New Visual for the New Arc “My Student Arc” Unveiled! Special Program for “Rascal Does Not Dream”: College Arc

“Living by Loving Yourself”—Aya Yamane on the Theme of the “Nightingale Arc” and Ikumi Akagi’s Character

Next, attention turned to a retrospective of the "Nightingale Arc," centered on Ikumi Akagi played by Aya Yamane. Ikumi repeatedly puts herself at risk to help others, inspired by popular “prophetic dreams” posts circulating online. Asked about how she portrayed Ikumi’s actions, Yamane explained, “I don’t think she had a particular conviction. She just wanted something concrete to make her feel she was useful to society, and I think that’s why she did what she did,” showing her interpretation of Ikumi’s mindset.

Furthermore, Yamane described Ikumi’s personality as, “She’s very all or nothing. She pushes herself too hard, believing she has to sacrifice all her time and energy for others—she’s just that straightforward.” Ishikawa resonated with this, saying, “She’s like a hero before becoming a hero.”

In episode seven, it’s revealed that the Ikumi everyone has seen was actually switched with the Ikumi from “a world of another possibility.” When asked if she empathized with the two Ikumis’ struggle with inferiority complex, Yamane replied, “I’m the type with a strong sense of justice, so I related to her so much,” and continued, “I too have often wished I could become someone else, so during recording I really ‘got it.’ I truly felt close to Ikumi as I acted,” describing her approach to the role.

On differentiating between the two Ikumis, Yamane revealed, “I really wanted viewers to clearly realize these were two different people. For instance, the Ikumi of this world actually has a boyfriend and is more comfortable around men, so I tried to have her say things that tested Sakuta—lines that the other Ikumi in the different world would never say—to clearly show their differences.” She also added, “Even if both Ikumis dislike themselves, neither could just stay in a world that was convenient for them. There’s a consistent severity or self-critique in both versions,” discussing their shared traits.

Lastly, Yamane concluded, “I think the theme of the ‘Nightingale Arc’ is that it’s okay if you never become a ‘somebody.’ You should accept even your flawed self and live by loving yourself,” closing out the segment with unique insight gained from playing Ikumi.