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. This "dream collaboration" commemorates the 10th anniversary of "Aikatsu!"'s Ozora Akari Generation and "PriPara." We spoke to Ishikawa Yui, who plays Shinjo Hinaki in "Aikatsu!", about her thoughts on "Aikatsu!" and the collaborative anime.
◇ I was able to grow through the struggles I faced together with Hinaki.
--It's an unexpected collaboration. What were your honest thoughts when you heard that an anime would be made?
I was honestly surprised, thinking, "A collaboration like this is even possible!?" But, two people who were never meant to meet can meet and help each other grow... it's like something you'd see in an idol anime! (laughs) I thought it was a really fun and wonderful project.
--What does "Aikatsu!" mean to you?
"Aikatsu!" is a show I came across at a time when I was struggling with various issues as a voice actor. There were many young actors in the cast, and the staff and adult cast members tried to help us grow by teaching us everything from the ground up. I am who I am today because I was able to grow and worry together with Hinaki, who was in a similar situation, for a year and a half. I am also grateful to have met the "Aikatsu!" members, who are still good friends to this day!
-What impression did you have of "PriPara"?
When the show was airing, I would often pass by the game corner of a store and wonder if anyone was playing the "Aikatsu!" arcade game, but the "PriPara" arcade game that was often next to it always had a crowd of people, and I was intrigued by how popular it must be!
-What has changed in your impression after this collaboration?
The girls in "PriPara" are all very unique and interesting! They have a lot of catchy phrases that make you want to imitate them without even realizing it. Even though they're both idol anime, the worldviews and systems are completely different, so there were a lot of new stimuli!
◇Collaboration brings new appeal!
-What do you feel is unique to this collaboration?
They sang each other's songs, wore matching costumes, and there were plenty of live performances that you would never see unless they collaborated, and I was excited to see who would team up next and what song they would sing! They even had matching lines with the members of Sorami Smile, which was very refreshing!
-What was the recording like?
I was with Akaneya Himika, who plays Lala, and it was fun to be able to talk about each other's work while recording! It was a shame that I couldn't meet the "Aikatsu!" members, but I was able to dub while listening to everyone's voices, so I was able to act while remembering the atmosphere at the time.
-What are the highlights?
Meeting idols from completely different worlds with completely different environments and systems will surely create a lot of stimulation and synergy, allowing you to see sides of them that you don't normally see. Enjoy the special units and new costumes exclusive to this event, and be sure to support these idols, who are overflowing with new charms!
