The summer anime sensation “Senpai wa Otoko no Ko” is gearing up for its highly anticipated premiere on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” on July 4, 2024. This TV adaptation of the beloved webtoon, which won accolades for its portrayal of intricate human relationships, will soon captivate audiences with its heartfelt story and unique character dynamics. To celebrate, we had the chance to sit down with Yukari Hashimoto, the talented music director behind the anime’s soundtrack, to discuss her creative process and how she captured the essence of the characters through music.
Interview with Yukari Hashimoto: Insights into the Musical World of ‘Senpai wa Otoko no Ko’
Q: What was your initial impression of the original work and what drew you to it?
Yukari Hashimoto: “The theme of ‘cherishing what you love’ seems simple, yet it’s surprisingly complex. The way the characters—Makoto, Ryuji, and Saki—navigate their feelings and gradually drift apart left a profound impact on me. I was particularly drawn to the beauty of Makoto, the cuteness of Saki, and the expressive nature of Ryuji’s emotions. My goal with the music was to support these themes and help the characters find their happiness.”
Q: What were the specific requests from the director and production staff for the music?
Hashimoto: “The direction was to create distinctive themes for each character, using instruments that resonate with their personalities. For Makoto, I chose the piano to reflect his inner beauty. Ryuji’s theme features the guitar, aligning with his more dynamic and expressive nature. Saki’s character is represented through woodwind instruments, which evoke a sense of warmth and gentleness.”
Q: How did you ensure that the music closely aligns with the characters’ emotions and scenes?
Hashimoto: “I paid meticulous attention to the atmosphere of each scene. For emotionally charged moments, I used minimalist arrangements with live instruments like piano and woodwinds. In contrast, upbeat scenes incorporate a guitar band feel to enhance the lively atmosphere. For comedic scenes, I aimed for a balance between humor and cuteness without overdoing it.”
Q: What do you believe is essential when working on an anime soundtrack?
Hashimoto: “Anime music should complement the visuals and enhance the narrative. I often work on the music before the animation is complete, so I refer to the script and original work to ensure the music fits the intended mood. Creating a memorable melody is also a key aspect of my approach.”
Q: How do you interpret the concept of ‘normalcy’ as it relates to the character Makoto, who struggles with his unique sense of self?
Hashimoto: “Normalcy is often defined by societal standards or the majority. However, I believe that what each person considers ‘normal’ can vary and it’s okay for it to be a bit different from the norm.”
Q: Can you share any standout episodes or scenes from the series that left an impression on you?
Hashimoto: “One memorable scene is from Episode 3, where Saki finds Makoto’s shoes and runs with them. The melody for this scene was crafted to reflect the theme of the story and build a memorable musical moment. Additionally, the music for Saki running against the backdrop of the sea was specifically composed to match her emotional state and the speed of her movements.”
Q: Do you have a message for fans eagerly awaiting the anime’s release?
Hashimoto: “I hope viewers will enjoy watching how the three main characters evolve and how their relationships with others develop throughout the series. I’m excited for everyone to experience ‘Senpai wa Otoko no Ko’ and hope it brings as much joy to them as it did to me while creating the music.”
Broadcast and Streaming Information
- Broadcast: Premieres on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” and other stations from July 4, 2024, every Thursday at 24:55. (Please note that the time may be subject to change.)
- Streaming: Available on Netflix, U-NEXT, and Anime Houdai starting July 4, 2024, with early access at 25:25 every Thursday. Additional platforms will follow.
About the Series
“Senpai wa Otoko no Ko” follows Makoto Hanaoka, a high school student who loves cute things and lives his life as a ‘otokonoko’ (a boy who dresses as a girl). The story explores his complex relationships with his junior, Emi Aoi, and his best friend, Ryuji Oga, highlighting themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
Voice Cast:
- Makoto Hanaoka: Shuichiro Umeda
- Emi Aoi: Akira Sekine
- Ryuji Oga: Yuma Uchida
- Mika Hanaoka: Mai Nakahara
- Konatsu Oga: Kaori Maeda
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Don’t miss the chance to dive into the heartwarming world of “Senpai wa Otoko no Ko” this summer!
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