■"Nube Leak Info" from the cast!? Heartwarming stories of the friendly atmosphere on-site.
Next was the "○○ Saw It!! Nube Leak Info!!" corner, featuring episodes from the recording studio sent in by the cast.
Ai Kakuma, who plays Yukime, shared that "Okiayu-san gave me black coffee after the recording of Episode 20." This display of "Yukime-love" by Okiayu, reminiscent of a scene where Nube gives Yukime coffee in the show, brought smiles to everyone. Other stories highlighting the peaceful atmosphere of the studio emerged, such as Morikawa’s "propolis throat lozenges" becoming popular among the cast and Okiayu actively taking photos on-site.
Then, a "leak" from Aya Endo, who plays Ritsuko Takahashi, stated: "In the scene where Nube chants a sutra, Okiayu-san was speaking without looking at the script. When I asked, 'Do you have it memorized?', he said, 'I've said it so many times now,' and it gave me chills." In response, Okiayu performed the "full-size" version of the sutra from the show. The studio erupted with excitement—"Wow! It's the full size!"—and Morikawa praised him, saying, "He truly is Nube himself," in a segment filled with constant laughter.
■Reflecting on famous episodes! Okiayu reveals the background behind the animation of "Promise Requiem"!
The program also featured a retrospective talk where the three cast members, along with other cast members' favorites, introduced their top scenes. The conversation was lively, covering a variety of episodes from horror to tear-jerkers and action, including Episode 5 "The Curse of Hatamonba," Episode 24 "Merry-san," and the scene in Episode 13 "Jinmenso" where the students save Nube.
Among these, regarding Episode 23 "Promise Requiem" chosen by Okiayu, he explained the background: "I heard that this episode wasn't originally included in the tankobon (collected volumes), and Director Ohishi strongly desired to animate it." He emphasized that it is a crucial episode depicting "events before Nube obtained the Demon's Hand" and serves as a declaration of Nube's resolve, touching upon the origins of the work. Regarding this deeply moving episode, Morikawa and Iwasaki praised the direction and resonated with it, saying, "The art really captures Nube's feeling of helplessness here" and "It’s a truly great story."
At the end of the program, the cast gave their closing messages. Okiayu expressed his deep affection for the series, saying, "We’ve done two cours this time, but both the staff and I feel strongly about wanting to continue further. Please keep supporting us."
(C)Shou Makura・Takeshi Okano/SHUEISHA・Domori Elementary School Alumni
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