The anime film "Blue Lock -EPISODE Nagi-" was released on the 19th. In commemoration, an official interview with voice actors Subaru Kimura and Seiya of the comedy duo Shimonoseki Meisei was published.

"Blue Lock," currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine, is based on the manga of the same name. It depicts Japan's ambitious project to cultivate high school soccer players capable of filling the role of "overwhelmingly egotistic forwards" which the national team lacks, aiming for victory in the Soccer World Cup. The story follows the journey towards the birth of a revolutionary striker at the cost of the soccer careers of 299 out of 300 gathered forwards. The comics series has surpassed 30 million copies in circulation.

Since October 2022, the TV anime has been broadcast, and a second season has been confirmed. The movie is based on "Blue Lock -EPISODE Nagi-" currently serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, reimagining the struggle within "Blue Lock" from the perspective of the genius, Seishiro Nagi, and presenting a new story.

Subaru Kimura Interview

Did you know about "Blue Lock" before the offer?

Although I was aware of the title, I hadn’t read the manga or watched the anime before. However, knowing many voice actor colleagues involved in such a popular anime, I decided to read the manga after receiving the role.

What do you think contributes to "Blue Lock's" popularity?

There are many soccer anime, but "Blue Lock" stands out with its "tension" and elements beyond just soccer. The soccer played at "Blue Lock = the blue prison" makes for an exciting read!

First impression of your character, Namaoka Ryo?

A throwaway character! I was told, "We have a movie version of 'Blue Lock' coming up with an original character named Namaoka Ryo, and we'd love for you to play him." When I heard that, I thought, 'Wow, original movie character, exciting!' Then I looked him up and saw 'throwaway character' right at the beginning. Before reading the manga, I realized, 'Oh, he's going to be gone quickly.'I was quite thoughtful about how to play him after reading on a summary page that he was a "poor captain."

What aspects did you focus on while portraying him?

I played him as a strong, boss-like character, one of the bosses of the movie. I still don't think I've lost!

What do you consistently do or cherish in striving for the top, as "Blue Lock" players aim to be the world's best striker?

I don’t really want to share (laughs). It’s embarrassing! If I have a goal or dream, I tell people about it. Instead of keeping it to myself, I say, 'I'm going to do this,' or 'Look out for this by next year.' By expressing it, it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Any message for the fans awaiting the movie?

Namaoka Ryo hasn't lost yet, as far as I'm concerned. See how it turns out in the theater! Maybe the director will change something based on my performance. He might just make it to the end!

Seiya Interview

How was it voicing a character in "Blue Lock"?

I was surprised to be part of "Blue Lock." I never thought I'd enter the world of "Blue Lock." I even talked with the creator, who had seen my videos of eating sushi. It’s amazing how close the work feels to me now.

What appeals to you about "Blue Lock"?

It's outrageously bold, both in a good and bad way. It's the most gripping soccer manga from the first episode, not just because of its unique take but because it focuses on strikers in a way that's rarely been done before.

Did your background in soccer influence your performance?

Honestly, my portrayal was very 'Seiya-like.' But I had to drop the soccer player side of myself to fit into the "Blue Lock" world (laughs).

What about your character in the film, Seishiro Nagi's teammate?

My partner is a genius! If he’s a genius, then I must be one for working with him (laughs).

Lastly, any message for the fans?

I’m looking forward to seeing "Blue Lock" on the big screen. Let’s enjoy the wild world of "Blue Lock" together!