As the much-anticipated film “Given: To the Sea” is set to release on September 20, 2024, fans worldwide are excited to see the final chapter of the “Given” series. From the TV anime to the OADs and the movie adaptations, the “Given” franchise has captured the hearts of its audience with its emotional depth and musical storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Takuya Eguchi, the voice of Akihiko Kaji, shares his thoughts on his character and reflects on his journey through the series.
The Evolution of Akihiko Kaji
Eguchi expressed immense gratitude for being able to continue playing Akihiko Kaji, a character who has evolved significantly throughout the series. He emphasized how Akihiko’s role has shifted in “Given: To the Sea,” especially as the film focuses on the dynamics between Mafuyu Sato and Ritsuka Uenoyama.
“I approached my performance by waiting and letting the story unfold naturally, especially in scenes with Haruki Nakayama. We wanted to convey a sense of everyday life between them, showing the kind of conversations they usually have.” Eguchi reflects on how Akihiko’s maturity has allowed him to take a more observant role in the story’s latest chapter.
Capturing the Emotional Core of the Series
Eguchi highlighted how the heart of “Given” lies in expressing emotions that are often difficult to verbalize. The series, particularly through its music, has conveyed feelings that resonate with both the characters and the audience. One scene that particularly stood out to him was the live performance in episode 9 of the TV anime, where Mafuyu’s song profoundly moved both Eguchi and fans alike.
“In Given, emotions are often conveyed through music. Even if you don’t fully understand the feelings, they still reach you,” Eguchi notes. He recalls being deeply moved by Mafuyu’s emotional performance, which mirrored the experience he had when reading the manga.
A Unique Relationship with Haruki
Akihiko’s complex relationship with Haruki Nakayama takes a more subtle tone in “Given: To the Sea.” Eguchi explains that Akihiko’s encouragement to Uenoyama, saying that music is the only way to pull Mafuyu out of his emotional struggles, is deeply tied to Akihiko’s own experience with music.
“Akihiko knows that music is a powerful tool to connect people. His encouragement stems from his years of playing the violin,” Eguchi explains. He believes that Akihiko’s relationship with Haruki, which saw significant development in “Given the Movie,” helps Akihiko better understand the emotional turmoil the other characters face.
The Magic of Kizu Natsuki’s Original Work
Reflecting on Kizu Natsuki’s original manga, Eguchi praises the author’s ability to bring the story to life. He described the manga as “alive and pulsating,” where the characters’ emotions leap off the pages and directly connect with the reader.
“One of the most compelling aspects of the original manga is how it captures the feeling of being alive. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience,” Eguchi shares, acknowledging the impact the series has had on both himself and its fanbase.
Final Thoughts: What to Look Forward to in “Given: To the Sea”
As for what fans can look forward to in the upcoming movie, Eguchi couldn’t contain his excitement about the live performance scenes.
“The live scenes are going to hit hard. The music comes in at the perfect moment, making it almost unfair how powerful it is,” Eguchi laughs, hinting that these moments will be a major highlight for fans. He encourages viewers to reflect on the journey of “Given” and immerse themselves in the final chapter.
With just days left before the release of “Given: To the Sea,” Takuya Eguchi’s reflections offer fans a glimpse into the emotional depth of the movie and the series as a whole. From heartfelt performances to deeply resonant music, the final chapter promises to leave a lasting impression.
By focusing on Eguchi’s personal insights, the emotional themes of the series, and the anticipation surrounding the final movie, this article not only appeals to dedicated “Given” fans but also enhances its searchability with relevant keywords like “Given: To the Sea,” “Takuya Eguchi interview,” and “Akihiko Kaji.”
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