"Eternal Yugure," an original TV anime produced by PAWORKS, the animation production company behind "true tears" and "SHIROBAKO," is currently airing on MBS and TBS's late-night anime slot, "Super Animeism TURBO." It's a full-fledged love story set in a future world where AI technology has advanced. Protagonist Akira Himegami, who has pledged his love to his beloved Towasa Oh, wakes up from years of cold sleep to find a city devastated by war. An android named Yugure, who bears a striking resemblance to Towasa, appears before Akira, and they embark on a journey together, believing they will be reunited with Towasa, who is believed to be alive somewhere in the world. We spoke to sound director Kohei Yoshida about the behind-the-scenes production.
◇A recording that deliberately created an “unknown situation”
-What were you responsible for in this work?
Although sound is invisible, it is an important element in conveying the emotional changes of the characters and the warmth of the worldview. I participated in the project in a role that planned the sound direction to more appealingly express the worldview of the work, and considered how to embody what the director and staff wanted to portray through "sound."
-What is your impression of the work?
As Akira and his friends encounter various people and events through their perspectives, the film raises many questions, such as, "Where is the boundary between androids and humans?", "What is the difference between love and romance?", and "What choices do people make when they come to a crossroads in life?". I think it's a work that leaves a lasting impression, and you can immerse yourself in its worldview even after you've finished watching it.
--Umeda Shuichiro Umeda, who plays Akira, has starred in many films. What is Umeda's appeal as an actor?
Akira is a character who is at the mercy of unexpected events, yet searches for his own answers. I told Umeda, "I want you to experience the same situation as Akira as realistically as possible," and I deliberately created an "unknown situation" by having him not read the script until just before recording, and by not telling Umeda the instructions of other characters. Although there were many parts that made me anxious, Umeda approached the method positively, and as a result, he produced a very realistic and convincing performance.
--What is the appeal of the acting of Ishikawa Yui, who plays Yugure, and Ai Kayano, who plays Towasa?
Yugure was a difficult character to play, an android with a personality that was almost the same as a human. He was sometimes too close to people and then suddenly became distant, making it a very difficult role to empathize with. Ishikawa-san took on this difficult challenge head-on and carefully portrayed the delicate emotional fluctuations of Yugure.
Kayano-san took on the difficult challenge of playing Towasa across a wide range of ages, from her childhood to her elderly years. Her expressiveness far exceeded my expectations, and I think she portrayed the character of Towasa in a very charming way. Furthermore, Kayano-san's gentle and warm personality always created a bright and comfortable atmosphere on set.
◇The appeal of Tokuda Masahiro's music
-What was the atmosphere like during the recording?
When re-recording some lines, rather than recording alone, I sometimes ask the cast members who were involved before and after to join in again. This is because I value the air and breath that can only be created in that moment. Naturally, this can be a burden, but everyone was happy to take on the challenge, and the set, including the recording staff, was very cooperative and positive. I think it was a great set, supported by people with a proactive approach and high motivation.
--What is the appeal of Tokuda Masahiro's music?
This is my second time working with Tokuda-san, and he puts a level of passion into his music that is hard to imagine given his quiet personality. This time, our guideline was to combine ancient instruments with those of the future. Adjusting the pitch of ancient instruments often creates mismatches with electronic instruments, but I was amazed at his expressiveness, which didn't give the slightest hint of this. This time, I asked him to work on the theme of "love," and the brilliant, beautiful sound of the hammered dulcimer in the main theme perfectly symbolizes "feelings of longing for someone," and I still vividly remember the exhilaration I felt when I first heard it. I definitely want everyone to pay attention to the soundtrack.
-What orders did the director give you?
I was told, "Make it interesting so that viewers can feel close to it while still respecting the individuality of the characters." I carefully discussed with the director and the staff how to express the historical background and atmosphere of the work through music, and what kind of acting was needed to support that realism, and created the work.
-Finally, please give us a message.
The "choices" made by each character quietly resonate in the hearts of viewers. I hope you will listen carefully to the sounds and savor the lingering echoes of this world.
