Q.1 What were your impressions upon reading the original manga and the script?
Taking this role gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the franchise, and I now truly understand why "009" has been so deeply loved across generations. I also strongly feel the significance of adapting this into an anime once again in this day and age. Precisely because we live in an era where AI technology is becoming increasingly prominent, this story—which explores "what it truly means to be human"—struck a deep chord within me.
Q.2 What are your thoughts on the character Joe Shimamura?
He is honest, straightforward, kind, and deeply empathetic. I believe that because he understands weakness and pain, he is able to reach out to others. I absolutely love his humanity, including his sense of justice, which can sometimes be almost too intense. While I feel a certain personal closeness to him, he is also an aspirational figure who represents who I want to be.
Q.3 Do you have a message for the fans?
As we mark the milestone of the franchise's 60th anniversary, I feel deeply humbled to be involved in such an important project as the voice of Joe Shimamura. At the same time, I am incredibly happy and honored. I hope that long-time fans of the series, as well as those who are discovering "009" for the first time through this project, will thoroughly enjoy it.
(C)石森プロ
