Additional cast members for the TV anime Magilumiere Co. Ltd. (airing October 4) have been announced. Chika Anzai will voice Mei Tsuchiba, a magical girl working for Ast Corporation, the largest magical girl company, while Akira Ishida will play Koga Kei, the CEO of Ast Corporation, who harbors some sort of grudge against Shigemoto.

The anime is based on the popular manga serialized in Shonen Jump+. It is set in a world where “apparitions,” a kind of natural disaster, exist, and magical girls who exterminate them have become a dream profession. The series blends action with the world of work, set in a company of magical girls. It was ranked 3rd in the "Next Manga Award 2022" in the Web Manga category.

The story begins with the protagonist, Kana Sakuragi, who gets caught in an apparition attack at a job interview. There, she meets the tough magical girl Hitomi Koshigaya. Struggling with her job search and losing confidence, Kana helps Hitomi battle the apparitions, leading her to discover her own potential as a magical girl. She joins the startup Magilumiere Co. Ltd. as a new graduate, and together with her quirky senior colleagues, she strives to succeed both as a professional and as a magical girl.

Chika Anzai’s Comments:

Q1: Impression of the series? "While magical girls are usually associated with fantasy, in this story, they exist as a profession within a company, and they engage in mechanical battles. It’s a simple yet exciting concept! The balance between fantasy and the reality of working as a company employee makes it really fun to watch!"

Q2: Impression of the character you voice and your enthusiasm? "Mei Tsuchiba, the character I voice, is incredibly diligent and rational, focused on achieving her goals. She seems to view emotions and determination as weaknesses, remaining cool and steadfast. Her clashes with Magilumiere’s values are a key part of the story’s appeal, and I’m looking forward to throwing myself into the role! Please look forward to the broadcast!"

Akira Ishida’s Comments:

Q1: Impression of the series? "It’s fascinating how the classic fantasy trope of magical girls is grounded in reality by depicting it as a corporate-run business. This makes the story feel very down-to-earth, almost like a salaryman manga."

Q2: Impression of the character you voice and your enthusiasm? "Koga is very much a villain, born from the corporate setting of managing magical girls. His rationalist management style pits him against the more compassionate characters. While his actions might be criticized in real life, they aren’t illegal, and it's hard to say he’s wrong as a business leader. This realistic portrayal, far removed from idealism, is what makes the character interesting to me."

Source : ORICON NEWS