The TV anime "Yani Neko," based on the manga by Nyannyan Factory currently serialized in "Young Magazine" (Kodansha), will begin airing on TOKYO MX and BS11 every Thursday at 12:30 AM starting July 2nd. The original manga depicts the daily life of "the most worthless cat." Ahead of the broadcast, Riko Akechi, who plays the role of Ochinpo Tatsuro, spoke about behind-the-scenes details of the recording.
--What were your feelings when you found out you were cast?
I was truly surprised. I auditioned for other roles as well, but Tatsuro was the character I personally wanted to challenge myself with the most, so I never imagined I would be given the role. When the information about Tatsuro was released, it became a bigger topic of conversation on social media than I had anticipated. When my manager told me I got the part, they had prepared a scroll with Tatsuro's full name written in huge letters, and they unfolded it to announce my success. They also filmed a video of the moment, and when I watch it now, I can see myself collapsing to my knees in shock. It was a very funny surprise. I've also received a lot of warm comments on other sets, like, "Didn't you get the part with such an amazing name!?", and I'm truly grateful.
--What are your impressions of the work?
I think the direction of "Yani Neko" is comedy and gags, but it's more than that. I felt during the voice recording that the fundamental thing about this work is that "humans and beastmen coexist very naturally, and their relationship is interesting to watch from the outside." As I received direction, the production team often asked for raw reactions and realism rather than just obvious comedy, and I realized that there are many different approaches to comedy.
--What is the appeal of Ochinpo Tatsuro?
Tatsuro is said to be the "most normal" of the group, but I like that he's not really that normal in reality. He just seems normal among that group, but he's actually quite a weird guy (laughs). When you play him, you realize he has a surprisingly wide range, and there's a big difference between when he's downcast and when he's bursting with joy, but I think that's what makes Tatsuro such a creative person.
-- Have you been influenced by Ochinpo Tatsuro?
Actually, Tatsuro's basic speaking style is simply the way I speak when I'm most relaxed. I've always been told by various people that my way of speaking is too nerdy, and I've lived with it without being able to change it, but realizing that it can be directly and straightforwardly used in my work has been a great gain for me.
--Which character is your favorite?
My favorite character is Penpen Neko, and I really want everyone to see Penpen Neko with a voice as soon as possible. Everything about Penpen Neko is just so hilarious (laughs). During a test recording, the line before mine was Penpen Neko's, and I laughed so hard I couldn't speak (laughs). Afterwards, Yuko Natsuyoshi will be the character with the biggest impact when it's animated.
--What are your thoughts on the recording?
First of all, it's really fun. I think everyone says this, but it's a place where you often say words you've never said in your life, so it's really refreshing. I once made a foul remark in front of a manager who isn't in charge of "Yani Neko". I'm usually very careful about my language, but that manager looked at me with a very kind expression and said, "Your language might be bad." I realized then that I had let my guard down quite a bit (laughs).
--What kind of direction did you receive from the production team?
During the first recording session, I was directed to "not try to be funny with Tatsuro." "It's not that he's trying to be weird, but rather that he's just become weird by accident. He doesn't have any sense of humor; he's just a professional manga artist who's gone too far and become creepy. Don't forget that." I was told this clearly at the beginning, and it made the biggest impression on me. It's something I made sure to keep in mind as the direction of the character.
--What was the most memorable thing about working with the other cast members? In an interview, Yuko Natsuyoshi, who plays Yanineko, mentioned Tatsuro's ad-lib where he gets drunk in a bar and smokes Yanineko.
I was so happy. For that scene, we recorded each character individually, so I muttered to myself, thinking, "I'm going to put everything I've prepared into this." Conversely, my first impression of the other cast members' performances was, "Everyone's voices are exactly as I imagined them to be in the manga!" I joined the recording group from a certain point in the series, but I was very impressed by the recording process. To give some specific examples, Yuko Natsuyoshi's ad-libs are truly diverse, and she always shows us an unexpected angle, so I look forward to them. Ms. Natsuyoshi makes farting sounds with her hands, and it's really amazing. I thought, "Humans can do that?!" (laughs). Moreover, she has variations in her farts, and sometimes she'll say things like, "That wasn't right. I can do an even better one." I watched her thinking I'd like to be able to do that too. Also, I have many scenes with the Writer Cat, and I've grown to like the Writer Cat even more after hearing her voice. She seems earnest, but there's something off about her, and she's a little annoying, but with the voice acting, she becomes even better. She's become one of my favorite characters.
--What was the recording process like?
The content is intense, but the atmosphere on set is very light and friendly. It's warm, cheerful, and everyone is kind. Ms. Natsuyoshi gives us snacks with a big smile, and we all talk about the episode we're currently working on. It's a set I really love. Personally, the most memorable thing was having the opportunity to work with a super veteran senior from the agency that I've been working with on "Yani Neko." I never imagined I'd be working with him while taking on this role, and up until then I'd never felt embarrassed about playing the role of Tatsuro, but I was a little embarrassed when I greeted that senior (laughs).
--What scene was the most memorable for you?
I really love the story between Yak-neko-chan and the landlord, and I was talking with the other cast members about how the atmosphere in that scene is different from the others. The awkwardness feels so real. What it reminded me of was the time when everyone is tired and quiet after a long journey. The atmosphere between the two of them was similar, and it made me feel nostalgic. I'm sure there will be people who can relate when it airs, so if you can relate, please let me know.
--Please give a message to those who are looking forward to the broadcast.
Since being cast as Tatsuro, I've experienced so many exciting things, all of which have been new and wonderful. Right now, I'm just so excited for everyone to see the anime. It's being made by people who love the original work to the fullest, so I'm sure even those who already love the series will laugh and enjoy it. We're putting our all into it, so please check it out.
