Kana Ichinose: "I thought, 'That’s so Frieren!'" Special program for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 reveals post-recording secrets [Report]

On ABEMA, the special program "TV Anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End' Season 2 ABEMA Special Guest Program ~Defeat the Divine Technique of Revolte!~" was broadcast exclusively and for free on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 PM.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an "aftermath" fantasy set in a world "after" the Demon King was defeated by the heroes. It begins with Frieren, a mage who has lived for over a thousand years, embarking on a "journey to learn about people" following the death of the hero Himmel, with whom she once defeated the Demon King.

In this program, the cast of the new party—Atsumi Tanezaki (voice of Frieren), Kana Ichinose (voice of Fern), and Chiaki Kobayashi (voice of Stark)—appeared to look back on the story of Season 2 so far with famous scenes. They also delved deep into the new arc, "The Divine Technique of Revolte Arc," which started from Episode 34, "Trust." Additionally, comment videos from Tarusuke Shingaki (voice of Genau) and Reina Ueda (voice of Methode) were released, where the cast spoke passionately about the characters' charms and highlights.

Kana Ichinose & Chiaki Kobayashi talk about Fern & Stark’s date episode! "I thought, 'That’s so Frieren!'" Behind-the-scenes stories of the intense post-recording session

The program first looked back at the story of Season 2 so far with video clips. Regarding the changes compared to Season 1, Tanezaki said, "In Season 2, the bond and cooperation between Frieren, Fern, and Stark have deepened." Kobayashi also commented, "Since the monsters have become stronger, their combination and coordination have grown significantly." Ichinose nodded in agreement, saying, "Their cooperative play was truly magnificent," as they reflected on the party's growth.

Furthermore, the topic moved to the date episode of Fern and Stark in Episode 32. Regarding this episode, Ichinose commented, "It’s an episode I truly love. I felt so much frustration and anticipation, but I felt that was the charm of those two. You could really see how they care for each other despite being awkward." Kobayashi also reflected on Stark’s feelings: "When it comes to a date, Stark wants to look cool, so there were parts where he was a bit more stiff than usual. But that’s exactly why the final scene, where they talk in their usual atmosphere, felt even better," highlighting the appeal of their relationship.

In addition, they shared behind-the-scenes stories from the recording of the battle scenes with powerful monsters. Ichinose commented, "The voice of Takayuki Nakatsukasa-san, who played the monster, was truly terrifying! Even from the microphone at the very end, the power of his voice reached me. But Tanezaki-san stood there so boldly... and I thought, 'That’s so Frieren!'" To this, Tanezaki replied, "Since it’s a monster, the voice is processed (in the final version), but Nakatsukasa-san expressed this formidable enemy incredibly well with his voice even during the recording stage. His voice alone made it clear that this was a different kind of enemy, and there was a power that made the whole studio vibrate. I was so moved that I went to tell him directly." They looked back on the recording atmosphere full of tension.

Kobayashi also mentioned, "The animation is great, of course, but I have the impression that the acting has also become more of a 'holding your ground' kind of performance, with more reactions and ad-libs like that," revealing the changes in acting while facing stronger monsters.

Comments from Tarusuke Shingaki (Genau) and Reina Ueda (Methode) have also arrived! Studio erupts in laughter over 'petting' talk!?

In the second half of the program, a special feature was held on the new arc, "The Divine Technique of Revolte Arc," which began with Episode 34. Regarding this arc, which depicts the battle against Revolte, a demon general with four arms and a snake-like lower body, Kobayashi said, "It was a recording with more tension than ever before," speaking about the heat of the story as intense battles continue.

Here, comment videos were also released from Tarusuke Shingaki (voice of Genau) and Reina Ueda (voice of Methode), the First-Class Mages who challenge the subjugation of Revolte along with Frieren’s party. Shingaki, reflecting on his feelings playing Genau, said, "In Season 1, I played him stoically as an examiner, but in Season 2, I was happy to see more of his inner self." He added, "However, since he is a character who doesn't show his emotions on the surface, I struggled to play him in a way where they just barely seep out." Meanwhile, Ueda described Methode as "a straightforward, transparent, and funny older sister-type," and promoted the charm of the Revolte arc as "an arc with exciting elements even amidst a severe battle."

Shingaki and Ueda also had questions for the three in the studio. To Shingaki's question, "How can we increase the popularity of the seemingly blunt Genau?", Kobayashi suggested, "Make him a 'beauty boy' (into skincare)," and Tanezaki commented, "I'd like him to make a name for himself as the 'peeler' who peels Methode—who is always petting—away from Serie." Unexpected ideas like these caused great excitement in the studio.

Next, in response to Ueda’s question inspired by her character Methode, "What do you usually pet, or what do you want to pet now?", Ichinose replied, "Cats," but also revealed, "Besides petting, my recent obsession is sniffing a cat's breath." Tanezaki, a fellow cat lover, strongly agreed, saying, "I totally get it!"

On the other hand, Kobayashi said, "Takuya Eguchi-san. He’s tall, and I think he probably doesn’t get petted much throughout his life, so I’d like to pet him as a way to show my gratitude for his daily support (lol)," which left the studio in fits of laughter.

Atsumi Tanezaki: "The next episode is truly amazing!" Enthusiastically speaking about the highlights of the Revolte arc

While the excitement continued with the three talking about their chosen impressive scenes and discussing the characters' feelings and relationships, the program quickly reached its ending. At the end of the show, messages to the viewers were given by the cast.

Kobayashi said, "I think Revolte is the greatest enemy Stark has fought so far, so I hope you will support him." Ichinose also commented, "The Revolte arc is a story filled with so much dedication, so I would be happy if you could watch until the end."

Furthermore, Tanezaki teased the next broadcast: "The next one is truly amazing. When I saw the script, I wondered, 'This many cuts in 30 minutes?' It’s an exciting episode filled with so many great things, including plenty of action and magic," raising the expectations of the viewers.

(C)Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe/Shogakukan/ "Frieren"Project

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