“You Don’t Have to Create a Character All By Yourself” — Minami Hinata, Yurina Amami, Aoi Koga, and Yoshino Aoyama Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Dubbing! [Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze]

—So Matsukaze-san was a key figure on the set?

Aoyama: Absolutely, he made it feel like we were truly creating the work together. Even during recording breaks, we’d all talk about the scenes we’d just acted out, thanks to Matsukaze-san starting those conversations. I really feel there were so many times when he supported me personally. He was like a real father!

Koga: Truly!

Hinata: For me, this is a bit more personal, but... there was a moment when it was just the two of us in the waiting room during the dubbing sessions, and I had a chance to consult with him about various things. The conversation ended up about acting and he said, “Hinata, you’re really interesting, so don’t worry.” Just knowing he thought I was interesting was such an encouragement.

Amami: You mean he gave you an answer to your personal worries, right?

Hinata: I was comparing myself to the other three who had bold ad-libs.

Aoyama: “Bold ad-libs”...?

Everyone: (laughs)

Hinata: I thought I didn’t have as much flair as the other three, so it was a shock that a senior like Matsukaze-san would see me as an individual actor and tell me, “Just keep doing what you think is right.” I replied, “Yes!” with determination.

—What a wonderful senior!

Hinata: I really thought of him as a “mentor!” I’m sure I’ll still worry about things in the future, but knowing that there’s someone who has said those things to me gives me the determination to keep doing my best!