Official Interview Part 2 for 'JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie' Released! Reflecting on Impressions of the Animation and Memories from Dubbing

■Official Interview with Anna Nagase, Role of Riko Amanai

--In the previous official interview, we asked for your impressions before the completion of the animation. Since then, the TV anime has been aired, and after following the story of "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" through visuals, what were your impressions?

“Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” is among the most popular episodes in the original work, and fans' expectations were high. After the broadcast, I received comments saying that it surpassed expectations. Even though the original manga was already very heartrending, adding colors to the pictures and sound intensified the emotions even further. These moments were very radiant for Gojo and Geto. There were many scenes where you could feel the youth's "blue," like the scene where they ride a bicycle through the forest in the opening, or when they play in Okinawa. However, there were scenes where I felt the dark, stagnant image of "blue," like the ominous glowing curses absorbed by Geto or the light illuminating Gojo as he cradles the deceased Riko. The coldness felt from the environment around the two gave me goosebumps and tightened my chest.

--In the previous interview, Nagase-san mentioned Riko as having a "strong peculiarity" and feeling the sadness of her cruel fate. How did you approach capturing Riko's character and perform her?

The impression of "strong peculiarity" hasn't changed. Her speech is a bit old-fashioned, and she calls herself "Meshitsukai." I felt I needed to be conscious of this peculiarity, but as I performed, she seemed like just an ordinary girl. Her language is just a bit quirky; she enjoys time with friends and plays in the sea of Okinawa. There’s a poignant scene where she reveals her hidden thoughts to Geto, and I believe that’s Riko’s "true self." Instead of portraying only her surface peculiarity, I performed with her genuine wish to live normally at the core.

--Can you tell us about what you find appealing in Gojo, Geto, and Kuroi?

I admire Gojo for claiming himself as "the strongest." I sometimes lack confidence and can’t convey my feelings honestly, but Gojo doesn’t seem to have that hesitation at all. This works because he is genuinely the strongest, and sometimes I aspire to be like that.

Geto is a very gentle person. There’s a scene where he admonishes Gojo’s arrogant behavior, and it feels "mature." However, as depicted in "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death," he also grapples with the existence of sorcerers. It seemed to me he possesses the genuine dilemmas of a high schooler.

And like Riko, I think Kuroi-san also hides her true feelings deep inside, aside from her mission. Due to her mission, she cannot delve into Riko’s true feelings or convey her own thoughts. She’s described as family, yet a faint but definite boundary exists between Riko and Kuroi-san. Hopefully, Kuroi-san also wished to "be with you (Riko) more."

--The scenes with Riko and Kuroi-san can be seen on the big theater screens in this 'Movie Compilation.' Which scenes are you looking forward to seeing yourself, Nagase-san?

The scenes touring Okinawa. The visuals and music are beautiful, yet they contain elements that make your chest tighten. Although you know the fate is set and the time left is limited, these scenes made it compellingly apparent. Unlike the surrounding tourists who say, "Let’s go there next!" knowing there’s no connection to the future makes it truly painful. I hope people enjoy the beautiful visuals and music on the large theater screen with great sound, and because the story can be followed without interruptions unlike the anime, it might intensify the emotions even further.

--Reflecting on the dubbing session, do you have any memorable interactions with the other cast members?

Since I debuted and shortly after COVID hit, I hadn't experienced regular dubbing sessions much. The dubbing for "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" was during the easing period, which miraculously allowed me to interact with Nakamura-san and Sakurai-san. I remember it being very refreshing and fun.

--Specifically, which scenes were enjoyable to perform?

The scene where Gojo and I play in the Okinawa sea. Nakamura-san led with hearty laughter that blew away my nervousness, making me think, "I can join Nakamura-san and have fun too!" It was indeed very enjoyable to record.

--Which character do you like the most in "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death"?

In terms of visuals, I like Shoko Ieiri-san. She has a calm vibe yet retains the high school feel, which makes her a character I really like. Her relationship with Gojo and Geto is just balanced beautifully.

From the perspective of playing Riko, I like Geto too. Earlier, I described him as "gentle" because he said in Koseigu, "Let’s go home, Riko-chan." Riko probably revealed her true thoughts only to him. That scene was one in which my heart moved many times, so I really like Geto too.

--Could you share a message for those eagerly awaiting the release of 'Movie Compilation'?

In the anime, it was divided into five parts, but with 'Movie Compilation,' you can watch it all together. The flow of the characters' emotions is uninterrupted, but for that reason, the heartrending scenes might feel even more painful. However, there could be something meaningful received from that. Please join us at the theater.

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