Voice Actress Miyu Tomita Confesses the Work She Calls Her "Life's Biggest Obsession" and Reveals Her Romantic Feelings for a Character

Next, in the "KapuKapu Talk" segment, where the program pairs two anime industry professionals to have conversations over meals, Yasuaki Takumi and Kentaro Kumagai appeared. Senior Takumi, who debuted in 2007, and junior Kumagai, who debuted in 2015, engaged in friendly conversation while eating Genghis Khan (grilled mutton).

Regarding how the two first met, Kumagai began, "I think it was when I was working on 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans'..." To this, Takumi said, "Mine's a bit different. Since we're at the same agency, my manager said, 'There's a promising newcomer, could you let Takumi-san's workplace be observed?' and he came to a game recording session." Remembering this, Kumagai immediately apologized, saying "I'm sorry!"

Furthermore, Takumi shared a behind-the-scenes story: "After that, though you probably don't know, the manager asked me, 'Honestly, what did you think of Kumagai's (voice acting)?'" To this, Kumagai expressed, "Scary, scary, scary!" However, contrary to Kumagai's anxiety, Takumi revealed, "You might think I'm lying at this point, but I said, 'I think he's someone who'll land leading roles,'" which delighted Kumagai.

After that, as if answering those expectations, Kumagai was cast as Aston Altland in "Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans" shortly after his debut. Kumagai, who initially didn't have a set role and appeared in various minor roles, candidly shared, "I found out I'd be in Season 2 from the official website."

To this, Takumi also said, "That happens sometimes, doesn't it? Like from internet news..." Kumagai continued, "When I looked at the Season 2 website, I was like, 'Huh? It says Aston Altland?' That's about how it felt." "Aston was the first time I had a character with a name, and while I was happy, honestly I was also nervous thinking, 'I wonder if they'll change the cast.'"

It was sound director Jin Aketagawa who taught Kumagai, who had just debuted, the depth of acting. Kumagai recalled, "What he told me at the time was 'Don't overdo it.' I fell into wondering what 'don't overdo it' meant... At the time, Jin-shi told me I was too tense and overthinking. I really thought about what it meant to relax." "I was so rigid that I couldn't respond to retakes on set." Meanwhile, Takumi evaluated such Kumagai, saying, "He has sharp analytical and observational skills" and "He's good at delivering lines directed at himself."

Next week on Friday, December 5, at 9:00 PM, "SHIBUYA ANIME BASE" #69 will air the second half of the "KapuKapu Talk" between Kentaro Kumagai and Yasuaki Takumi. The episode will delve deeper into their voice acting philosophies, including questions like "Are you glad you became a voice actor?", and senior Takumi will make a serious consultation to junior Kumagai!? What will the content be...? Additionally, the 20th anniversary anime "Basilisk" and plenty of new anime information will be introduced.

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