Continuation of interview (1). The TV anime "CITY THE ANIMATION", based on the manga "CITY" by Arawi Keiichi, known for "Nichijou" and other works, will be broadcast on ABC TV, TOKYO MX and other stations from July 6th. "CITY" is a manga that was serialized in "Morning" (Kodansha) from 2016 to 2021 and is currently making a comeback. It depicts the lives of slightly unusual people living in an ordinary "CITY", such as university student Nagumo Mitori, Niikura and Izumi Wako. It is produced by Kyoto Animation, just like the anime "Nichijou", and it is also a hot topic that this is the first time in about six years that the company has been involved in planning a new TV anime. We spoke to Mikako Komatsu, who plays Nagumo, Aki Toyosaki, about the behind-the-scenes of the recording, where they said, "There were many first-time experiences."
◇Has Wako changed a lot?
--What is important to you when acting?
Personally, I played Nagumo with an image similar to that of Ryotsu Kankichi. He has a conscience and is pure, but he also has a mischievous side and is a bit nasty when it comes to money. He is someone who can pour pure energy into his desires.
Toyosaki-san, Nikura is all about tsukkomi. I'm conscious of that variation when I'm acting. Within the framework of the character Nikura, he shows various sides, so I tried changing the tone of my voice, and instead of just making energetic tsukkomi, I tried to make him more varied, such as pulling back, crying, or getting angry. I wasn't conscious of making him cute at all, I just did my best, but I was really happy when Arai-sensei said, "I thought Nikura was cute." I was happy that he ended up being cute and that it reached him. I hope that my love for Nikura is conveyed.
Ishikawa-san Wako seems like a normal person at first glance, but she is self-contained and has an incredibly stable mind. She can get along with anyone, but she also loves playing alone. She has nothing but curiosity, and she pursues it. From the perspective of those around her, she may seem quite strange (laughs). Sometimes she goes along with the flow, but she never forgets who she is. She is always happy, so I always play her with that happy feeling in mind.
--Wako is described as a "slightly mysterious girl," but she's actually "quite mysterious."
That's true of Ishikawa-san (laughs). He has some genius qualities, and there are a lot of strange anecdotes about his younger sister Noriko...
◇What role are you playing?!
--What did you feel while working together?
Each of the Komatsu members has a very strong personality, but the balance is amazing. Niikura has so many different roles that it makes you wonder what role he is playing, and the way he uses them is so outstanding that it's mind-blowing. Wako has a pure and innocent air about her, but she exudes madness... each of them has a strong personality, but when the three of them act together, it comes together. It's stimulating, and a chemical reaction is born from the live feeling.
The energy of the two Ishikawas is so amazing that I feel it every time. Nagumo has a great balance between when he goes all out and when he pulls back, which makes him twice as fun. Nikura really makes you wonder how many roles he plays by himself. When you watch the video, it's so perfect that you end up watching it without even realizing how amazing it is.
--There are scenes in which Nikura shows different sides to him, but weren't they recorded separately?
Komatsu-san, it was a one-shot. I want you to see it. It will be a teaching material!
I had prepared for it thinking that it would be more interesting to do it in one go, but on set I was told, "It'll be more interesting if you do it all at once," and I was like, "Are you serious?" and kept doing it.
I think everyone was like, "Is this for real?"
Toyosaki: Because I was the first to set that precedent, the others also had to do it in one shot... I'm the one having the most fun while I'm acting. If the people making it don't think it's funny, it might not get across. The atmosphere on the recording site is really good. Everyone is laughing out loud. I'm glad I was able to take on the challenge in a relaxed manner.
Ishikawa-san is so much fun.
The tension between the three Toyosaki characters is very pleasant, creating a synergistic effect and making them perform lively. Wako has a strong core that is not pulled down by Nagumo and Nikura, so she is very reliable.
Ishikawa-san: Each character has their own atmosphere, so I'm acting with the feeling that I won't be pulled along by any of them!
--It seems like the cast and staff have put a lot of passion into this production.
Mr. Komatsu , please look forward to it until the very end! There are many directing techniques that we did not expect. It is the first time for both the performers and the audience. After watching it, you will feel very happy and excited, and it is a work that will leave you with happiness.
