"It’s Become Easier in a Good Way": Voice Actor Satoshi Hino on the New Mindset Gained Through Experience 【Interview for "Shin-Gekijōban Gintama: Yoshiwara Daienjō"】

—— This time, there’s a major change with the inclusion of Katsura and the Shinsengumi, who weren't in the original manga or the TV anime version of this arc. What was your impression of that?

Hino: On a broad level, I thought, "Wait, are they really showing that already?" (lol). I thought it was going to be a surprise after the release, but the footage was already out there during the promotion stage. There's even a scene in the PV where Kamui and Katsura trade blows, and in my mind, I was quite surprised like, "Oh, you're showing this here?"

—— Like showing off both Kamui's and Katsura's strength in one go? Kamui is certainly getting more and more rivals.

Hino: The overall framework is based on the original "Yoshiwara in Flames Arc," but the Shinsengumi parts were a new change, so that was a surprise. They add quite a bit of spice to the mix. That’s exactly why I thought, "Oh, you’re gonna show that?" (lol).

—— It has been 16 years since you first played Kamui in 2009. You’ve likely changed a lot in that time, but how do you feel looking back on this period?

Hino: Well, over these 16 years, I’ve encountered many works and roles starting with Kamui. I feel I’ve been able to grow by being involved in a wide variety of series and programs.

At the same time, I can feel the difference between the Kamui I can express now because of that accumulated experience versus the Kamui I expressed back when my experience was still shallow. In the sense that I can enjoy it in two different ways, I feel like things have become "easier" in a good way as I’ve aged.

Like, I don't have to overextend myself, or I can finally accept myself. Back then, I had a much stronger feeling that I just had to work hard and aim for the top. Now, I’ve reached a point where I can look at myself objectively and feel that "who I am now is fine." There's a sense of relief in that.

—— Would you say you've gained a sense of composure by building your career?

Hino: Rather than that, I think everyone has certain limits that come with age, right? Things your body can express, things you can cover with experience, and things you have to throw yourself into recklessly precisely because you lack experience. I’ve started to see those things clearly.

Back then, I didn't understand things, so I just threw everything I had into what I thought was right... but because I’ve come to understand things to an extent through age and experience, I can now face my physical limits and see parts of myself I can forgive. I feel that’s something that comes from accumulation.

Also, I think I see it because I’ve done so many different roles and jobs. By looking at other actors—from various roles, various sets, and everyone from seniors to juniors—I feel like I’ve finally started to see who I am as well.