Veteran voice actor Kenyu Horiuchi attended a stage greeting event in Tokyo on the 15th to celebrate the release of Mononoke: Part 2 – Fire Rat. During the event, he shared behind-the-scenes stories from the dubbing process.

Horiuchi’s Toughest Role Yet

Horiuchi, who has been in the industry for over 40 years, confessed,
"When I saw the character design of the senior statesman Otomo, I thought, 'This is a major crisis.'"

Explaining the difficulty, he added,
"This isn't just a typical villain. This is a man with power who manipulates others into doing his dirty work. I struggled with how to portray such a cunning and sinister character."

Behind-the-Scenes Banter with Fellow Voice Actors

During the actual recording, Horiuchi shared, "I went to the studio and gave my first line in a slightly higher pitch for impact. After the test run, [co-star] Setsuji Sato, who was next to me, said, 'Horiuchi-san, that's a bit too much,' to which I replied, 'You're not in a position to say that!'" His anecdote drew laughter from the audience.

A Fun and Collaborative Atmosphere

Continuing his story, he added, "Then the director said, 'Okay, let's go with that.' So I kept teasing Setsuji, saying, 'Take that!'" he grinned. "That playful competition among the cast helped create a great atmosphere. If my character’s cunningness comes across well, then I think it worked out. I was allowed to perform quite freely."

Horiuchi also noted the challenges of the film’s fast-paced action scenes: "The tempo is quick, so if you extend an action scene, it just passes you by. You have to synchronize perfectly with the big movements." He joked, "At my age, by the time I react to an animated motion, I'm already two seconds behind!" His comment was met with playful protests from his co-stars, with Hiroshi Kamiya saying, "That was too long," and Yoko Hikasa advising, "Maybe it's time to stop now," prompting more laughter.

In closing, Horiuchi shared his thoughts on the completed film: "No matter how many times I watch it, it makes me cry. I'm truly grateful to have been part of a project that gave me chills."

Mononoke: The Movie – Chapter Two: Fire Rat (Kaso)

The Mononoke franchise originated from the 2006 anime anthology Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales with its popular Bakeneko arc. The series received its own anime adaptation the following year and has remained a cult favorite for 18 years.

Following the first theatrical installment, Mononoke: Karakasa, released in July 2024, this film is the second in a planned trilogy. It preserves the unique washi-paper textures and vivid, artful storytelling that define the series while expanding on the mysterious world of the Medicine Seller.

A Tale of Power Struggles in the Inner Palace

Following the first chapter, the story continues within the Ooku (Women’s Inner Palace), where noble families engage in ruthless schemes and conflicts over succession. As the women’s burning emotions manifest into a Mononoke, the Medicine Seller must once again confront this supernatural force.

The event featured Hiroshi Kamiya, Yoko Hikasa, Haruka Tomatsu, Kenyuu Horiuchi, director Kiyotaka Suzuki, and chief director Kenji Nakamura.

Source : ORICON NEWS