Shunsuke Takeuchi Talks about His Commitment to the “Fainting” Scenes! "The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses" TV Anime Episode 1 Commemorative Special

On ABEMA, the special program "The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses TV Anime Episode 1 Commemorative Special" was broadcast for free exclusively from 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, on the day of the platform’s one-week early streaming and unlimited exclusive streaming of the new summer anime "The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses."

The program featured Shunsuke Takeuchi (as Toto) and Iori Saeki (as Ciel), who thoroughly discussed the highlights of the characters and story, delving into the unique appeal of the series.

Shunsuke Takeuchi and Iori Saeki Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Voice Recording & the Secret of the “Fainting” Scenes!

"The Shy Hero and the Assassin Princesses" is a harem “death” romantic comedy about an extremely shy hero who is so lacking in resistance to women that he faints just from getting a bit nervous, and the three heroines who, each with their own motives, aim to assassinate him.

According to Takeuchi, the atmosphere during the voice recording sessions was lively and harmonious, just like in the show's world, as he commented, "Basically, the female cast members set the mood in the studio, and we were truly able to record in an atmosphere that was friendly in every sense of the word. I'm really excited for everyone to see the bond we've built as an anime!" Saeki also recalled the voice recording with a smile, saying, "It felt just like a girls’ get-together. On set, the three heroines were even called ‘the three wicked women.’" Takeuchi added humorously, "Toto was there too, you know! (laughs) There aren’t many studios with such a great atmosphere, so I think we were able to move forward with a real sense of teamwork," emphasizing the good sense of camaraderie among the cast.

Next, as the show’s promotional video played, the topic turned to Toto’s many varied “fainting scenes.” Takeuchi recalled with a laugh, "It was tough every time!" and explained, "I tried different approaches during test recordings, and if everyone’s reaction was lukewarm, I'd try something different. It was difficult because I couldn’t use words. I tried to keep in mind the sense of playing along with a comedy sketch, focusing on entertainment value as I performed," sharing the behind-the-scenes challenges and innovations of his acting.

During the character introductions, Takeuchi described Toto as "highly capable, a physically strong type among heroes. But his clumsiness at communication with others makes that gap all the more compelling and unforgettable." He encouraged viewers to watch Toto’s growth throughout the story, saying, "I hope everyone will enjoy seeing Toto become a true hero." Regarding Toto's extreme lack of resistance to women, Takeuchi revealed that Norishiro-chan, the original creator, had specifically instructed him to be conscious of this aspect as he performed. He added, "Since Toto's sincere interactions with women are carefully depicted, I’d be thrilled if everyone enjoys the cute side of his character."