"It's a story about a teacher": Mai Fuchigami & Nobuhiko Okamoto talk the enduring appeal of Assassination Classroom for adults

— I read through the entire manga before this interview, and I felt exactly the same way—wishing Koro-sensei were real.

Okamoto: One of the best parts of this series is that you can learn from Koro-sensei, or learn alongside the classmates from their mistakes and perspectives. As for what Koro-sensei communicates at the very end... well, it’s up to the receiver to choose what they take away, but everything he says is unique, humorous, witty, and never stiff.

He teaches in ways that make you laugh a little, but before you know it, you realize, "Oh, I’ve actually grown." That’s why I think the Assassination Classroom anime and manga have become something of a "bible" for many.

— Among the lessons you’ve gained from Assassination Classroom, what do you still look back on now, 10 years later?

Okamoto: I think that even with all the twists and turns, aiming for the top or simply having a goal is a good thing in itself. As we see the growth of Class 3-E, we also learn how to learn through Koro-sensei... though to be honest, the career Karma chose was a bit of a surprise to me.

— He chose the path of a government bureaucrat to support things from behind the scenes, right?

Okamoto: But it definitely feels like Karma, and it feels realistic. Having comrades and a common enemy—a "common quest" to kill Koro-sensei—and walking toward that shared goal allows you to grow and level up your stats before you even realize it. That’s something that happens in the real world, too.

Moving forward together with friends and growing through a shared sense of purpose was very easy to understand.

Fuchigami: Since I play Nagisa, I tend to focus on him. He was struggling with friction at home with his mother. He was so influenced by her that he completely lost his way, even wondering if he should just become an assassin. Eventually, he overcomes that complex, but I personally have a tendency to be easily influenced by others, too...

Okamoto: That’s surprising!

Fuchigami: I don’t show it much, but I often worry about whether I should do what I want or what others expect. I worry so much people tell me "worrying is your hobby". Seeing Nagisa made me think, "It’s okay to be myself" and "I’m going to stop letting people influence me." I really emphasized and was moved by his journey.

— Thank you. Finally, do you have a message for those who will experience the world of Assassination Classroom through this movie?

Okamoto: Some people might know the title or Koro-sensei’s face but wonder, "What kind of story is it?" They might think it’s a scary title, but it’s just a story about a teacher. A charming teacher named Koro-sensei is right there—the kind of teacher you wish you had. I’d be happy if you watched the film and came to meet him.

Fuchigami: Like Nobuhiko said, the title might give a violent impression, but I promise it’s not a scary work, so please feel free to dive in with a light heart.

It makes you realize that words like "kill" or "die" aren't things to be said lightly. It’s very readable, but it allows you to feel that weight. Despite the rough title, I want young children to see it, and I hope it becomes a "bible" for your life. Please enjoy it.

— The meaning of the word "kill" really does change before and after experiencing this work. I feel like realizing that change is a form of growth and learning in itself. Thank you very much!

Assassination Classroom is a wonderful series where you can enjoy learning important life lessons through the episodes of Koro-sensei and his students. With the release of "Assassination Classroom the Movie : Our Time," I hope those who haven't experienced the work yet will take the chance to learn something precious from Koro-sensei.

Interview/Photography/Text: kato
(C) 松井優征／集英社・アニメ「暗殺教室」製作委員会 2025

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