but you can also feel everyone's seriousness and passion.
Mikawa-san has put a lot of thought into it. There is freedom, but we discuss how to make each character come alive as they are.
Koga: I think the viewers will feel calm and relaxed, and the cast and staff have naturally created that atmosphere, but I can also feel their passion in every scene. We are also bathed in that passion, so it makes us want to do more! It's a really good atmosphere.
--Mikawa-san is the chairman, but...
Mikawa-san: Satsuki-chan is the main character, so I'm the leader of the group, but it feels like the five of us are working together to make the film. It's not a place where I get nervous, so I don't really think of myself as the leader. Everyone is watching over me and supporting me, so I think to myself, "I'll do my best in my own way!"
--Finally, please give a message to those who are looking forward to the film.
Tono-san, I am also very excited to see the characters come to life in the anime. I'm sure that people who have read the original work will see it in a different light, and I think that when they see the photos that everyone has taken, they will find many places that they want to visit in real life. I hope that people will enjoy it, feel it's relaxing, and feel the warmth that permeates their hearts, just like a meal at home.
Mr. Koga: There are many things you can only understand by actually going there, not just looking at it. You should be able to see with your own eyes, feel with your skin, and feel excited by the things you like and encounter at your destination. This is a work that I hope you will go out somewhere with. I think it would be nice to talk to a friend you haven't seen in a while, and it's a work that makes you feel nostalgic and makes you feel like you're meeting someone new. I would be happy if you could feel that way.
Mikawa : Satsuki- chan didn't know what she was passionate about and was jealous of everyone else, but she gradually found something she was passionate about, encountered many different things, and grew in her own way. Everyone else also makes new discoveries and changes little by little, so I hope you'll pay attention to the feelings and growth of these characters.
