The highly anticipated “Given: To the Sea” movie, set to be released on September 20, 2024, will mark the final chapter of the “Given” series, following the emotional arcs explored in “Given the Movie” and “Hiiragi Mix.” To celebrate the release, Masatomo Nakazawa, the voice behind Haruki Nakayama, sat down with Animate Times to discuss Haruki’s development, the significance of the story, and his own personal connection to the character.
The “Hiiragi Mix” Story: Choices and Changes
When asked about his thoughts on “Hiiragi Mix,” Nakazawa shared, “The story revolves around childhood friends, but the underlying theme is about ‘choices.’ Characters must confront pivotal life decisions like ‘professional debut’ and ‘graduation.’ These choices bring them closer to understanding their own emotions and force them to change, whether that means moving forward or stopping altogether.”
Nakazawa admits that even as a voice actor, reading the original work left him eager to know how the story would unfold.
Preparing for “Given: To the Sea”
For Nakazawa, portraying Haruki in “To the Sea” involved a deeper understanding of the character’s emotional journey. “While ‘Hiiragi Mix’ focuses on change, ‘To the Sea’ allows Haruki to solidify his position. He no longer feels uncertain but instead watches over his bandmates, particularly Ritsuka and Mafuyu.”
This shift in Haruki’s role demonstrates his growth as a character who moves from the sidelines to a more supportive role, embodying maturity and understanding.
Haruki’s Emotional Growth: A Personal Parallel
Nakazawa revealed how Haruki’s struggles resonated deeply with his own experiences. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to Haruki. In the early stages of working with my fellow voice actors, who are extremely talented and experienced, I often questioned if I truly belonged.”
He recalled a specific scene from “Given the Movie,” where Haruki yells, “Do I even matter?” Nakazawa admits, “That line echoed my own feelings at one point in my career.” However, Haruki’s eventual growth and his relationship with Akihiko, who reassures him that he is needed, paralleled Nakazawa’s own path of self-acceptance.
“For both Haruki and myself, that moment was a turning point. His growth is also my growth,” Nakazawa confessed, expressing gratitude for having played the character.
Haruki’s Role in “Given: To the Sea”
In the final chapter of the “Given” series, Haruki takes on a different role compared to previous entries. “Now, Haruki watches over Mafuyu, Ritsuka, and the rest of the band. While he’s optimistic that things will work out, he can’t help but worry. Haruki’s focus is on preparing for the band’s professional debut, leaving much of the emotional support to Akihiko.”
Despite the band’s newfound unity, Haruki still feels an urge to support the younger members, specifically Mafuyu and Ritsuka, from a position of maturity and responsibility.
The Appeal of Kizu Natsuki’s Storytelling
Nakazawa was full of praise for the original manga’s creator, Kizu Natsuki. “What I love about her work is how she balances delicate storytelling with moments of fun. I wish we could have animated more of the humorous moments from the manga, like the secret profiles or YouTuber Hiiragi segments. Those little extras add so much charm to the story.”
Nakazawa’s Favorite Scenes in “To the Sea”
When asked to name his most anticipated scenes, Nakazawa immediately mentioned the final live performance and a poignant swing scene. “I’m especially excited to see how these scenes sound in the theater. I have no doubt that I’ll cry during the live performance—it’s that emotional.”
He also encouraged fans to stay for the end credits, which will feature a song by Centimillimental, promising a beautiful conclusion to the “Given” saga.
“Given: To the Sea” Release Information: Release Date: September 20, 2024
Don’t miss the emotional conclusion to the “Given” series, filled with love, music, and personal growth. Be sure to catch the film in theaters and stay for the stunning end credits performance!
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