“Mayonaka Punch,” the latest original TV anime from PAWORKS, known for hits like Paripi Kongming, premiered on July 8, 2024. In this interview, we speak with Ai Kayano, who plays the cool and mysterious Yuki. As the show reaches its climax, Kayano shares her thoughts on Yuki’s character evolution and her experience in the role.
Q: Yuki’s True Identity Was Revealed. How Did You Feel?
Kayano: I was just as surprised as the viewers! When I auditioned for Yuki’s role, there weren’t any lines for Yukirinko, so I had no idea about her true nature until much later in the series.
Q: Did You Find This Uncommon?
Kayano: It’s not unusual for original works like Mayonaka Punch to keep the story unfolding as we go along. Each new script brought fresh surprises, making it a very exciting experience.
Q: Yuki’s Character Has Changed a Lot Over Time. Can You Tell Us More?
Kayano: At first, Yuki seemed like a loyal follower of “Mother” and someone who might be an antagonist. But as the episodes progressed, her layers began to peel back, showing her vulnerability, like when she was affected by garlic. This brought out different aspects of her personality, which was fun to explore as an actor.
Q: You Had to Perform a Game Commentary in the Show. How Did You Prepare for That?
Kayano: The director recommended a couple of game commentary channels to watch. It was my first time seeing female gamers narrate, and their casual, almost conversational style really struck me. I wanted to bring that relaxed feel into Yuki’s performance.
Q: Episode 10 Was Filled with Unique Humor and Gameplay References. What Did You Think of It?
Kayano: It was so much fun! The flashback scenes were presented like retro games, which was a fresh take for anime storytelling. The rivalry between Yuki and Ribu, which stemmed from something as silly as a choker, had me laughing out loud. It’s those lighthearted moments that made working on this show truly enjoyable.
Q: Any Final Thoughts on Yuki and the Show?
Kayano: Playing Yuki has been a blast, especially with all the unexpected twists. I also gained a newfound interest in retro games, thanks to Mayonaka Punch! I hope the fans continue to enjoy the show as much as we did making it.
For fans of Mayonaka Punch, the story continues to unfold with more surprises to come. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Yuki’s journey and the wild adventures of the Harikiri Sisters!
コメント