Impact Like "Fullmetal Alchemist" Again? Kensho Ono & Yume Miyamoto Feel the Charm of Hiromu Arakawa’s Work and the Freshness of "Daemons of the Shadow Realm"

The second episode of the TV anime Daemons of the Shadow Realm (Yomi no Tsugai), based on the latest manga by Hiromu Arakawa, aired on TOKYO MX and other stations on the 11th. Kensho Ono, who plays the protagonist Yuru, and Yume Miyamoto, who plays his twin sister Asa, both expressed that they felt a sense of "excitement" the moment they read the original manga. How will the new mechanic of "Daemons" (Tsugai) expand the story? The two shared their joy upon being cast, their approach to the roles, the atmosphere of the recording sessions, and the highlights to look forward to starting with Episode 3 on the 18th.

This series is based on the popular manga currently serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan, with over 6 million copies in circulation. It is the latest work by Arakawa, the creator of the masterpiece Fullmetal Alchemist, which continues to enjoy fervent support worldwide. The production team features the powerful tag-team of Square Enix × Aniplex × BONES, the same lineup behind the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series that aired and premiered between 2003 and 2011.

■ Similarities with Arakawa’s Masterpieces and the Unique Fun of "Daemons"

——Please tell us your honest feelings when you found out you were cast.

Ono:
I was so happy. I’ve been reading Arakawa-sensei’s work since Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagaren), so I’m truly delighted to have the opportunity to be involved.

——We heard your older brother is a huge fan of Arakawa-sensei. Did he reach out to you?

Ono:
He messaged me saying, "I’m looking forward to it," but then added, "By the way, I want a magic wand." Apparently, parenting is quite a handful for him right now (laughs).

——So he needs a "magic hand" to help out (laughs).

Ono:
Exactly (laughs). Rather than private friends, I’ve had many more opportunities to hear from people in the same industry.
Miyamoto: When my role was decided, I was so happy I went out to eat yakiniku immediately.

——What were your first impressions after reading the original manga?

Ono:
I felt the same kind of excitement in Daemons of the Shadow Realm that I felt back when I was reading Fullmetal Alchemist. Hagaren starts with a scene that makes you feel "this is going to be amazing" right from the beginning. Similarly, Daemons starts with village life, but the situation changes instantly... that flow made me think, "Ah, here comes an Arakawa-sensei work!" I vividly remember that thrill. Also, I really feel the interest of the "Daemons" this time. I was excited thinking that more and more varieties would appear. It’s the same feeling I had when Colonel Mustang revealed himself as the "Flame Alchemist" at the end of an early episode, and I realized, "Oh, so that’s how it works! Various alchemists are going to appear from now on!"

Miyamoto:
When I read the manga, I felt a fusion of the fun I associate with Arakawa-sensei’s Hagaren and Silver Spoon, which I also really love. I thought it was interesting how gag scenes are woven into the serious battle atmosphere and the somewhat heavy tone of the work. I was excited to see how that sense of tempo would translate to anime. Since so many Daemons and characters appear, once I was cast, I couldn't stop wondering, "I wonder who will play this character?".

——What did you think after actually watching Episodes 1 and 2?

Miyamoto:
The colors were much more vivid than I expected, which was very impressive. Also, Left and Right are just too strong. Their appearance in Episode 1 is particularly cool, and even during the recording, watching them had a huge impact.

Ono: Since manga is in black and white, there are many parts you imagine for yourself while reading, but seeing it in color makes it so vivid. Seeing that Left and Right have white and red hair was a really fresh discovery for me at first.

■ Deepening the Role by Digging into Character Personalities

——Both characters seem difficult in their own way, but how did you approach your roles? Yuru, in particular, starts in a state of great confusion.

Ono:
I based my performance on the fact that he starts by cherishing Asa, the only person he feels a blood connection to. In Episodes 1 and 2, he gets caught up in incidents without knowing what’s going on. While he’s being jerked around by circumstances, I played him while maintaining Yuru's personal trait of being able to act calmly.

——The battle scene with Gabby is certainly cool, isn't it?

Miyamoto:
So cool.

Ono:
Yes. I wanted to bring out a "hunter-like" feel.

Miyamoto:
Since Asa is in a state where she has mostly finished her internal conflict from the start, I tried to play her without hesitation, so her words and actions reflect her resolve. However, I was so nervous during the recording for Episode 1 (laughs). I feel like I couldn't quite get my emotions together... but thanks to everyone's help, I think Asa turned out cool.

——What kind of direction did you receive?

Miyamoto:
Initially, they told me, "You aren't off-base with the character," but Asa isn't so much a "normal" girl as she is a bit "out there," or rather, the type who can only look straight ahead. So, I remember being told that even though Asa has been through a lot in the past, she "doesn't need to adapt flexibly to her environment."

——The "Asa" in the cell and the "Asa" attacking the village both appear. Was there anything you were conscious of when playing each?

Miyamoto:
The fact that their physical statures are completely different. I was conscious that the Asa kept in the cell is still small and is a girl who doesn't fight. For the Asa who enters combat, I wanted her to be strong. Since her brother is surprised enough to say, "You're not Asa," I intended to change her slightly.

——Yuru and Asa are twins, but if you had to describe their relationship in other words, what would it be?

Ono:
That’s a tough one.

Miyamoto:
But don't you feel like our hearts have been connected for a long time? Or is that just me? (laughs).

Ono:
(laughs).

Miyamoto:
We aren't always similar, but I think our way of thinking and the speed at which we put thoughts into action are alike. It’s hard to put into a single word, but we do trust each other.

Ono:
Also, even though they are twins, I think the "older brother/younger sister" dynamic is very clear. I can feel that Asa treats me very much as her "older brother."
Miyamoto: That’s true.

Ono:
We see Yuru cherishing Asa a lot at first, but I think the relationship will change from Episode 3 onward.

■ A Reassuring Word Amidst the Tension: "If my brother says so, it’s okay"

——There are many other gorgeous voice actors in this series. What is the atmosphere like during recording?

Miyamoto:
It’s very peaceful, isn't it?

Ono:
It is.

Miyamoto:
Our seniors often give very over-the-top performances, so it’s peaceful enough that we sometimes accidentally burst out laughing during tests. During Episode 1, I was so nervous that I was practically shaking during the test. But afterward, the sound director came in and said, "None of you were really off-character," and then Ken-chan (Ono-san) whispered "That's good" next to me. I remember feeling so relieved, thinking, "If my brother says so, it’s okay."

Ono:
It’s a lot of fun. I wasn't that nervous during the Episode 1 recording, but I was intimidated by the number of people (laughs). I’ve been in many productions, but even among them, the number of adults in suits who walked in was exceptionally high. I think that number reflects the enthusiasm for this project, so I actually felt a bit of pressure from that (laughs). During regular recording, I get the impression that our seniors are creating the atmosphere. We talk about things we like and everything is progressing smoothly.

——Finally, could you each give a message about the points fans should look out for?

Miyamoto:
We’ve only finished Episodes 1 and 2, so I think there’s a lot people don't yet understand about what the determined Asa is moving toward. I think it will be even more fun as the true purpose of Asa and the others becomes clear. Right now, you’ve only seen the sheltered Asa or the scary Asa, but I’m working hard in recording to show various sides of her, so please look forward to it.

Ono:
Since the story begins with Yuru unable to process what on earth is happening, I want you to see how he comes to understand the situation and how he acts—watch for that change. As for Asa, I hope you continue to enjoy the story, including what happens regarding their parents.

Source : ORICON NEWS