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Japan Anime News Edit by Satoru Shoji

[MHA] Ayane Sakura & Misato Fukuen Brought to Tears in My Hero Academia Recording: Ochako vs. Toga “My Voice is Done”

To commemorate the airing of Episode 20 (Episode 158 overall) of the 7th season of the anime My Hero Academia, titled "Girl's Ego," scheduled for tomorrow, October 5th, comments from Ayane Sakura (voice of Ochako Uraraka) and Misato Fukuen (voice of Himiko Toga) have been released.


Visual from My Hero Academia Season 7 (C) Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Production Committee

Visual from My Hero Academia Season 7 (C) Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Production Committee


Q: How did you feel when you first read the story of Episode 20, "Girl's Ego," in the original manga?

Ayane Sakura
Even though I had somewhat imagined this day would come in the back of my mind, when Horikoshi-sensei’s artwork confronted me with the reality of it, I was left in a daze, crying uncontrollably. My emotions were a whirlwind of affirmation and denial, but I couldn't think I wish I'd never met these characters. I was just overwhelmingly grateful for having encountered My Hero Academia and Himiko Toga.


Himiko Toga via Anime MHA

Scene cuts from My Hero Academia Season 7 (C) Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Production Committee


Misato Fukuen
As a fan, before even being Toga's voice actor, I was overwhelmed by the incredible conclusion. For years, I kept wondering if Toga could possibly live in society, atoning for her sins without hurting anyone anymore. But that would be forcing her into the box of 'normal' that has tormented her all her life... For those who already know, I think you understand. But for those who don’t, I hope you’ll watch the anime and witness the lives of these characters.


Ochako  via Anime MHA

Scene cuts from My Hero Academia Season 7 (C) Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Production Committee


Q: What were your thoughts leading up to the recording, and how did you approach the session on the day of?

Ayane Sakura
I kept feeling like I wished this recording day wouldn’t come. It was like a constant, gentle pressure on my throat, but at the same time, I had a strong sense of duty to help move forward the time of these characters, who are already in the midst of their suffering. I arrived at the studio with my emotions all tangled. I sat next to Fukuen-san, but we left a small gap between us. That bit of distance, while sitting side by side, felt just right, and allowed me to fully focus on the session.



Misato Fukuen
While I was deeply moved by the original manga, I also felt a heavy pressure, thinking, 'Oh, we’re going to perform this someday...' On top of that, I didn’t want it to end, so part of me wished the day would come as late as possible. On the day of recording, everything was eerily quiet, both inside my heart and mind, and in the studio too. Maybe this is how it feels to head into a battle. I wasn't entirely free of anxiety, but when I saw Ayane-chan, her aura was completely different than usual. I felt excited at the thought of clashing head-on with her in the performance.



Q: How did you feel about your interactions during the recording?

Ayane Sakura
I cried the whole time. During the recording, I could barely see the script, and I hardly remember anything. Toga's face from the storyboard is all that stayed burned into my mind. It felt less like acting and more like truly living through it. I think there were merciless retakes flying my way, but I barely recall that. I don’t know which take was chosen either, so I’ll only find out during the broadcast. Between breaks, my senior colleagues would tell me, 'That was amazing,' and 'You did great.' Their words reassured me, but I kept returning to the script, hurting my heart, and crying all over again. Fukuen-san, on the other hand, had a refreshed look and said, 'Ayane-chan, why are you crying so much?' while smiling. That made it even harder for me, and after the recording ended, I kept crying while walking through the streets alone.



Misato Fukuen
Honestly, my memory of the session is scattered. I do remember thinking at some point, 'My throat is done for.' My throat was sore for 2–3 days afterward. The sound director and staff gave me extremely precise guidance to ensure I didn’t get too subjective in my performance. We recorded with incredible care, and while there might be some rough parts due to the rawness of the performance that Ayane-chan and I brought out in that moment, I have no regrets.



Q: Do you have a message for fans and viewers who are waiting for the broadcast?

Ayane Sakura
The relationship that started with Deku has gradually turned into a story of pride between two young girls. I struggled until the very end with how to portray Ochako's humanity, not just as a hero, and to make sure I didn't miss capturing any of her emotions. Please witness the conclusion these two little girls, who were influenced by Deku, arrive at."



Misato Fukuen
The day has finally come. I haven't seen the final version yet either, so I’m excited to watch the broadcast with all of you. I've voiced Himiko Toga for about 10 years now. She’s complex and multi-layered, so there's always been a bit of distance between us. But in this episode, there was a moment when I felt completely in sync with her. I hope the emotions of this clumsy Toga-chan and the kind Ochako-chan reach all of you. Don't miss the climax of Season 7!


Voice Actor

Ayane Sakura (voice of Ochako Uraraka)

Ayane Sakura (voice of Ochako Uraraka)


Misato Fukuen (voice of Himiko Toga)

Misato Fukuen (voice of Himiko Toga)


Source : ORICON NEWS