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 Aya Endō, Role of Shoko Ieiri

--In the previous official interview, we asked for your impressions before the completion of the animation. Since then, with the broadcast of the TV anime, following the story of "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" in visuals, what were your thoughts?

I was happy to see the younger days of Gojo, Geto, and Shoko, and Riko-chan’s scenes brought me anguish, evoking more emotions than I felt during dubbing. In the main story, Shoko doesn’t interact with Riko-chan, and Shoko also stayed behind from Okinawa, but having read the original manga and script, I knew she had age-appropriate facets and wishes to defy her mission. When losing Riko-chan, it felt almost as if losing a friend.

I was happy witnessing Riko-chan enjoying herself in Okinawa, along with the opening visuals. The scene not depicted in the main story where Gojo, Geto, and Shoko walk side-by-side made me think about how many times they may have laughed together, making me both happy and melancholic.

――What do you think is the charm of the character Shoko Ieiri that you play?

She has many mysteries, doesn't she? Even when explaining the tips of the reversed technique to Gojo and Geto, she uses expressions only she understands, and her private life is completely hidden. Since it's not depicted in the original, I often played her based on my imagination of her essence. In my imagination, since she can be with Gojo and Geto, she must be quite an eccentric, but she doesn't seem like someone who would do something excessively outrageous (laughs). I think she wouldn't even flinch if Gojo and Geto did something reckless, or she wouldn't be shaken by anything. Maybe she does get shaken, but I think her strength lies in not showing it on the outside. She's quite composed, one might say (laughs).

――Is there anything you were particularly conscious of when playing her? Reflecting on the time of recording, could you share any memorable episodes from the recording sessions with the cast?

The Shoko I initially created from her high school days was brighter. Listening to the interplay between Mr. Nakamura and Mr. Sakurai, I felt a fresh contrast compared to their adult portrayals. I played her cheerfully in line with that, but the director directed me to make her feel "more languid" and to "retain more adult elements." Indeed, thinking about it, if she were so lively then and became so cool as an adult, one would wonder, "What happened in those ten years!?" (laughs). In actuality, many things happened concerning Geto and such, but as I touched on earlier regarding Shoko’s charm, she has an unshakeable core. Watching the broadcast, I felt glad I created it seamlessly to connect to her adult self without any incongruity.

Speaking of memorable things, personally, I was so glad to be able to talk with Gojo and Geto as the three of us. As an adult, Shoko doesn’t have any scenes conversing with Geto. Yet, somehow it felt nostalgic to me.

――How do you perceive the relationship between the three of them?

I feel that each of them quite firmly holds roles, whether it pertains to their relationships or missions. There are things only Gojo and Geto can do, and things only Shoko can do, so by respecting each other, I think they maintained a good balance. Like Itadori, Fushiguro, and Kugisaki developed trust in each other through missions, I feel this trio experienced similar circumstances. I wish I could have seen it (laughs).

――While there are no newly recorded scenes in the main story, an original new mini-anime "Jujusampo" will be inserted. How did you feel recording that, and what were your thoughts watching the footage?

I love watching movies in a theater, so learning about that content made me truly happy! Also, I didn’t think I would get another opportunity to play high school-era Shoko, so being able to do that and have fun with Gojo and Geto was a joy.

――Loving to watch movies in theaters, which scene are you looking forward to seeing on the big screen in this work?

The battle scenes must be incredibly captivating, right? Experiencing these scenes with such impact is something unique to theaters. The fight between Gojo and Toji Fushiguro is a scene I’m really looking forward to watching in a theater. Also, the touching interaction between Kuroi and Riko is something I wish to watch over on the big screen.

――Who is your favorite character in "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death"?

While there are many impressive characters and I like all of them, I felt immense joy when Yu Haibara appeared. He has a warmth absent in others, and being friendly without making barriers is sincere and cute. Characters usually shoulder loads of backstories, but he always smiles with an open mouth, which makes him seem like a "sunburst" (laughs). It’s cute how he casually chats with Suguru Geto, shrouded in a dark aura. His smile was healing.

――Please send a message to everyone eagerly waiting for the "Movie Compilation."

For those who watched the TV series, watching it again on a big screen and not alone will likely provide a different feeling. Even waiting for the movie to start, seated in the theater's seat, will enhance the enjoyment of the "Theatrical Summary." "Hidden Inventory/Premature Death" is a work where changing the focus of characters and points of interest can evoke completely different emotions. I’m not sure if anyone’s mental state will allow watching it multiple times… (laughs). But I hope you'll savor the "unreturnable youthful days" of Gojo and Geto while watching.

(C)Gege Akutami/Shueisha

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