In Anime "Dededede", Double Leads Ikuta Rira & Ano Say Co-Creating the Theme Song "Brought Out New Sides of Each Other"

---What were your first impressions of each other?

Ano: I always had the impression that Ikuta-san was someone who "scores 100 points" because she's always perfect. And when I actually met her, working together on dubbing and songwriting, I felt she indeed "scored 100 points" (laughs). She's very skilled at facing various challenges, and I felt that her ability to devote time and fully engage with each task allows her to express herself so well.

Ikuta: I felt a strong sense of Ano-chan being someone who bares her soul and sings with all her might, showing her way of life without concern for others' opinions, and I thought her expressive power was incredible. Working on the project together, I was again impressed by her incredible ability to convey the expressions she wanted to communicate.

---The theme song for the first part is "ZetZetZetZet Absolute Sanctuary" by Ano feat. Ikuta Rira, and for the second part, it's "Youthful Song" by Ikuta Rira feat. Ano. How was it participating in each other's songs?

Ano: (Ikuta) created a song that resonates with fans of the original work, embodying youthfulness. I myself felt very happy, hoping that this song would continue the daily life of the characters. The melody blends into everyday life and brings warmth, which is completely different from what I usually sing, drawing out a new side of me, which I thought was "just as expected."

Ikuta: Hearing Ano-chan's song for the first time made me feel the 120% energy she and TK (Ling Tosite Sigure/composer) put into it, which was very powerful. The sharpness of the melody and Ano-chan's unique way of linking words allowed me to put all my effort into singing and break out of my shell. This song also brought out a new side of me, making me feel "invincible" (laughs).