"When he says 'Arashiyama,' it's like my heart skips a beat!" — An Interview with Hinano Shirahama, the Voice Actress for the TV Anime MARRIAGETOXIN

——How do you view the relationship between Gero and Arashiyama?

Shirahama: After going through relationships with two marriage-hunting partners, Himekawa and Ureshino, I think he has become cooler both in terms of interacting with women and as a human being. I feel he is increasingly becoming a reassuring presence. Arashiyama thinks there are still many areas where she falls short, but she respects Hikaru Gero and has made up her mind to work hard because she wants to become equals with him.

Even within Arashiyama, her feelings toward Gero change significantly throughout the story. Out of all the marriage-hunting partner characters, I think she is the one who puts the most effort into changing their relationship.

——By the way, Ms. Shirahama, what is your personal impression of Gero?

Shirahama: I think a big part of it is that Arashiyama has respected and supported Gero for a long time, but when I'm playing her, I feel like Hikaru Gero's voice sounds cooler than anyone else's. It really resonates! When he says "Arashiyama," it's like my heart skips a beat!

——You really sympathize with her (lol). On the flip side, I think Gero has made many "red flag" moves when interacting with women through marriage hunting. Are there any points where you thought, "He really needs to fix this"?

Shirahama: Let's see... not taking information on the internet at face value (lol).

——That's the scene where he blurted out his annual income right off the bat just because it was written on the internet (lol).

Shirahama: There is malicious information on the internet, so he shouldn't take it too literally. Since he has Kinosaki right beside him after all, I thought he would be more charming if he utilized the information he gathered based more on Kinosaki's advice!

——It's also charming how Gero gradually grows in marriage hunting through his failures, isn't it?

Shirahama: He just hadn't been able to show it before, but he originally had that charm, and I think a large part of it is that those sides have started to show. So, I feel like being able to be his natural self might be his growth.

——Finally, please leave a message for the viewers.

Shirahama: After the episodes with Himekawa and Ureshino, Gero-kun's charm keeps growing, and he develops a solid sense of being buddies, or rather a core, with Kinosaki. Many characters with tons of personality that you can really empathize with will appear from now on, so I would be happy if you could keep an eye out for those aspects as you watch.

How did she perform Arashiyama's memorable laughter and rich emotional expressions? Amid Gero's growth and the episodes woven by unique characters, we hope you will also pay attention to Arashiyama and enjoy the show.

Interview, Photography, Text / kato
(C)静脈・依田瑞稀／集英社・マリッジトキシン製作委員会

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