The TV anime 'ATRI -Dear Moments-' began airing on the 13th. Set in a near future where an unexplained rise in sea levels has submerged much of the land, the story revolves around a boy and a mysterious girl. We interviewed Hikaru Akao, who plays Atri, and Kensho Ono, who plays Natsuki Ikaruga, about the charm of the series and what to look forward to.

Interview

—Despite Natsuki’s dark past, the first episode, with its beautiful underwater scenes and music, was somewhat thrilling. What were your thoughts on the first episode, and what were your favorite scenes?

Akao:
Atri's sparkling eyes and the shimmering sea are adorable and beautiful, and it's cute how Atri's ahoge moves with her emotions. My favorite scene is the romantic underwater kiss.

Ono:
The scene where Natsuki finds Atri stands out. Natsuki and Catherine dive to salvage what they believe is treasure underwater, only to discover Atri at Natsuki's grandmother's former home. This pivotal meeting scene is significant, and Atri's mysterious presence in the water leaves a strong impression on Natsuki, suggesting an immediate connection.

—The tagline is 'An unforgettable summer is coming.' Can you share some of your own summer memories, particularly related to the sea?

Akao:
My summer training camp for the broadcasting club was memorable. It was an intense club, akin to a sports club, with preparations for the NHK contest, gathering materials, and even written tests on equipment. The fireworks night with alumni was particularly fun!

Ono:
After graduating from high school, during my late teens to early twenties, I had a lot of free time. Whenever I felt uncertain about the future or frustrated with a lack of work, I would ride my bike to Enoshima to see the sea. I fondly remember being shown a special shortcut by a local elderly lady, which only island residents knew about, allowing me to skip climbing the mountain to reach the other side.

—Atri's catchphrase is "Because I'm high-performance!" If Atri were in your household, what would you ask her to do? Whether it’s making breakfast or cleaning the room, tell us one thing.

Akao:
She’s so high-performance that she might create more work for me, so I’d rather not have her do housework. It would be fun if she accompanied me on shopping trips!

Ono:
I would want her to clean, but I suspect it might get messier. So, I'd ask for massages. With all the screen reading for script checks and other work, my neck and shoulders get very stiff. Her high-performance power would be perfect for a good massage.

—Meeting Atri brings changes to Natsuki's heart. What developments can we expect in the following episodes? What should viewers look out for in the story?

Akao:
I hope viewers enjoy the pace at which Natsuki and Atri connect. Atri's seemingly casual words will play a significant role in future developments, so pay attention to the details!

Ono:
In the first episode, Natsuki appears quite passive, almost resigned. Watching how his emotions change after meeting Atri is key. Additionally, characters like Catherine and Mena Moe will bring more charm to the story, offering hope and solutions in their challenging lives. Please continue to support us!

ATRI -Dear Moments- Story

In a near future where unexplained sea level rise has submerged much of the land, Natsuki Ikaruga, a boy who lost his leg in an accident during childhood, gives up on urban life and moves to a seaside rural town. Left with only his late oceanographer grandmother’s boat and submersible, and a pile of debt, Natsuki dives to retrieve his grandmother's legacy from an underwater warehouse. There, he discovers Atri, a mysterious girl who looks and feels human but is a highly sophisticated and emotional robot. Atri, salvaged from the sea, says, "I want to fulfill my master’s last command. Until then, I will be your leg, Natsuki!"

Source : ORICON NEWS