Any ordinary girl would be "Head Over Heels"! An interview with Takeo Otsuka and Atsumi Tanezaki about their "Kill Blue" voice-over experiences

—We heard that recording is still in progress, but how has it been playing Tenma so far?

Otsuka: I’m still figuring him out as I go, but I’m approaching it with a sort of "head-on" intensity. I feel like if I try to be too conscious of doing this or that while acting, he might turn into someone else. I’ve only participated in one session so far, but I received direction to "make him look like a bit of a heel," and I think that’s where his sense of menace comes from.

—Next, we'd like to ask about Chisato. She’s a reliable character whom Juzo calls "Big Sis."

Tanezaki: Since she’s called "Big Sis" (Anego), I wanted to bring out a sort of intimidating presence for the main PV, but the staff told me, "Be more of a 'Mom' than a 'Big Sis'." I thought, "Oh, okay. Mom instead of Big Sis!" But when I went into the first session, I realized she isn't just one thing—she has both sides, so the balance is very difficult...

—In "Kill Blue," there are many characters with multifaceted sides, like Juzo, who is a 39-year-old hitman in a middle schooler's body.

Tanezaki: Chisato is the president of the Home Economics Club, so she teaches things like sewing to Juzo and the others. I tried playing those scenes with the image of how a "Mom" would teach, but I was told, "The distance is a bit too close; please instruct them properly as a club president." I was like, "Oh, really?!"

—A Mom, a Big Sis, and a President.

Tanezaki: Yes. So, I feel like as we continue recording, I’ll find that perfect balance. Rather than the acting I practiced at home thinking "Should it be like this or like that?", the acting that comes out naturally while interacting with Juzo and the others on-site is usually what they go with. So, I’ve stopped overthinking it and want to build the characters through those interactions in the studio.

—Mr. Otsuka, what is your impression of Chisato?

Otsuka: This is based on my impression of the original manga, but earlier Ms. Tanezaki said Tenma is irresistible to girls; conversely, I think Chisato is very attractive to boys... Though that might be something I feel more because I'm an adult now (lol).

Tanezaki: True, adults might prefer Chisato.

Otsuka: At first, she seems very composed, but she looks out for others more than herself. That's why she gets flustered when it comes to her own matters. She has that middle school-like quality while also being a slightly mature senior and club president, so she’s very reliable.

In her interactions with Tenma, she shows a new side of herself, and the somewhat insensitive Tenma learns things from her that he thought he already understood. She’s a middle schooler, yet has qualities that aren't very middle school-like. I think she’s a person with many charms.

Tanezaki: Actually, we haven't even had a conversation in the booth yet (lol).

—We look forward to seeing the interaction between Tenma and Chisato! We can't wait for the broadcast!

Please check out the broadcast to see how Otsuka and Tanezaki bring Tenma and Chisato to life.

Interview, Photography, Text / kato
(C) 藤巻忠俊／集英社・「キルアオ」製作委員会

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