The new TV anime series "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers," the official sequel to the "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers" series that aired from April 1988 to March 1989, has been airing on TOKYO MX, Kansai TV, and BS11 since January 6th. This is the first new anime in about 35 years since the OVA "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers MESSAGE" released in 1991, and the first TV anime series in about 37 years. The story is an entirely original one set in present-day Shinjuku, and is directed by Yoichi Fujita, who has also worked on "Gintama" and "Mr. Osomatsu." We spoke to Toshiki Masuda Shunsuke, who plays Hojo Yamato, and Masuda Toshiki, who plays Oda Tatsunari, about their thoughts on the series.
◇ Experience the legend of NG5
--Were you familiar with "Armored Trooper Votoms"? The voice actor unit "NG5" was also very popular at the time.
I knew Masuda-san . It's a key work in the history of voice actors.
Takeuchi-san, NG5 is a big presence. There had been singing events for voice actors before, but they were an iconic unit born from a work or character. I have the impression that this work established a new way of supporting voice actors.
Masuda: "Yoroiden" was made in the era of cel animation, and there are some differences in the way anime is expressed today, but it has a timeless charm. It was made before I was born, but when I saw "Yoroiden," I felt the DNA of the animation that inspired me to become a voice actor. There were also parts that made me feel like this is what Japanese animation is all about.
Takeuchi's cels have vibrant colors and color nuances, and while "Yoroi Shinden" inherits the same color scheme, it feels like something fresh and different has been created. The motif of armor with a heavy feel is something that is different from robot anime. "Yoroi Shinden" also has a strong sense of respect for "Yoroi Densetsu," and I think that this becomes clear when you compare the two.
--Was it an audition?
Takeuchi: That's right. That's why I was so surprised when I heard I got in. Like NG5, "Yoroiden" left the impression of being a mass of energy. I didn't experience it in real time, but I knew it was hugely popular with women and was a huge hit.
Masuda-san, I've had the opportunity to hear from seniors of the same generation as the NG5 members that they were "amazing." It's hard to ask him directly, though. However, when I was attending voice acting school, Takemura Taku was my teacher. I came to Tokyo with the goal of becoming a voice actor, but I didn't know much about NG5 at the time.
I had the opportunity to hear stories from Takeuchi-san- senpai about that time, and I also had a teacher at voice acting school who was involved, so I was happy.
-Are you aiming to inherit the passionate spirit of your predecessors and become a "Samurai Trooper" unique to the Reiwa era?
Takeuchi: That's true. However, I tried to think straight about the meaning of doing this in this day and age.
◇Will it become the “Reiwa NG5”?
--I'm also curious about the relationship between Yamato and Ryusei.
Masuda: Speaking of which, why are you pairing me with Takeuchi for this interview in the first place?
Takeuchi: I think Yamato admires Ryusei. Yamato is simple-minded and has a tendency to cry, so Ryusei supports him. Later on, he realizes that Ryusei is a big presence for Yamato. That's why it's me and Masuda.
Masuda: I believe that the core of this work is carried by the five of us, so I'm participating with a somewhat level-headed attitude, taking a step back and hoping to do something as an actor.
Takeuchi-san , the atmosphere on set and Masuda-san's position are exactly like that.
Many of the Masudas are older than me.
Takeuchi-san , Junya Enoki(who plays Uesugi Kaito), and Ayumu Murase(who plays Hojo Musashi) are free to do what they want (laughs).
Masuda-san and Ishibashi-san are exceptionally young, so I thought that if the other four supported them, things would be stable... But Takeuchi-san is really supporting Ishibashi-san. I'm only involved a little bit.
Takeuchi-san: No, no, not at all. From my perspective, I think Masuda-san is close to Ryusei-san's position. When Masuda-san isn't on set, the atmosphere on set changes.
Masuda-san, really?
Takeuchi: That's right. Ishibashi has great talent and is very humble. He has a strong desire to learn from his seniors, but when Masuda wasn't there, it felt like the atmosphere changed. He also provides stable support in the acting.
--We are also looking forward to activities like the "Reiwa NG5."
I'd love to see Masuda-san . I'm not in it though.
Takeuchi-san , let's do it! I'd be happy if you could appear as the sixth member. It's a work in which music is inseparable. Although the characters fight while singing, it's not a musical. There are parts where the voices are like humming, which can be difficult.
Masuda and Ishibashi had a bit of a hard time at first.
Takeuchi-san and Ishibashi-kun are also top-notch in musicals, but their singing is different from musicals and the keys are surprisingly low.
Masuda-san is so brilliant.
--I'd love to hear it live...
Takeuchi-san, I'd be happy if we could hold an event like a festival.
Anima Mitsuru/MANTANWEB
