The cast for the TV anime "Akairo no Kamen" (The Crimson Mask), based on the manga by Dr. Poro and illustrated by Nabana Nanami, which is serialized in "Young King Ours" (Shonen Gahosha), has been announced. It has been revealed that Taihi Kimura will play the main character, Per Darest, an apprentice of the legendary mask maker Gaston Roux.
It was also announced that Yuki Yamamoto will play Sonalue Maywood, the former princess who travels with Pell; Kazuki Ura will play Mok Sharib, the wielder of the smoke mask; Takayuki Hoshino will play Gouon, the swordsman renowned as the strongest in the world; Junya Enoki Komada will play Totoku, the captain of Lisblanc's first governing force; Junya Enoki will play Zent, Pell's former senior disciple; Kazuhiko Inoue will play Gaston, the legendary mask maker; and Akio Otsuka will play the Mask of the War God, one of Gaston's greatest masks ever made.
The first main promotional video, depicting the start of an epic adventure revolving around masks, has also been released. The video shows intense battle scenes in which Pell takes on powerful enemies while wielding multiple masks, including a cat mask and a spider mask. The video shows the fierce clash of beliefs of those who stand against their inescapable destiny, raising expectations for the outcome of this epic story.
Kimura, who plays Pell, a character who was manipulated by the power of a mask and unintentionally killed his master and comrades, said, "The past that Pell carries and is trapped in is very heavy and not something that one boy can bear alone. Rather than just empathizing with Pell's heart, I approached the recording with the feeling that I was bearing the past together with Pell. Through this work, I want to cherish Pell's growth and leave a warm and passionate feeling in everyone's hearts. I will cherish these two things, 'standing up' and 'forgiving and being forgiven,' and perform with all my heart. What a wonderful work! I am so happy!! Thank you very much!!!"
"The Crimson Mask" is a "masked" battle fantasy about a boy who obtains a mask that grants him special abilities when he wears it, and who meets friends and confronts enemies on his journey of atonement.
The anime will be directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe, who also directed the first season of "Blue Lock," and produced by 100studio. It will air every Saturday at 5:30 PM on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV starting in October. It will be broadcast in two separate cours.
The cast's comments are as follows:
◇Yuki Yamamoto as Sonalue Maywood
I'm Yuuki Yamamoto, and I'll be playing the role of Sona! When I read the original work, I felt that it had the excitement of classic action, as well as a deep theme of how to forgive one's own sins. Sona also confronts her own sins in the story. I'm acting while thinking about her struggles! I hope you enjoy the powerful action scenes, and I would also be happy if you pay attention to the subtle emotions and growth of the characters in terms of acting. We are recording each episode facing the fate that befalls Sona and the others, so please support us!
◇ Kazuki Ura, who plays the role of Mok Sharib
Hi, I'm Kazuki Ura, and I'll be voicing Mok! For me, masks represent an idealized version of myself. I want to hide my weaknesses and be cool, I want to be funny, I want to be perfect... In this series, a variety of masks appear that truly fulfill such dreams. From exciting masks like a boy's dream to gruesome masks that will make your hair stand on end... I hope you'll join us in watching as Pell and the others face challenges amidst a conspiracy swirling around masks. Please look forward to the broadcast!
◇Takayuki Hoshino, who plays the role of Gouon
I will be voicing the character Gouon in the TV anime "The Crimson Mask." He is a man who has seized power and forged his own path through force. He is an imposing presence that stands in the way of Pell and his friends. His blade and his way of life are sure to leave a lasting impression on the story. Please look forward to the broadcast.
◇ Wataru Komada, who plays the role of Totoku
The character I played, Totoku, was intense right from his first appearance! Strong, cold, merciless, and creepy. But he also possesses a strong sense of his own aesthetic, making him a character with plenty of elements that made him very rewarding to play. As he is the first enemy that the protagonists, Per and Sona, stand in their way, I put a lot of effort into the role. During the recording of the first episode, I was honored to be able to clash with Taihi-kun, who plays Per, in our acting. I hope you will thoroughly enjoy both the anime and the original manga of the incredibly entertaining "The Crimson Mask."
◇ Junya Enoki, who plays the role of Zent
When I read the original work, I felt a great deal of power in how each character was resisting and confronting something. Zent, the character I will be playing, is no exception and is a character that requires a lot of power, so I would like to create him while feeling the energy of the main cast members!
◇Kazuhiko Inoue, who plays Gaston
I will be playing the role of Gaston. When I was cast in this role, I thought it would be a challenging one, but that's precisely why I think it will be a rewarding role. I will do my best to create a captivating production together with everyone.
◇ Akio Otsuka, who plays the role of the warrior god's mask
I'm Akio Otsuka, and I've been given the role of the Masked War God. I wonder if this role will be a mid-boss or the final boss. Either way, I intend to torture the protagonist with all my heart. For now, I'm the strongest enemy, but who knows what will happen next... I'm looking forward to chasing the story and getting excited together with all of you! Oh dear... I'm going to be hated again lol
