What does Shugo Nakamura say about his "first love for a 2D heroine" and a bitter Christmas memory? Anime love overflows in the first appearance episode of 'ShibuAni'

Additionally, he was recommended 'Cowboy Bebop' by the same friend, and he was amazed by the talent of the voice actors. Nakamura said, “In general, I love masculine works. It was so good that I watched it multiple times.” To which, Tenshin Han humorously remarked, “Did your friend reincarnate?”

Furthermore, Nakamura shared, “Until now, I mainly watched masculine works, so I didn’t really understand moe. Then I started playing the game ‘Sakura Wars’, once again recommended by the same friend, and got deeply hooked. It's also the first work where I fell in love with a 2D character. The heroine Erica Fontaine from 'Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?' is voiced by Noriko Hidaka, and when I met Hidaka for the first time at work, I thought, ‘It’s Erica Fontaine!’” he reminisced with a laugh.

Additionally, in the corner 'ShibuAni Classic Theater,' which talks and weaves the masterpieces that remain in anime history, they featured 'Toradora!' a misunderstanding-based romantic comedy that has made many anime fans' hearts race since it aired in 2008.

While discussing the charm of this work, which focused on the pure-heartedness of high school students, Nakamura shared a sweet episode of his youth. "During my middle school years, I planned to give a Christmas present, but since I had no money, I went to a famous game center known for being able to score prizes with just 1000 yen. I gave her about ten stuffed toys I won from a UFO catcher. She seemed happy at the time, but now that I think back, giving someone ten stuffed toys might have been a nuisance... (laughs) Thinking about it now as an adult, it makes my heart tighten up a bit (laughs)," he reminisced.

In addition, during 'Iwai’s Watched! Top 3 Spring Anime 2025,’ Iwai introduced 'Kowloon Generic Romance,' 'From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman,' and 'Zatsu Tabi -That's Journey-.' The main episode of 'ShibuAni' is currently available for free missed streaming on ABEMA.

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