In episode 50 of the popular anime "Pokémon" (airs every Friday at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo, although broadcast times and content may vary by region), airing on the 17th, Iono, the gym leader of Levincia City, makes an appearance and faces Dot, who is challenging the Terastal training and basic test. ORICON NEWS interviewed Kaede Hondo to ask about the charm of Iono.

Episode 50, titled "Shine Bright, Terastal! Dance, Dance, Quaxly!!", features Dot and Quaxly facing Iono's basic test. Despite thoroughly researching Iono's battles and forming strategies, they struggle against the type-disadvantaged Bellibolt. Moreover, unexpected incidents occur...

-- You previously appeared as Iono last year, but this time you are appearing as a gym leader. Are there any changes in your impression or new charms you discovered?

[Hondo] I thought her entertainer aspect, where she tries to make those around her enjoy themselves, remains unchanged. However, I discovered new facets in her battle style this time. From her playful language like saying "batri" (battle), to how she thinks about how to excite the audience while also figuring out how to win. While performing, I felt her quick-wittedness.
As an entertainer, even when facing Dot, she doesn't get too close but rather shows her own enjoyment in "batri", hoping Dot learns from it.

-- This time, you could also see her guiding Dot as a senior, helping him grow.

[Hondo] I received direction to advise Dot not as a streamer, but as an individual human being. This showed Iono’s caring nature and her affection for Dot.

-- Are there differences between Iono as a streamer and as an individual?

[Hondo] I feel she talks as a streamer about 90% of the time, and she’s very energetic during those moments, which made the recording quite intense (laughs). Even when speaking to Dot as a person, it’s hard to tell if it’s her genuine self or another part of her entertaining persona. I think she’s a mysterious character with unfathomable depths.

-- Was there anything that left an impression during the recording?

[Hondo] I recorded with Bellibolt, and I realized there are parts that can’t be drawn out unless recorded with the voice actors for the Pokémon. It was very helpful to record together. When I gave battle commands, Bellibolt's responsiveness and presence made me adjust my acting, bringing more proximity into the performance. Bellibolt was truly adorable...

-- Have there been any reactions since you started appearing in 'Pokémon' as Iono?

[Hondo] The first game I got was "Pokémon LeafGreen," and since then, my family would buy and play each new game release together, so my family was ecstatic (laughs). Iono was one of my favorite characters, so I was thrilled to get the offer and even more excited to share the news with my family. There were also many reactions from fans, not just my family.

-- Could you name three things you like about Iono?

[Hondo] Her jagged teeth, her outfit, and her ability to entertain and enjoy herself while making others enjoy too. I especially loved her outfit since playing the game. Her hairstyle and the overall bold character design, including the Magnemite on her head, struck me as very unique and fitting for the Reiwa era (laughs).

-- Do you have a message for the viewers who are looking forward to the show?

[Hondo] The "batri" was very intense even during the recording, and I tried my best to match that intensity, so I think it will be very exciting to watch! Besides the battles, Dot's personal growth is also highlighted, which should be another point of interest.

Iono, who is always a full-on entertainer, brings her all to the battles as well, which required a lot of energy to perform, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I hope everyone enjoys watching it too!

Source : ORICON NEWS