This work is full of highlights, including romantic comedy elements centered around the main character, Masamune Okumura (voiced by Jun’ya Enoki), and a passionate story about devoting oneself to cosplay and otaku activities.
In this article, we interview Maeda Kaori, who plays one of the main heroines, Amano Ririsa!
From the appeal of this work, which has a heat that rivals other “sports-themed” works, to Maeda’s approach to her work, in which she says she “never wanted to compromise, even at the audition stage,” this is a passionate interview that lives up to the name of the work!
-First of all, could you tell us what you found appealing about this work?
Maeda Kaori (Maeda), voice of Amano Ririsa: I read the original work during the audition, and I was first drawn to the illustrations. At the beginning, I thought it would be a bright and fun work with a memorable romantic comedy element, but as I read on, I realized it was quite sports-oriented! The theme is cosplay, and there are many everyday scenes, but I felt the passion that is typical of a classic Jump work. I feel like I was taught the importance and difficulty of pursuing what you love and taking something seriously.
-Have you always liked sports-themed works?
Maeda: I love it. I love “Hajime no Ippo” and it’s no exaggeration to say that it was a work that changed my life (laughs).
–As Mr. Maeda said, the illustrations are also attractive.
Maeda: It’s beautiful, isn’t it? The way the characters are deformed in the comedy scenes is cute, and I think it has a good balance between beautiful and cute. I think a lot of people are looking forward to seeing how it will be portrayed in the animation.
The girls are drawn with soft lines. Each character pursues a cosplay that suits their body type, and I feel that the artist has paid particular attention to the way each character’s bone structure and body shape are drawn. I think that regardless of gender, you will find the characters endearing.
–What kind of character is Amano Lilisa, played by Maeda-san?
Maeda: Lilisa is a reserved girl at first. I intentionally acted like that in the beginning, but that was only a small part of it (laughs).
I thought the same when I first read the work, but Lilisa is like a boy. In acting, I put that boyish passion in her heart into her lines. Of course, she has a cute side, but I wanted to emphasize that she is the main character of a Jump work!
–That boyish passion is the core of your acting.
Maeda: I’m playing her as a passionate character (laughs). What’s great about Lilisa is that she influences those around her by cherishing her passion and acting accordingly. She has the power to move the people around her and shake their hearts, and Lilisa’s attitude is both cool and cute…
The message and lines of the work are very important, so I have to be more serious than I think, otherwise the viewers won’t understand. In particular, I give my all to my dialogue with Junya Enoki, so much so that we’re both covered in sweat after recording. When I’m dubbing this work, I feel like I’m getting a taste of youth.
–How did you approach the role of Lilisa during the audition?
Maeda: I think momentum is important. When I read the original work, I felt that I needed to convey more passion than I thought, so it was difficult to balance it with cuteness. I made various adjustments while recording the audition tape. Then, when my manager heard the tape, he said, “You can do it! Let’s do it more!” This part also feels like a club activity (laughs).
He understands my abilities and potential, so he was able to bring out the passion in me as Lilisa. Thanks to that, I was surprised that I got the role at the tape audition stage this time. I’m really grateful.
–You sometimes discuss acting with your manager, don’t you?
Maeda: Our company (Amuse) has a very athletic spirit, and many of our managers and talents are like wrestlers.
最近やっとできるようになったことではあるんですけど、マネージャーさんから作品や演技を客観的に見た時の意見をいただいて、議論することもあります。オーディションテープでも一切妥協はしたくないので。
限られた時間の中で、より良いテープを出すことは絶対に譲りたくないですし、オーディションを受けて欲しいというご指名に対しての誠意だと思っています。
一方で満足のいく役作りをして収録に臨んだとしても、本番で生まれる“何か”があるのは事実です。でも、本番前にどれだけ基盤を作れているかでスタートが変わってくると思うので、この作品では、収録前からしっかり詰めて良かったなと思っています。
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