Magic Knight Rayearth: Ayane Sakura Reveals She Tried Hikaru's Audition Scene About Five Times

Ayane Sakura, who voices Hikaru Shidou in the new Magic Knight Rayearth anime, says she chose to approach the role head-on rather than simply imitate the 1994–1995 TV anime. In an interview with ORICON NEWS, Sakura recalled trying one audition scene around five times, discussed her respect for Hekiru Shiina's Hikaru and explained why the original manga became her strongest guide while creating a new version of the character.

Quick Summary

- Ayane Sakura says she did not focus solely on making her Hikaru resemble the 1994–1995 anime version.
- She attempted one audition scene around five times while working with the director and sound director.
- Sakura prepared audition materials using panels from the original manga to follow Hikaru's expressions and movements.
- She says Hekiru Shiina remains the Hikaru she personally associates with the earlier anime.
- The original Magic Knight Rayearth manga became Sakura's main foundation for developing her own Hikaru.

Ayane Sakura Chose Not to Simply Recreate the Earlier Hikaru

When Sakura auditioned for Hikaru Shidou, the materials told performers that they could choose whether or not to keep the 1994–1995 Magic Knight Rayearth anime in mind.

Sakura said she felt this suggested that the staff were exploring different possibilities for how the characters should sound in the new production.

She is often told that her voice has a strong individuality, and she felt that concentrating only on matching the earlier anime might prevent her from going beyond existing expectations.

Although Sakura knew and respected the previous adaptation, and said Hekiru Shiina remains the Hikaru she personally thinks of, she chose to take a straightforward approach with her own voice for the new Magic Knight Rayearth.

One Audition Scene Took Around Five Attempts

For the audition, Sakura used selected scenes from the original manga and created her own materials by attaching the corresponding manga artwork so she could see Hikaru's expressions and movements while performing.

One scene required several retakes.

Sakura said auditions usually involve only one or two additional attempts even when performers receive direction, but this time she tried the scene around five times.

The director and sound director worked with her to identify what felt slightly different about the performance.

Sakura eventually asked whether she should expand beyond simply following Hikaru's expression in the manga and imagine a broader expression for the scene. When she tried that approach, the staff accepted the performance, and she later passed the audition.

She said the experience gave her courage because it showed her that the staff were also trying to push beyond what had already been established.

Sakura Sought a Balance Between the Old and New Versions

Sakura said finding the right emotional balance for the new version of Hikaru was difficult.

She felt the instruction that actors could either consider or not consider the earlier anime allowed her to accept the Hikaru already living in her own memories while still creating something new.

Sakura also acknowledged that some longtime fans may feel hesitant about a reboot simply because the voices have changed.

Rather than rejecting that reaction, she said she understands why viewers who deeply value the earlier Magic Knight Rayearth might feel uneasy.

Her hope was that even viewers who approached the new series cautiously might finish the first episode feeling that it was worth watching again.

Sakura said she aimed to let the Hikaru from the earlier anime remain within her while creating a new Hikaru that could coexist with that version.

The Original Manga Became Her Strongest Support

Asked what supported her most while building the role, Sakura pointed to the original manga.

She noted that the manga and television anime were originally developing alongside each other, which allowed her to see the manga as something that existed independently of the earlier anime adaptation.

For Sakura, returning to the original Magic Knight Rayearth in that fresh state gave her the confidence to believe that a new version could also be created.

She said she recorded the new anime with the original manga close at hand.

“We Are Not Trying to Overwrite” the Earlier Anime

Sakura said the new Magic Knight Rayearth is not intended to overwrite the 1994–1995 anime.

She described the earlier version as something deeply valued by many fans and said the new production is being created with the determination to stand alongside it rather than replace it.

Sakura also said that Magic Knight Rayearth contains ideas, language, beautiful scenery and powerful magical scenes created by CLAMP that may still be felt in creative works being made today.

She expressed hope that longtime fans and new viewers alike will receive the new adaptation as a gift from the staff and cast who continue to love Magic Knight Rayearth.

About the New Magic Knight Rayearth Anime

The new television anime is based on CLAMP's fantasy manga, which was serialized in Kodansha's Nakayoshi from 1993 to 1996.

The story follows second-year middle school students Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki and Fuu Hououji, who are suddenly summoned from Tokyo Tower to the other world of Cephiro by Princess Emeraude.

The three set out on an adventure as the legendary Magic Knights in order to rescue the imprisoned princess.

The new anime was produced to commemorate approximately 30 years since the television anime began airing in 1994. It is the first new anime adaptation since the 1997 OVA.

The series will run for two consecutive cours.

FAQ

Q1. Who voices Hikaru Shidou in the new Magic Knight Rayearth anime?
A1. Ayane Sakura voices Hikaru Shidou.

Q2. How many times did Ayane Sakura try one scene during the audition?
A2. Sakura said she attempted one audition scene around five times while working with the director and sound director.

Q3. Did Sakura try to copy the earlier Hikaru performance?
A3. No. While she respects Hekiru Shiina's performance, Sakura said she chose a straightforward approach rather than focusing only on reproducing the earlier anime version.

Q4. What did Sakura use as her main reference for Hikaru?
A4. She said the original Magic Knight Rayearth manga became her strongest support while developing the role.

Q5. Does Sakura want the new anime to replace the earlier adaptation?
A5. No. Sakura said the production is not trying to overwrite the earlier anime, but hopes the new version can exist alongside it.

Source : ORICON NEWS