Hisako Kanemoto Praises Sora Tokui's "Beast-Like Acting"! Audition Secrets Revealed on ShibuAni

The 86th episode of SHIBUYA ANIME BASE (#ShibuAni) was broadcast live on the ABEMA Anime Channel on May 22 from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This time, in addition to MC Yuki Iwai (Haraichi) and assistants Sora Tokui and Shugo Nakamura, the show welcomed two guests: Hisako Kanemoto, who stars in the anime The Strongest Job is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, and Niina Nakabayashi, who stars in the anime A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA . The program featured segments delving into the behind-the-scenes of talked-about spring anime and the true faces of the performers.

The first half of the program featured a special on A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA , a youth ensemble drama based on the original work by Takako Shimura. Niina Nakabayashi, who plays the protagonist Wakana Tabata, a preparatory student at the Awashima Opera School, revealed that this was the first main character she had ever won through an audition, recalling her joy at the time, saying, "I thought it was a dream and couldn't believe it."

She also shared a behind-the-scenes story about passing: "For some reason, the staff were laughing... Since I did a big stretch right before the studio audition, I thought it was either 'What's with this kid?' or 'They thought it was good acting.' I figured it was one of those two choices." Hearing this, Nakamura praised her, saying, "It means you were perfect for the role. There are plenty of times you get rejected even when you feel good about it."

Regarding the appeal of the work, they highlighted the dramatic interpersonal relationships and painful friendships of girls fascinated by the stage. In particular, Nakabayashi touched upon the relationship between the senior student Kinue Takehara and her close friend Ryōko Ueda, explaining the contrast of "Princess and Prince," saying, "Ryōko cross-dresses and plays the 'Prince' in front of others, but she becomes a 'Princess' only in front of Takehara-senpai." She passionately shared her unique perspective, saying, "Her innocence in thinking 'I am Kinue-chan's princess' is painful yet adorable," and "The feeling of their hands touching and the nuance when they pull apart is incredibly bittersweet," drawing consensus from the studio.