■Transfixed by the "Magic-like Visuals"! Natsuki Hanae: "I Can't Believe This Could Be Animated" – What Are the Famous Scenes That Impressed the Cast?
In the middle of the program, they played back the story so far based on the cast's favorite scenes. Motomura picked the exam scene in the Dada Mountains from Episode 3. "Even though she can barely use magic yet, seeing Coco think about what she can do and take action gives me courage," she said. When she mentioned the anime-original scene where Coco remembers her mother, the entire cast enthusiastically agreed, saying, "This part always makes me cry!"
Next, Tsukishiro selected the scene from Episode 4 where Richeh saves the day. "This is where Richeh's true personality starts to show," she said, speaking on the reliability shown by the otherwise easygoing Richeh. Following her, Yamamura pointed to the scene in Episode 5 where Agott accepts her companions, commenting, "I felt like this was the first time we saw Agott's true, down-to-earth expressions." Cheers erupted in the studio during that scene, and viewers also sent in excited comments like, "Agott is showing her dere side!", "Dere is the best!", and "The acting is wonderful!"
Then, Haruki chose the scene where the four girls work together to overcome a trial, passionately commenting, "Everyone's growth and best qualities really shine through. The entire sequence was so moving that I just had to pick it." Finally, Hanae highly praised the scene where Qifrey summons a massive water dragon, saying, "It was truly like magic, to the point where I wondered, 'Wow, they can actually animate something like this?'" The rest of the cast expressed their admiration, calling it "like a movie!" and "absolutely breathtaking!"
■Olruggio, Voiced by Yūichi Nakamura, Makes His Appearance! Discussing Future Highlights
In the second half of the program, highlights from Episode 6 onward were introduced. Regarding the newly introduced Olruggio, Hanae described him as "someone who looks intimidating at first glance, but is actually incredibly caring and warm," adding, "The specific dynamic that comes from him being Qifrey's close friend will also be depicted."
Furthermore, a message from Yūichi Nakamura, who plays Olruggio, arrived. Nakamura shared his impressions of the character, saying, "At first, I thought he was someone who avoids trouble, but it turned out to be completely different." He also commented on his approach to the role: "I'm careful to meticulously express his caring nature and inner feelings as they gradually surface." In response, Hanae said with a laugh, "He shares some similarities with Mr. Nakamura himself! At first, he gives off a slightly scary impression, but he is incredibly proactive in talking to his juniors!" sharing an anecdote from the studio.
Additionally, a segment titled "Let's Come Up with a Book-Wrap Comment for if Episode 6 Were a Picture Book!" was held to introduce the highlights of Episode 6 in the style of a promotional book band, which even saw the birth of a "master book-wrap commentator."
Before they knew it, it was time for the program to end. In their final messages to the viewers, Hanae summarized the show, saying, "Hearing everyone's perspectives allowed me to see things differently, which was a lot of fun," and delivered a sign-off full of love for the series: "Thank you, Witch Hat!" Motomura also expressed her thoughts on the work, saying, "To borrow Coco's words, it's a truly precious work, just like magic," and "I want to spread this emotional experience while warming the hearts of people all over the world," before closing with a smile and the same sign-off: "Thank you, Witch Hat!"
The program is available for free streaming until Tuesday, June 30. The latest episodes of the TV anime "Witch Hat Atelier" are currently streaming every Monday at 11:00 PM, and all episodes up to the latest one can be enjoyed for free during this season.
(C)白浜鴎／講談社／「とんがり帽子のアトリエ」製作委員会
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