Continuing from interview (1). Studio Colorido, known for the anime "Penguin Highway," and Studio Chromat, led by director Seigo Yamashita, have produced the original feature-length anime "Super Kaguyahime!", which is being released worldwide exclusively as a Netflix film. This "music anime" tells a story inspired by the classic "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," and features music from a stellar cast of Vocaloid producers, including ryo (supercell), known for his hit song "Melt." The story depicts a live stage in the virtual world of "Tsukuyomi," filled with dreams and hope, and the bonds between girls connected by "song." We spoke to voice actresses Yuko Natsuyoshi, who plays Kaguya, a girl who comes from the moon, and Anna Nagase, who plays Sakyo Saiba, a 17-year-old high school girl who meets Kaguya one day, about their thoughts on the project and behind-the-scenes footage from the recording.
◇ "It's amazing how moving a song can be!" Happy recording time
--This is the first time that Natsuyoshi and Nagase have acted together. What was the appeal of interacting with each other?
Regarding Natsuyoshi-san and Anna, I had heard from various people, including actors and managers, that "there's an amazing girl," so I went to the recording session feeling nervous, but I think I was helped by the sense of distance between Kaguya and Ayaha in the story. Just as quickly as the two of them become friends, I felt like I was going to get on board with Anna's amazing acting! In that sense, I think a role can really help you. By the time the recording was over, I thought, "I just had so much fun acting," and that was because of Anna's natural acting, which made her blend in so well, and it was a really happy time.
Nagase: I had heard for a long time that "there is someone who is an incredibly good singer." Since this is a production that focuses on singing, I thought they would cast someone who could sing, and then I thought, "Ah, it's Natsuyoshi!" and I was really excited. In fact, during the recording, I was overwhelmed by Natsuyoshi's power and overflowing energy. There is a scene where Kaguya sings a cappella, and he is incredibly good at it, and it reminded me once again how amazing it is to be able to move people with a song. I was really happy to realize that I was acting with such an incredible person.
◇Behind the scenes of recording "World is Mine"
--The work features a variety of songs by a number of talented Vocaloid producers, and Natsuyoshi covers classic Vocaloid songs as Kaguya.
Natsuyoshi: Of course, there was pressure about singing Vocaloid songs. I'm so happy that the pressure barely won out, and I also felt like "I have to do this well or the fans won't stay quiet." I'm a huge Vocaloid fan myself, but no matter what song there is, there are always people who say, "It's because of this song..." so I felt like I had to do each song well.
--In particular, "World Is Mine CPK! Remix," a new remix of the classic song "World Is Mine" by ryo (supercell), was a hot topic even before the anime was released.
Natsuyoshi: The production of "World is Mine CPK! Remix" is linked to the thumbnail when it was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga at the time, with Kaguya posing in the same way as Hatsune Miku, and the floor design is the same. For that scene, I decided to lie down on the floor just like Miku and record it.
To Nagase-san ! I see.
Natsuyoshi: That's right. However, I couldn't actually record while lying down, so I leaned a mattress against the wall and sang while leaning my body against it. I tried singing while thinking, "Wow! Is that even possible?" The recording I did while lying down probably didn't end up in the final take, but I thought it was amazing how much attention they paid to every single line.
--What are the highlights of "Super Kaguyahime!?"
Natsuyoshi: The music, the action, the heart-warming everyday scenes, and the underlying bass line. An incredibly epic story unfolds behind the scenes. Even the happy scenes have a tight tug at your heartstrings; it's not just fun or happiness, and I think that's one of the charms of this work. At first, I'd like you to press play without getting too worked up and just enjoy the amazing visuals and music, but I also hope you'll watch it over and over again and savor the story to the fullest.
Nagase: First of all, I would like everyone to simply enjoy it as an entertaining piece. It is a very well-made film. Director Yamashita's meticulous camerawork, the atmosphere of the images, and the music that is also enjoyable to listen to, make it a film that really cheers people up and gets them excited. Even when you're feeling really down, watching this will surely brighten your heart and put you in a happy mood, so I hope you enjoy watching it.
