Ahead of the series’ broadcast, Animate Times conducted interviews with the main cast. In this first article, we asked Hikaru Akao, who plays the heroine Atori, about her enthusiasm for the anime adaptation and what the highlights of the series are.
This is a must-read for what Akao-san was conscious of when playing the energetic robot Atori, and for his interactions with the director and sound director during recording. Be sure to check it out before the broadcast!
–I think it’s a role from the original game. How did you end up playing the role of Atoli at the time?
Hikaru Akao (Akao), voice of Atori: When I went to the office to pick up some documents for another matter, my manager told me that I’d been chosen for the role of Atori. I had known Yoko Hikasa for a while, and she was playing the role of Catherine, so I felt at ease, and I remember just how happy I was to be involved in this production.
- Were there any memorable events during recording of the original game?
Akao: “ANIPLEX.EXE” producer Hiroki Shimada and others came to watch the recording every time, and I was able to act freely while making various adjustments with the sound directors. I remember that there were a lot of delicious things left as treats during the breaks, so I was full by the end. It was a really warm and cozy atmosphere, and I was able to enjoy acting.
–Please tell us about any memorable scenes while playing Atoli in the game.
Akao: In one scene towards the end, if I shed tears during the shoot, it would have been a hindrance, so I tried to build up my emotions to the very limit. As a result, I got the OK in one take, so looking back now, I think I was able to face my own feelings with peace of mind.
–When did you hear about the anime adaptation?
Akao: Ever since recording the game, the staff had said they wanted to turn it into an anime, and I also continued to hope that their wish would come true, and finally that wish has come true.
–Did your impression of the character Atori change in any way as he went from a game to an anime?
Akao: I recorded the game alone, so I had already decided in my mind that Atori should speak like this. However, when I listened closely to the other cast members’ acting during the post-recording, the idea that he shouldn’t say things with that nuance started to arise. At first, I was really confused about how to speak to the other person in a considerate way.
Also, when I checked the footage for the dubbing, I was impressed by how detailed his movements were, and it was a little difficult to match my voice to those movements. The game recording was over four years ago, so I was at the mercy of the task of breaking the mold that I had in mind for Atoli. With the premise that Atoli has a naive yet slightly tyrannical side from the game, in the anime I placed more emphasis on acting more like a human.
–Atori has a habit of saying, “She’s highly functional,” so in line with that, please tell us what you think are her charms and high-performance aspects.
Akao: I think she’s a character that’s appealing because of her white skin, silky, beautiful cream-colored hair, and the ruby eyes that only a robot can have. She seems demure at first, but once she starts talking, she’s very energetic, and sometimes even a little provocative. She’s not just cute, but I think she’s interesting.
-What do you keep in mind when playing Atori in the anime?
Akao: Atori always has a bright smile on his face, so I always act with full energy… I guess. It’s a little different from being lively, but I always try to give it my all so that I can add some bright spice to the atmosphere even when the people around me are feeling gloomy.
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