The cast information for the completely new TV anime "Ranma ½" (premiering on October 5 on Nippon TV) has been announced. The main character Saotome Ranma will be voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi, with Megumi Hayashibara as female Ranma and Noriko Hidaka as Akane Tendo, continuing the cast from the original 1989 broadcast. Comments from the three actors have arrived, sharing their memories from that time.

"Ranma ½" is a martial arts romantic comedy centered around high school student Saotome Ranma, who turns into a girl when splashed with water, and his fiancée Akane Tendo, depicting their daily lives and the chaos that ensues around them. The popular manga by Rumiko Takahashi was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday" from 1987 to 1996, with the TV anime airing from 1989 to 1992. It was later adapted into theatrical and OVA formats, and in 2011, it was made into a live-action drama starring Yui Aragaki as Akane.

Kappei Yamaguchi (Saotome Ranma) Comment:

"Woo-hoo! What kind of reward is this!? I can’t believe I get to do 'Ranma ½' again with this cast! Thank you so much to the fans who waited and the staff who gave us this chance!!!! I've been eager to share my joy and gratitude, and now I finally can!! 'Ranma' is my roots! I'll cherish every moment of playing Ranma, with the commitment that my voice acting career 'starts and ends with Ranma!'"

Megumi Hayashibara (Female Ranma) Comment:

"Thirty-five years ago, when the cast was announced, as a newcomer, I received fan letters saying things like 'Who are you!' and 'Get off the stage!' About three months into the broadcast, I started receiving letters of apology saying 'You're perfect' and 'It's fun to watch.' Now it's the era of social media. There will surely be praise and criticism flying around (laughs). The red pigtails in my mind say, 'Bring it on. I'll knock them all down!' Calm down, Ranma... The studio! It's insanely fun."

Noriko Hidaka (Akane Tendo) Comment:

"I can't believe I get to participate as Akane-chan in 'Ranma ½' again! Announcing this during the milestone year of my 40th anniversary as a voice actress is a joy beyond words. With the completely new series being produced from episode one, I’ll strive to express the full charm of the original work alongside a cast with family-like teamwork. Whether you're a longtime fan of 'Ranma ½' or watching for the first time, please look forward to it!"

Source : ORICON NEWS