"Did I have an experience like this in my previous life?" Interview with Miho Okasaki (Rimuru): Highlights of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea.

——You’ve mentioned in the past that you’re a fan of Gobta. Now that you've finished this film, what would you say are his greatest charms if you had to list them all over again?

Okasaki: He’s always sort of "goofing around" for us, in a way. There actually aren't many people around whom Rimuru can just tease or call out without holding back. Even in serious scenes, Gobta’s presence brings out that classic Tensura or Tempest vibe. But in this film, we also see another side of him—he’s incredibly passionate and sincere, yet surprisingly, he also shows moments of hesitation.

——That's true—it really shows a whole new side of Gobta, doesn't it?

Okasaki: I always had this image of Gobta as someone who just blurs out whatever's on his mind and gets scolded for it, so I was really moved to see him genuinely grappling with his feelings for Yura. He never hesitates when it comes to saving her from a pinch, but I also thought it was so kind of him to actually consider how she might feel and choose his words carefully.

The action scenes were incredibly cool, and while his goofy side is still a big part of his charm, seeing that he can actually think things through and take decisive action made me realize what a wonderful and attractive man he truly is.

——The way Rimuru took a step back to watch over Gobta was also very memorable.

Okasaki: Exactly. I felt that the way he gently pushed Gobta forward without teasing him had such a cool "vibe"—it felt really comfortable and right.

——The beginning of the film shows Rimuru and the others visiting a resort island for a vacation, and they’re all really making the most of it (laughs). That’s another side of them we don’t usually get to see, isn’t it?

Okasaki: As the one playing Rimuru, I can't help but wonder, "Did I have experiences like this in my previous life?" After all, the Rimuru we see now exists only because of the 37-year-old Satoru—the man who literally asked someone to submerge his PC's hard drive in a bathtub (*). So, even when he's playfully splashing water around with his hair blowing in the breeze looking all refreshed, I wonder if deep down, his heart is actually racing with excitement.

*Editor’s Note: This refers to a line from the very first episode of Season 1, during the scene where Satoru Mikami—Rimuru’s former self—is in the process of being reincarnated.

——This is just my own personal impression, but since he mentioned having been single for all 37 years of his life, he doesn't seem like the type who would have gone on trips like that, does he?

Okasaki: Wait, wait! You never know (laughs). He gives off the vibe of being very capable at work, and seeing how smoothly and composedly he supports Gobta, a popular theory among the cast is that he was actually popular with the ladies but was just totally oblivious—effectively blowing every chance he ever had.

——He sounds just like the protagonist of a rom-com, doesn't he? (lol)

Okasaki: The "Clueless Satoru-kun" theory is definitely the frontrunner right now, but I guess we’ll have to wait for Fuse-sensei (*) to give us the official answer! (lol)

*Editor’s Note: The author of the original That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime light novel series. He also serves as the writer for the manga adaptation.

As mentioned in the interview, we hope you'll head to the theater and discover these new, rarely-seen sides of Rimuru, Gobta, and the rest of the gang on the big screen.

Interview, Photography, and Text／kato
(C)川上泰樹・伏瀬・講談社／転スラ製作委員会

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