The TV anime "Ucyujin MuMu", based on the manga by Miyashita Yuki currently being serialized in "Young King Ours" (Shonen Gahosha), will begin airing on TOKYO MX, BS11 and other stations from Getsuku. Muumuu, a cat-like alien who came to Earth from far away space, comes to Earth to learn about home appliance technology in order to recover the technology his race lost. The arrival of Muumuu changes the ordinary university life of the main character, Umeyashiki Sakurako, completely. Momo Harumi plays Sakurako and Etsuko Kozakura plays Muumuu. Harumi, who plays Sakurako, is a newcomer who is making her first lead role in a TV anime. We spoke to Harumi, who was chosen to play the lead role, and Kozakura, who provides solid support to this newcomer, about what went on behind the scenes during the recording sessions.
◇She looks calm, but...
--This is Harumi's first lead role in an anime, right?
This was Harumi's first time not only starring in a film, but also working on an anime set.
Kozakura- san, are you the type of person who doesn't feel pressure? It's no problem at all. You're very relaxed and confident.
--She's a big new star.
That's right, Kozakura-san !
When Harumi-san was confirmed to appear, I was so happy that I jumped up and down. However, I'm the type of person who fails when I get too excited and excited, so I tried to calm myself down before the recording. So, I was conflicted between wanting to jump up and down with joy, but also wanting to stay calm.
Kozakura-san is trying her best and giving her all, but I got the impression that she was calm. She had the air of someone who had done it many times before. She wasn't nervous or flustered, and she was very composed.
Harumi just concentrated on not making any mistakes.
Kozakura-san is still in her teens, isn't she?
Harumi: That's right. I rely on you all the time.
Kozakura-san, are you sure you want me?
Harumi-san always helps me out! There are many things I learn for the first time on set.
Kozakura-san, you probably didn't know how to work the microphone at first. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a lot of distributed recordings, so the newbies had no experience.
Harumi-san was not familiar with microphone work, but she was kindly taught and was able to stay positive and think, "I'll do my best!"
Kozakura-san is amazing!
I'm really glad that Harumi-san started out on this set. It's a bright and friendly place, and it's really helpful.
Kozakura-san , by the way, you also do ballet, right?
Harumi: I started using my own part-time earnings after I entered high school and was able to get a part-time job. I thought it would be great if I could do something in the voice acting business.
Kozakura-san, ballet is great. If you have good posture, you can breathe better and deliver long lines more easily.
Harumi-san, that's right!
--The combination between the two actors is also important in this work.
I can't believe that Kozakura-san is a newcomer. When you hit it, it resonates. It's difficult, not just for newcomers, but when you throw it, it comes back properly. She is a hard worker, so she practices a lot before going to the scene, but things can change on the spot, and she responds well to that. She can respond immediately to the director's instructions. Her acting is expanding more and more. Also, she's growing a lot during this recording.
When Harumi-san is recording, I think to myself, "It'll be fine because Kozakura-san is there!" and she supports me. Also, Moo Moo is so much funnier than I imagined in my head, and it makes me feel like I have to work harder too.
Kozakura-san and the other cast members all fit their roles perfectly. Their personalities really explode. There were times when I thought, "Oh, I see!"
◇ Always be new and exciting
-What is important to you when acting?
Harumi Sakurako is a bit simple-minded, as she is easily manipulated by Muumuu, but she is able to forgive him and accept that it can't be helped. She is timid, but has a strong will, so I tried to convey the feeling that she is thinking about Muumuu's sake, while being conscious of not taking it lightly.
Kozakura Sakurako is really kind. Muu-muu is a boyish character that I've never played before. There are action scenes, and a male voice actor plays the opponent. I lose in sound pressure, so I make sure to sing from my stomach and pay attention to the physical aspects. I imagine it as the feelings of a man in his early 30s. However, if I lower my voice, I won't be able to hold my breath, so I have to work hard. There are some parts that are a bit absent-minded, so I'm trying to have fun with Sakurako in a natural way.
--There are some difficult lines, such as explaining home appliances.
Harumi-san's lines for explanations are memorized and recorded. That's because Sakurako explains things without really understanding them. So I try to strike a balance between having natural conversations based on memorization, and not really understanding them.
If I do it thinking it's an explanation, the listeners will get bored. It's important to incorporate it into the conversation, so I'm trying to think of a way to type ",". If I don't place the breath well, the next word won't be heard. There's a time limit, so I try to keep it within the time limit... explanatory lines are difficult.
--By the way, are there any home appliances you want?
Kozakura: Maybe an air purifier. There are ones that don't use water.
Harumi: I just moved, so I only have a refrigerator and a washing machine. I want a microwave. I also want a rice cooker, a TV...and a projector!
Kozakura-san, projectors are great!
--What kind of voice actor do you want to be in the future?
Harumi: I want to be a new and stimulating presence at all times. After experiencing this site and watching Kozakura and my seniors, I have come to think that I want to be someone that people can rely on someday. I really feel at ease when I'm with you all. I want to be someone that people think, "With this person, everything will be fine!"
