2nd Page 'It Synced With My Own Reserved Side': Voice Actor Makoto Furukawa on the Different Ways He Builds a Character [TV Anime 'The Oblivious Saint Can't Contain Her Power' Interview] | VOICE ACTOR

— When you were actually recording your lines, was there anything in particular you were conscious of in building the character?

Furukawa: Let's see... Edward is reserved, and I'm not really the type to be very forward myself either, so I wanted to layer that part of myself onto the performance. Fortunately, I'm often cast as characters in that kind of position, so I suppose you could say I have plenty of experience when it comes to being reserved (laughs).

Everyone: (laughs)

Furukawa: When it comes to playing a role, I think there are two patterns: one where I'm cast because some side of my own personality happens to match the character, and one where I'm cast because something I create through my acting happens to fit perfectly. With Edward, that feeling of being reserved and not knowing what to do but still wanting to convey his affection, and the way he gets through each day only because someone is helping him — I understand those parts on some level myself.

The result of him earnestly racking his brain over what he can do for Carolina is what leads to all of Edward's bashful moments in the show, and even the way he ends up thinking that maybe Carolina doesn't like him — I find myself thinking, "I get why you'd feel that way!" So I do think, just a little, that it synced with my own reserved side (laughs).

— On the other hand, the battle scenes show a completely different side of him from that reserved part.

Furukawa: I think Edward can move with confidence when it comes to the things he's already accomplished, so I was able to try challenges like putting a real edge and intensity into my voice.

— What was it like playing off Rie Takahashi, who voices Carolina?

Furukawa: Takahashi is so good at receiving lines, and she bounced everything back so smoothly — it really helped me out. That said, honestly, "Carolina" is a hard name to say (laughs). If I can make an excuse, when you say the "ra" sounds in a low voice, your tongue starts to trip up. I knew the way he addresses her would change partway through the story, so I remember really pushing myself hard to get through to that point without ever stumbling over the line.

— It must be tough getting character names and specialized terms right without a single mistake...

Furukawa: It really was!

— Finally, could you give a message to the fans looking forward to the broadcast?

Furukawa: I think it's up to everyone who watches to decide how they take in whatever this work as a whole has to offer. It might seep into you without you even realizing it, and end up changing something in you. If you get the chance, I'd be glad if you watched it and came away feeling something.