[Interview] "Princessession Orchestra" Cast Azusa Aoi, Yuri Fujimoto, and Azusa Tachibana Share Admiration and Empathy for Their Characters — Inspired by Veteran Voice Actors Like Hiro Shimono
The TV anime Princessession Orchestra, airing Sundays at 9:00 a.m. on the six-network TV Tokyo series, premieres on April 6. Voice actresses Azusa Aoi (Minamo Sorano / Princess Ripple), Yuri Fujimoto (Kagari Sakibe / Princess Zeal), and Azusa Tachibana (Nagase Ichijō / Princess Meteor), who portray the main heroines, sat down together to discuss the charm of their characters.
The story takes place in the fantastical world of Alicepia, a land full of joy and inhabited by fun-loving Alicepians. However, one day, mysterious monsters called Jamaocks appear, gradually threatening the peace of Alicepia. In this crisis, the story follows the adventures of "princesses" who never forget to sing from the heart.
Azusa Aoi voices Minamo Sorano / Princess Ripple, Yuri Fujimoto plays Kagari Sakibe / Princess Zeal, and Azusa Tachibana takes on Nagase Ichijō / Princess Meteor.
Each character discovers who they want to be and works toward their dreams, growing through dedication and effort. This original animation delivers a passionate message about staying true to one's values and supporting others, especially in today's world where diverse identities and aspirations are celebrated.
Empathy and Admiration for Captivating Characters
Aoi:
I love how earnest Minamo is. She's the type to face obstacles head-on, even in everyday life—situations that would normally make others stop in their tracks. She feels very close to me personally. Watching Minamo, I realize there’s no shortcut. You just have to overcome each hurdle one at a time. Sometimes she even surprises you with her strength—it’s cool. I think that’s what makes her so appealing.
Fujimoto:
Kagari is incredibly strong. She became a princess before the other two and has been fighting Jamaocks alone for a while. Her skills and inner strength are remarkable. When something bad happens in a wonderful world like Alicepia, most would think, “This is scary, I don’t want to do this. Someone else deal with it.” But Kagari says, “If I have the power to become a princess, then I have to protect it.” Even when she hits a wall or can’t win, she quickly switches gears and thinks, “Then I just have to become stronger.” She’s always moving forward.
During character meetings, the staff told me, “Kagari’s heart never breaks. She handles things on her own.” That really showed me how strong she is—something I don’t have myself, so I admire her, even though she’s younger than me. And yet, she has these cute, girlish sides too. That contrast is what makes her so lovable.
See more photos: Yuri Fujimoto
Tachibana:
Nagase is the only junior member among the three. She’s always cheerful and energetic—just a straight-shooter. But she’s not just a happy-go-lucky go-getter. She struggles with being hyped as a promising rookie in Alicepia, thinking, “That’s not really me.” Even while grappling with such down-to-earth doubts, she pushes forward and grows using her natural optimism and strength. She's not clumsy, but she's very human. I relate to her and even gain energy from her.
— Does she have a strong sense of will too?
Tachibana:
Yes, though I think she’s the most emotionally vulnerable. You don’t see it, but she’s actually the most sensitive. Her worries about being in the spotlight feel very junior high school and junior-like, which makes me really like her.
See more photos: Azusa Tachibana
A Powerful Opening Song Packed with the Story’s Essence: “Gives Me Goosebumps from the Start”
— The opening theme "Zettai Utahime Sengen!" performed by your unit Orkheria, was released unusually early—three months before the show aired. What’s your favorite part?
Tachibana: (Looking at the lyrics) Oh, I like this part too, but...
Aoi: I’ve decided! Among the trio lines, I love “No way, evil shall not be forgiven!” (laughs). It’s fun to sing. For Ripple’s solo, I like “No matter how many times, I’ll repeat Ripple again and again.” That fits Ripple’s determined spirit and never-give-up attitude.
Fujimoto: For Zeal’s part, it’s “Don’t underestimate a maiden’s dream.”
Tachibana: Totally!!!!
Fujimoto: “Don’t underestimate” just hits hard. It showcases the strength of the princesses right from the start. And then there’s this line with Zeal’s name: “Light the flame of passion—Zeal—and believe that people can rise.” I love it because it includes her name, but also because “believe that people can rise” is such a strong message. It says that people are resilient. Also, the very beginning chorus, “We are glorious princess,” gives me goosebumps from the start.
Tachibana: Among the trio lines, I love “There’s something precious beyond the tears.” Isn’t that deep? I always get emotional when singing that line. It resonates with scenes in the story. For Meteor’s part, I like “Shine without burning out.” Shooting stars usually burn out, but she continues to shine—there’s a strong will in that, and I love it.
Source : ORICON NEWS