Tomokazu Seki Was Already a "Celebrity" During His Student Days!? Kouhai Katsuyuki Konishi Shares Stories... Reiji Kawashima Also Moved by "Kamen Rider" Behind-the-Scenes Tales

On Friday, January 16th, episode #29 of "Say You To Yo Asobi Friday [Tomokazu Seki × Reiji Kawashima]" aired on ABEMA's "Anime LIVE Channel."

In this first Friday broadcast of the new year, voice actor Katsuyuki Konishi appeared as a guest. In the segment "Reiji Digs Deep! Tomokazu Talk Only Konitan Knows," Konishi shared little-known aspects of Tomokazu Seki that only a long-time acquaintance would know. The show also featured a special on the hit series "Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider" and collaboration projects, generating tremendous excitement.

■What Does Katsuyuki Konishi Reveal About Tomokazu Seki's True Character? Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Gekidan Heru Q, Voice Acting School, and Music Unit Formation

The first corner was "Reiji Digs Deep! Tomokazu Talk Only Konitan Knows." This segment had Kawashima, who has only been partnered with Seki for about 10 months, asking Konishi, a long-time friend of Seki, to share "little-known sides of Seki" in order to deepen their partnership.

First, Konishi spoke about his initial encounter with Seki. During their time at Katsuta Voice Actor's Academy, Seki was already considered a "celebrity" among the kouhais. When it was decided that Seki would perform in front of new students like Konishi, rumors spread saying "There's this amazing person named Tomokazu Seki in the 8th class" and "We'll apparently get to see his performance soon." Konishi recalled, "All the kouhais knew Seki-san's name." Upon hearing this, Seki smiled bashfully and said, "I didn't know you all were saying that. I'm just learning this now."

Later, Konishi began working part-time at Katsuta Voice Actor's Academy, which led to him getting to know Seki directly and eventually joining "Gekidan Herohero Q Company" (hereafter "Heru Q"), where Seki served as artistic director. The story goes that after attending a theater group gathering, Seki simply said, "Konishi-kun will join too, right?" and just like that, Konishi's membership in "Heru Q" was decided. Kawashima, who describes himself as a fan of the theater troupe, listened with great interest to this episode.

Konishi also revealed other stories, including Seki's "legend of not sleeping" because "he accepts any request from anyone," the formation story of their music unit "Seki to Konishi," and episodes related to running the theater troupe. At one point, Kawashima couldn't help but exclaim "So passionate...!" upon learning about Seki's true character. It became an intense conversation that showcased the long-standing relationship between Seki and Konishi.