The animated film "Aikatsu! x PriPara THE MOVIE - The Miracle of Encounter!", a collaboration between the popular anime and game series "Aikatsu!" and "PriPara," was released on October 10th. It is a "dream collaboration" to commemorate the 10th anniversary of "Aikatsu!"'s Ozora Akari Generation and "PriPara." We spoke to Wakui Yu, who plays Hikami Sumire in "Aikatsu!", about her thoughts on "Aikatsu!" and the collaborative anime.
◇What I learned back then is still at the core of my work
--It's an unexpected collaboration. What were your honest thoughts when you heard that an anime would be made?
I never thought it would happen, I was really surprised! To think that one day these idols, who lived in different worlds, would sing and dance on the same stage... I feel that this collaboration is truly like a miracle.
--What does "Aikatsu!" mean to you?
I made my debut as a voice actress in "Aikatsu!", so I learned a lot of the basics of being a voice actress from "Aikatsu!". Even now, I feel that what I learned back then is still at the core of who I am. I am truly grateful!
-What is your impression of "PriPara"?
There are so many unique idols! Not only are they all sparkly and cute, but they also have a humorous element to them, giving off a lively and fun vibe.
-What has changed in your impression after this collaboration?
I felt that the story and the music gave me the courage to be myself. The idols who respect each other's individuality and work hard to improve are really cute and cool!
◇An experience unique to this collaboration
-What do you feel is unique to this collaboration?
I think it was being able to experience each culture. For example, I think cliff climbing and running are scenes unique to "Aikatsu!", but this time we climbed cliffs together with the idols from "PriPara" and conversely, we got to experience the culture of "PriPara". It was an experience you can only get from a collaboration, and it was a lot of fun.
-What was the recording like?
It had been a while since I last played Sumire, so I was a little nervous, but when I heard everyone's voices, I was able to naturally return to the feeling I had back then. Working with the "PriPara" team was a fresh experience, and I enjoyed the recording from start to finish.
-What are the highlights?
I think it's a wonderful story that will make you want to say, "Thank you for meeting me!" The history that each character has woven is carefully depicted, so I hope you enjoy it along with the feelings you had back then. I hope that I can deliver 10 years' worth of "thank you" to everyone!
