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redscullyrevival · 6 years ago

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Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

I’m preserving here all my liveblogging and commentary from twitter because this is the better space for keeping track of my self discussion. Yeah, no one cares, ANYWAYS

Gundam IBO Episodes 1-3

Gundam IBO: *puts main characters in a flashback in the first episode* Me:

Ah yes, the political girl who understands nothing of the hard man life. Good old Gundam.

I love Biscuit.

So far I'm a big fan of this shows policy on showing angry boys teeth.

Orga's hair is genius. No hats for dramatic flare, just that pointy bang. So good.

Millennial vs Boomer vibes, haha, love it.

Oh GOD Biscuit has sisters named Cookie and Cracker I am so happy.

I giggle every time I hear "Lieutenant Crank" because I am a idiot.

Did the Gundam nerds whine about Barbatos' tiny waist? Seems like a hill some would die on.

Surprisingly fine with Atra's crush on Mikazuki. It's cute! Not played weird or funky, so far. They seem like they'd get along really well actually - similar temperaments and background and all that.

Oh shit these kids are about to do a bad ain't they? Go get 'em.

I'd keep the accountant too - I don't wanna do any fuckin' math either.

Hate Beer-gut-Hitler-stache, when does some kid kill him? Soon hopefully.

His full name iS CRANK Z E N T

Political girl admires strong tiny boy for being coerced into dangerous life choices and options. Good old Gundam!

Mika isn't a victim so it's fine. This is fine. He is fine. They're all fine. Everything is fine. It's fine.

These poor babies. They're not gonna be okay.

Thoughts:

This is gonna be a big old thing ain't it? I've seen enough Gundam to know this one is going to hurt and in all the ways other Gundam titles try to tragic but fail. I can see that from way out here in the boondocks.

Mikazuki is incredibly concerning and he and Orga are gonna probably tear each other a part. That's the shit thing about existing in a constant mode of survival. They don't have time for inner reflection and they don't know how do even do that. These babies are already slipping.

Which gives the less-than-palatable title a lot of weight. "Iron-Blooded Orphans" sounds cool I guess but mostly it's sad. What a sad thing to see from an outside perspective. It's strength for them, it's pride, I get that, but I don't think as the viewer I am meant to buy in. Or shit, lol, maybe I am but I'm just a reserved asshole. I like to think I'll be hurt less later if I point out I can see the plot trembles now but we all know that's not true.

Very interested to see what Kudelia grows to do in all this. She'll remain political and maybe teach the Orphans about talking about their feelings - I dunno. She'll do something, obviously, I just have no clear idea /what/ so far. Which is fair, only episode three.

The handsome kid with the earrings (don't remember his name, too scared to search it) is definitely bisexual though. That's facts. Sorry.

Looks like this series will forgo the expectation of some pilot screaming about peace while blowing absolutely everything up. Ending of the third episode is a bit on the nose with the thematic line IBO is choosing to walk but I dug it.

Lots to look forward to! Lots will change! I adore the cast which of course makes me very fearful lol. They're hardened kids, they're stuck in survival mode, I can connect with that. What's interesting is their bonds and comfort with each other.

It's safe to assume they're gonna see some wild shit but they will have each other (until they don't) and whose a sucker for found-family feelings? THIS BITCH.

Gundam IBO episodes 4-7

McGillis Fareed is a creep, you heard it here first folks.

This guy is gonna have some wild backstory. He is the unmasked Char dude so. His hair bang is out to rival Orga's.

~ CINEMATIC PARALLELS ~

I love Akihiro is literally the guy from Beserk. He is pulling an AU role. Good for him.

The children are out here trying to change space future. I love them.

Ohhhh. She is here to teach the lost boys to READ.

Yeah, Orga and Mika's relationship keeps them alive but it can't last. They're gonna get hurt my babies are gonna ndndndnnsn

It's a judging love, a push and shove ya know? They're great protagonists, very compelling. Their relationship is bueatiful in it's own way but a honest writer knows they can't maintain that status quo if the characters are to grow. Especially into adulthood.

Hello cute pigtailed woman doing her nails in space! How can this one show keep treating me so well? Haha!

*famous last words, probably*

Okay there is some background mechanic guy and I haven't caught his name yet but he is blonde and styling a swoop do over one eye and his voice actor is so friggin familiar even just the like few lines he has had so far. I'm going on a search wish me luck.

Ahh! Character's name is Yamagi and the voice actor is Soma Saito who was Twelve in Terror in Resonance! Phew. Okay, back at it go time.

This power couple in the hat and shapely tummy scar, jeez. This show thrives on contrasting character designs but this one is, heh, this is new. Seems out of place almost.

PS>> Handsome bisexual earring boy is KILLING IT.

A+ pop into more scenes please thanks

It may be still too early to declare but I think Eugene is in the running to join my idiot son collection. He's got those expressive reactions that I just *clenches fist* that I just love so damn much.

lady pilots lady pilots lady pilots

I know ladies sitting at space computers in bikini tops isn't for any (good) reason but I need people to know that ladies in space would be hanging out in bikini tops for their own fantastic reasons and because I know this I shall accept events.

Idiot Son CONFIRMED

Atra x Kudelia WHEN?! Don't you let me down Mari Okada - I know what you're like!!!

Yamagi the cutie is gay. I'm filled with so much pride. *wipes tear*

These reckless bastard children are gonna be the death of me.

I adore how anyone with any kind of heart is moved by these kids. By their shared known history, by their current situation, their guts and their clever gambits.

There is such potential for wonderful storytelling when adult characters are made to stop and consider kids - not as lesser but as whole people in their own right.

Thoughts:

So McGillis Fareed is a creepo. Why do I think this? Well he didn’t bat an eye at accepting a child bride, I consider that a big friggin' tip off. Also, he exudes way too much effort.

I’m still early in the series so I may end up making a fool of myself surrounded by people who already know everything I don’t, but I’ll go ahead and try to explain my thinky thoughts anyhow.

I was only partially joking when I said CINEMATIC PARALLELS.

Pretty sure McGillis is being positioned against Orga and I say this because of their opposing character design and traits. McGillis consistently pulling on his bang was the tip off - hear me out!

The visual language of animation works differently than live action. Naturally by the medium what characters are bottom up designed to do are often times filled with more thematic intent than an actor forming characterization in collaboration with a director/a production. Plus, McGillis and Orga’s designs are intentional echos of one another within their stark differences, which is smart. This is a big cast that has varied character designs which have opposing tying traits (MORE ON THAT LATER) so their differences are what makes them similar.

I think these two leaders are more alike than what I’ve seen so far. I think the point is that Orga’s trials and struggle are more outright visible by his own choice whereas McGillis’ are hidden by him.

Orga never touches his wack hair even though he has a massive killer bang blocking his vision half the time. He isn’t seeking to change what lot he has been given in life and he isn’t trying to hide behind a fake persona. As orga states, “I am who I am.” A child.

McGillis constantly touches his hair while visibly contemplating. This guy is all calculated effort and performance. He isn’t who he presents himself as. Quite the adult.

Moving on to Orga and Mika and this show's brilliant use of opposing character designs: Jeepers Creepers, check out them Peepers edition.

Mika has big eyes. They're great. Because his eyes are so wide all the time it isn't shock we need to worry about with him. It's when he narrows his eyes. We saw this when he tried to choke out Gaelio (which, can I just say, noice).

You know who knows this better than anyone? Orga.

More and more we see Orga turning to Mika for approval, for motivation, for inspiration in his choices and push for whatever the hell it is Tekkadan is going to become. Orga has the smallest eyes of the cast, they're beady and cunning, even more so than McGillis (yikes). I think it's safe to say that Orga observes more than Mika, that Mika just watches things impassively as Orga ascertains what he assumes are Mika's wants.

And it's that type of thing where... The system works. Mika's wide, waiting, eyes keeps Orga on his toes. Keeps him thinking ahead, keeps him and everyone else relatively safe. But! But. There is a undercurrent of disproportion happening. I don't doubt these two love each other. I doubt that they understand their own dynamic. Any shift or change in this system and shit goes south very quickly. So naturally, I worry.

In lighter news OH MY GOD YAMAGI HUH?! Shy mechanic boy loves earring boy as much as I do - we are forever bonded in this way. He is my friend and I want only happiness for him. Ganbatte Yamgai, fuckin' get it boy.

Gundam IBO episodes 8-11

Yes, recap my idiot son Eugene's skills! If Akihiro is the guy from Berserk then Eugene is AU Makoto Tachibana from Iwatobi Swim Club, btw

The nonchalant babes at the controls are my BFFs.

I love the bit the in opening that's right away during "with all your voice" where Mika and Orga turn pause turn pause turn - what a simple but effective emotional pull, right? gurgle

Oh, it's his harem. Yes. Naturally. Of course. I don't hate this. Am I broken?

ohmygod I think it's because Naze Turbine looks like Ryoji Kaji. I will never be free.

HahahHAHAHAAHAAHAHA! Babies in space! Planting those seeds! HAHAH PLANTING SEEDS okay calming down. What am I to make of the editing in this scene? We've got Atra grasping her Mika charm then we're cutting away to Kudelia I'm freaking out right now.

B-b-b-budget episode! My favorite kind! Play with those jump cuts, yeaaaah!

Naze has a sweet spot for kids and wacky found families. Loves it.

This guy is defiantly space Marlon Brando in The Godfather right? That's intentional right?

This is a really awkward dinner time conversation. :D

Party time! Have fun kids, be safe, you make me very nervous.

Drunk Orga!

*SOBS*

Yamagi is jealous oh no oh my sweet little man oh it's okay!

I need everyone to know I'm deeply emotional about this family of lost boys and their big day and everyone is dressing up and JESUSSS

For a dude with a hat fetish and a harem Naze Turbine is a pretty good father figure so far, huh? He best hope it stays that way. *Whispers* It really is Kaji all over again...

I haven't praised the Old Man yet but Nadi is best and I would kill for him.

Hey, psst, hey in the opening Gaelio bending up into frame while McGillis slyly looks on is some really high quality queerbaiting. Top notch stuff.

These two fuckers hate each other but they like don't care? I don't know. I hate them. I love them. They're stupid make them stop.

The accountant is now like some magical loving math grandpa to all these rowdy boys my heart is so full!

Norba Shino, my love, your insecurities are great and many. Boobs this, boobs that! ... He isn't wrong actually.

Go team bisexual d i s a s t e r

I'm getting Takaki's back story, he is off to train in the simulator I DO NOT LIKE THIS

Flustered Orga is just, well it's very good. It's great. It's so sweet I'll put in my tea so I can drink it and get warm fuzzies forever.

Atra and Kudelia are so good together, they're another pair of characters with contrasting yet corresponding character designs that are just so fantastic!

DING DING DING figured out the editing of the baby scene and yes oh boy seeds were planted! Ecstatic. Don't be a coward show!

Haha, yeah right.

...Maybe though. Maybe. I think the biggest problem would be Mika because he's, well he is him isn't he?

Now Takaki is tagging along on patrol and I’m getting Akihiro’s backstory. Great. That’s not ominous.

BEEP BEEP BEEP an Ahab Reactor duh doy oh jeez oh come on kids

Thanks for the save Mika! HAHA I was worried. They got me.

Yes, the set up for Akihiro's brother is lazy but whatever I'm invested.

"Come on, come on, come on!" lol this fork tongued pirate kinda looks like a human Momotaros. I'm digging this creep.

TAKAKI NO!

Azee is my wife. We're very happy.

Friggin' Ein standing around muttering and holding Crank's pin like lolol do your job or something.

"All I want to do is kill those boys" like come on Ein no you don’t, just go do some fucking paper work. I'm sure you've been ignoring plenty.

No. Nope. NOPE. Absolutely not.

This show knows this isn't okay. It's showing us it isn't okay. Flowers in the Attic is over here touching hot tea pots, like??? McGillis is a creep and he has some junked up plan or scheme or whatever. Blerg.

Pfft, McGillis is touching that hair bang all "A powerful piece that could shake up the regime" HUH HERR I wonder who?

These kids are too good and too well adjusted - it's great. I mean, it's sometimes a bit much like in this instance with Akihiro and his bro, but that's also what makes it nice. What makes the show compelling. You trust these characters to trust each other at this point.

Thoughts:

The dominoes are setting up and we're getting to that point where almost all the pieces of mystery in the show's opening are all out on the table. Very exciting.

Can't wait to learn what the hell McGillis is up to. He is the exact kind of character I actually really like, because I'm the worst. The child bride is, you know, shitty but I don't think the show is (so far) trying to display it as anything but A Situation™

Frankly, the entire thing with Almiria is (so far!) a play on how these characters are still kind of kids in their own way. Obviously Almira, but McGillis and Gaelio are still at the whims of their own parents and forever will be at the beck and call of their "families".

Tekkadan are more overtly children but they're wiggling out from under another's thumb and carving a space to move around and have some self definition. McGillis is, I can guess, is going to try and do the same for himself (especially after his little chess speech).

McGillis' extreme acceptance of Almiria is partially gross and partially understandable. It's both. Because it is both! Being shitty to Almiria won't gain him any points and he is going to use her, his parents already predetermined that. Eeehhh. Wait and see I guess.

I adore the dynamics of this big cast of characters, the boys feel so real and I live to see them acknowledge one another's strengths and hopes and fears. ;_;

Like most Gundam properties (other than GWing, yeah I said it!) the female cast is a bit washy, a bit too reactionary towards an thus defined by the male ensamble but I don't dislike anyone.

There is a divide between the female characters and the male characters, they share the same physical space but their narratives are not aligned and that's okay but it is a little frustrating. I'm a patient soul and I love (and know) the Gundam franchise so I'm good but maaaan. I really want the ladies to get through on this one. I really want them to want things for themselves beyond being pulled by their boy peers. They don't need to fight. They don't need to yell. Who they are now is good, there is a good foundation. They just need a gear shift, especially in the realization that they're not just along for the ride. And I am mostly thinking of Atra at this point. I love her because she is easy to love but I also know that's through careful positioning and not due to anything inherent in her.

We will end this bout how I think many of these will end; YELLING ABOUT YAMAGI.

Yamagi is a sweet boy who deserves the world! Norba Shino is a human disaster who (headcanon) is going through a lot of confusing emotional and hormonal stuff right now so please be strong Yamagi.

Gundam IBO episodes 12-14

I love Ms. Merribit. Anyone will tell you I'm a sucker for responsible ladies in pant suits.

I love these Man Rodi the Brewers use. A good chuby boy in heels.

They made Mika's lunch TOGETHER.

TOGETHER.

My man Nadi knows what's up.

That's what I'm talkin' about! Mari Okada I trust you so much girl.

At some point Orga's tough guy smirk is going to be used in a way that pains and hurts me and I will probably die.

space battle space battle space battle I am a nerd space battle!

The ladies are covering for Akihiro. They want these brothers to reunite. *crying*

Masahiro's voice actor is giving an amazing performance.

Aw damn it.

Episode 13's opening is straight forward but rough: Norba's search crew find Brewer's human debris, passes them over, but those scared kids shoot which causes the Tekkadan kids to react and return fire. It's played straight as being it is what it is - a shit cycle of getting out.

The child solider/space rat stuff is, I feel, primarily used by the show to explore various forms of abusive fallout (which is why the Tekkadan kids fairly well adjusted existence is a little weird but deeply appreciated) and this quick moment punctuates Akihiro's goodbye.

A guest compliments Almiria, "She is like a doll!"

She is, isn't she?

Kill me.

UH OH she has realized she is nine.

Let me guess, McGillis is going to be a white knight oh yep here he comes. Great.

I'm hitting pause and I'm going on a wild ass fuckin' tangent:

I feel younger kids having crushes on older people all depends on how it's handled by the older character, much as in life. Kids crush on adults. They do. That's not like weird or strange. What's important is how adults are made to handle those feelings (if known) and a story can go in so many different directions for so many different reasons and that's fine. That's storytelling. I shall judge all stories individually as they cross my path with whatever elements they have within them. That's how I do it.

So McGillis being charming and nice towards Alimaria is, again, fine and a little icky simultaneously. We know he is stuck. He is not out to ruffle any family plans. He is cucumbering this shit and being as smooth as possible alternative motive I don't know yet.

Alimaria is at the utmost disadvantage here.

Within their specific scenario the only character we've seen consider her as a person who is also stuck in a hamster wheel of shitty parents is McGillis.

Obviously McGillis is a total shit-bird who is simply being nice because that's what is advantageous for HIM but the show is still (barely, mind you) straddling that line of "This Is Just A Situation™, we'll rip the Band-Aid Later"

McGillis is going to do something absolutely terrible to this girl and I am weary as fuck.

The series is being very manipulative with McGillis' actions here with Alimaria. He is being considerate but he is also stepping over a line.

McGillis is presented as being understanding and seems to genuinely care about Alimaria's feelings which makes him come off as, well, nice and princely. Which is undoubtedly what he wants. Which is what kind of makes him a monster, ya feel me?

Eh, okay, incoherent late night ranting done. Back to sad boys and robots.

THESE POOR SAD BOYS.

This funeral is hitting me in my soft bits I can't deal

And it's followed up by Yamagi x Shino content just rub salt in my wounds JESUS

UHHHH PARDON ME?!?!?!? I hate this episode! Deaths? Kisses? UGH. Mika is an dummy. He is full of dumb.

They're making sure to show Atra sneezing though, as if someone mentioned her name explicitly which is just more weird ass editing choices I don't know how to take. What are you trying to tell me?!

I'm stupid and a low life so I don't actually hate all love triangles. In fact I tend to rub angst all over my body so I can smell like disappointment and unresolved sexual tension but Mika is still a total dummy end of discussion.

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ ┻━┻

NEW OPENING BITCHES!

MASKED PILOT MASKED PILOT I AM YELLING!

New opening has got it all! Just absolutely everything! We've got a masked pilot; we've got some new looking girl straight out of CLAMP's X/1999 or some shit; we've got sad boy's angry teeth; did I make this? Is this a dream?

Fumitan ain't gonna rat Kudelia out! At least... I don't want her to anyways.

Kudelia is straight up asking this lesbian about men I can't believe her.

Hehheh heeh heh hehe "Dort" hehe

I adore the weirdness and chafing of Merribit and Orga's working relationship.

Oh my god guys, they're at Fantasy Costco! These girls are gonna clean these stinky boys and make that there ship sparkle. It's girly manifest destiny.

"So no matter which planet you're on, the bossy ones are scums" - That's my idiot son Eugene who is actually one of the smarter of the idiot boys.

I love the juxtaposition of these colony adults drinking the juice on the political Mars girl and her mighty teen protector warriors out to save them when it's really them asking lesbians for advice on men and trying to survive and crying when no one is looking.

I'm serious, Orga is borderline terrified of Ms. Merribit. She's just another pair of waiting judging eyes for him and he doesn't know how to deal with her because she actually SAYS STUFF.

Biscuit you be careful baby, watch your back.

Loooooove the juxtaposition of these colony adults being super psyched to get blown up and these kids are like "Christ almighty, put that down!"

Shino helping Yamagi escape (~˘▾˘)~

These boys are out here doing their job, doing their best, they're on their best behavior and they've been set up. My precious children! They've done nothing wrong, ever!

"Maybe I'll change the way I talk, huh? ... No, I will not do that." Goddammit I love McGillis and I'm sooooooooooo mad about it.

Thoughts:

We've had Snake-Man-Pirate suggest to Mika that he enjoys killing but we haven't really been given any evidence of that. I'm sticking to my self-made theory on Mika's eyes!

He has that big wide stare most of the time, Mika doesn't actually have much personal investment in most of what he does. He doesn't love killing, but he doesn't have any real opinion on it either way. It isn't like when he choked out Gaelio or, now, kissing Kudelia.

I'm full power launching myself into deep fannish space because that's how I media but like, I'm not crazy right? Mika's eyes are IMPORTANT. They're about all we're given in understanding him, which is wild for the main Gundam pilot protagonist. The emphasis on Mikazuki's eyes within his design and being the only markers the audience is given when it comes to inner choices is a big gambit. We're 14 episodes in and don't have much of a grasp on Mika and I think that's because he has never once self defined. He is the ultimate of the poor sad robot boys. Akihiro is struggling with his humanity and the label of his existence ("human debris") with all the characters starting to find space and time to turn inward and then there is Mika.

I don't think he knows how to live life while not only trying to survive. So, what's going to boot his self defined existence online? Piloting Barbatos? Kissing girls? Familial love? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

McGillis being a masked pilot this late into the game with no charade about "Who can it BEeeeEEeE?!?" is my favorite thing. Haven't even seen him in an episode yet just a preview but oh, it's my favorite thing.

We'll end this short thoughts binge on the beauty that is Yamagi and why I am somewhat upset:

IBO has a very tight turn around of set up and follow through. There is (I'm assuming) a longer, slower set up with end game (probably tragic) follow through happening in concordance with the two episode story arc rhythm the series has going so far.

Quick simplified examples can be

Akihiro mentions his brother > we meet his brother > his brother chooses to die/save him > kids learn some on how to handle grief.

Turbine has a harem > everyone accepts this > kids learn some on how to handle a found, self defined family.

The pattern is "If the kids meet a thing, that thing becomes possible."

We ain't seen no men loving men. We've not come across a viable example in the narrative of that being a option or choice or possibility.

There are a lot of episodes left and this isn't like a make or break situation for me, but we are inching up on the set up stage being over with and if there is no example, no proof, of men being able to love men then...? I'm hesitant to invest.

I still will invest hook line and sinker, this is Gundam and damn that’s what I do

BUT!

That's also just so frustrating and sad as well as being, haha, believable. If there is no example encouraging Yamagi to approach Shino and no example for Shino to see acceptance then they're just gonna run out of time or figure their shit out too late.

Which is so very extremely stressful and masterfully manipulative how dare you I'm so impressed but mad and hurt and god I hope I'm wrong and off and have not tapped into this show's core of foreshadowing or whateverthehell.

Yamagi is a sweet boy who deserves the world and Norba Shino is a human disaster and I suffer for them.

#Gundam IBO #fandom talks #Gundam #ignore me

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patriciaselina · 7 years ago

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[Animemashite] Kousaka Atsushi cross interview extras

“Of course I know, from within, that I want to take part in recording over various things, work from a script, but recently there's been various experiences that made me think, ‘ah, the way people recognize the seiyuu industry has changed, hasn't it?’ Just like how we're doing a TV show like this, or if one day you'd have to sing songs - not as a character, but as yourself, or if someday you'll do MC - be an MC for radio, or take part in events, and stuff. And aren't those fun in their own way?”

(Image source)

Happy birthday, Kousaka Atsushi! This is an English-translated transcript of the extra video of his cross interview for the March 13, 2017 episode of Animemashite!

You can see their original answers for the interview here!

Legend:

Interviewee: Kousaka Atsushi (A)

Interviewer: Kawanishi Kengo (K)

A movie/book/manga you recommend | Nakayama Atsushi’s “Nejimaki Kagyu”

K: Nejimaki Kagyu. Well, I know this one too. I’d read it.

A: Really?

K: Mm. Kagyu-chan.

A: I liked it a lot.

K: What about it did you like?

A: The way it somehow crashes into you with impact? Like - I had never seen [drawings] being used so boldly in such a manner, was what was in my head when I was reading it. Such a cute character was there, when you look at her she’s really cute, but sometimes when her expressions would change, it seems like the [way the faces were drawn] would change eras, too, and just when it seems like that's become their face for the second half [of the story], uh, the eyes would get reaaaaally large, ah, somehow, within me I really felt as if the pictures were flowing - as I reread it, rereading it as an adult, I thought that it may be the first time I've been excited over something this much.

K: Ehhhh.

A: That’s how I feel.

K: Certainly, though... Well – the facial expressions change very rapidly, that’s good, I thought when I saw it, but, somehow, recently, that author has a new work, don’t they –

A: Ah. Urataro, right?

K: Yes yes yes. I’ve read through that one quite a bit too.

A: It’s interesting.

K: Right? Really good. Mm.

A thing you’re hooked on lately (your hobbies, etc.) | Marvel Heroes

A: You know...what I think makes them fresh to me is that their heroes have things Japanese heroes don’t have. ...First off, there’s the protagonist – they’ve got a lot of protagonists who aren’t young boys.

K: Ah, right. Adults...

A: Yes, adults. ...And also, even if the protagonist is a woman, because she’s a hero, when she transforms, she becomes a gorilla!

Both: *laugh*

A: Isn’t THAT exciting?!? This, WHAT development is this gonna lead to?!?!?!? kind of feeling. Isn’t it exciting??

K: ...that’s...right... They have that green giant too,

A: Yes yes yes yes. Those times when they're really supposed to hurt, but they have [healing powers] are also interesting - or so I think. The stories have been going on for SO LONG, so they’ve come up with loads and loads of plotlines, even some that would make you think “is it REALLY okay to be using THIS topic???” There’s also stories that make you go “WHAT’S HAPPENING – AHH, SO THAT’S WHAT’S GOING ON,” too. And that’s interesting.

K: *points to camera, in Kansaiben* They're never gonna call you up, yanno. lol

A: WHAT THE HELL???? I WANT to be a Marvel hero!!!!!

Describe yourself in one phrase. | lazy

K: Somehow, it’s understandable, isn’t it.

A: My hips feel so heavy.

K: *laughs*

A: My hips feel just about as heavy as my ass.

K: So this isn’t ‘cuz of your age?

A: ‘Cuz of my age – it’s been like this since waay back.

K: Way back!

A: Way back. I've only ever had [personal] growth when it comes to work. ...So I guess, because I give my all in that aspect, I've become like this? Is what I think.

K: What are you lazy at? Stuff you’d go “I don’t wanna do this” at –

A: Everything.

K: *laughing* E-everything??

A: On off days all I wanna do is sleep at home.

K: Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

A: Whenever I have time off I just want to sleep.

A: *beat*

A: ...yup.

K: *laughing*

A: OI EXPOUND ON THAT!!!! Get to know me better!!!!

K: ...I dunno how I’m supposed to expound on THAT, though...

A: *laughs*

A seiyuu who shocked you | Nozawa Nachi-san and Yajima Akiko-san

A: Nozawa Nachi-san was, I used to hear him originally as a dubber, but he also dabbles in anime stuff, uhh...like that thing that had been rerun, Cobra.

K: Ah, Cobra, huh?

A: I got to watch him in that, and also, in Star Wars as C3PO. He didn’t change his voice all that much, but he’d managed to change how he portrays the characters by that much. He gets characters who are a bit mad, calm characters too, that was such an impact to me as a little kid. Also, Yajima Akiko-san – when I was a kid, I ended up unintentionally watching Crayon Shin-chan, and then, when I watched Gundam Wing, I saw the cast list – I wonder if I was in fourth or fifth grade of elementary at this time or something, because by that time I paid attention to the cast lists of anime. Because I was curious as to who was playing who. And then, when I saw the cast list, the heroine Lily was portrayed by Yajima Akiko-san. And I was thinking “where did I see this before? I’m pretty sure I saw this name before...” Days passed, and then suddenly I came across Crayon Shin-chan, and on the cast list, Crayon Shin-chan was: Nohara Shinnosuke – Yajima Akiko-san. And I was like – EH? EHH????? ...I didn’t notice ANYTHING at all! “Eh, people can change their voices THAT much??” and that was another shock I remember.

K: It really is...

A: Child actors are AMAZING!

K: They ARE!!!!! SO good.

A: They're PERFECT. And what’s more, they have to continue acting in that child’s role for so long, too.

K: Yes yes yes. That kind of thing – it’d be nice to try out, huh.

A: Right...I think I can’t pull that off though?? Hahaha! Well, let's go at things one by one, shall we?

Something that makes you glad you’re a seiyuu? | I think that my work is fun.

A: Of course. You’re chasing after your dream. I think that it’s no good if you’re not having fun doing it?

K: Maa, ne...

A: There’s a lot of things that make me feel frustrated, and, and there’s also a lot of things that make you think “should I just quit?”

K: There really are.

A: There are, but...when you're actually recording, or when you're somewhere like this *vaguely gestures around the Animemashite set*, and when it makes you feel, “ahh, this is really fun,” I think that’s really a joyful thing to have.

K: Because you really do like this job, don't you.

A: I have my worries, but, the extent of wanting to do - mm, I think the feeling of wanting to do more overtakes all those.

K: I understand.

Anime character you fell in love with? | Kamigishi Akari from “To Heart”

A: *deadpan* I love her.

K: *laughter*

A: The hell are you laughing at.

K: No no no. No no. It’s just – I know To Heart. I know it, but –

A: Did you play it?

K: Did I? I wonder? I think I just saw the anime, though...

A: Ahh...

A: *in a very quiet, serious tone* Please play the game.

K: AHAHAHA – who is that supposed to be?? *Kansaiben* Who are ya supposed to be???

K: Anou, I might be remembering this wrong, but Kamigishi Akari-chan is, the one with the pink hair?

A: I think it’s red hair?

K: Red, huh? That red hair has, uh, what was it, a hairband?

A: Yes yes yes yes.

K: YES YES YES.

A: During an event though, she changes her hairstyle halfway through. Uses a hairband. Changes those pigtails.

K: I remember now.

A: Somehow, there was a lot – I wonder if I was a sixth grader, when I started playing Tokimeki Memorial? Well, I dabbled a bit in bishoujo games and stuff, and the childhood friend heroine, when she would change her hairstyle, somehow it felt new. And the way you’d look at her would change, too. And I felt that was very realistic of them. And gradually, you’d get along better and better with that childhood friend – well you’ve always been close to her, but as time went on the love you had for her in your heart would change. It’s a novel game, so eventually you’d get to read what her real feelings were, and that made me go all mushy inside. Hehehe! “Ahh, so this is what love is,” I ended up thinking.

K: AHAHAHAHAHA!!!

A: *averting his eyes* Yeah...it’s embarrassing for me to say, but, that was love. Yes.

Both: *laugh*

What kind of seiyuu do you want to be in the future? | An entertainer who is an actor at heart

A: Well...when I decided to be a seiyuu twelve...thirteen years ago, the industry didn't have the elements it has now - where you show your face, sing songs, and even go dancing, right?

K: Yeah...I guess...we're almost reaching the point where we're asking "are we idols?" right now, aren't we.

A: I know, right? Especially male seiyuu, they didn't do this kind of work before.

K: They didn't.

A: That's why what I aimed for myself is - as an actor, a seiyuu, um, of course I know, from within, that I want to take part in recording over various things, work from a script, but recently there's been various experiences that made me think, "ah, the way people recognize the seiyuu industry has changed, hasn't it?" Just like how we're doing a TV show like this, or if one day you'd have to sing songs - not as a character, but as yourself, or if someday you'll do MC - be an MC for radio, or take part in events, and stuff. And aren't those fun in their own way? Of course doing normal seiyuu work is already nice, I think. But inside you, on your part - mm, realistically? At the root of it? "I'm doing this as an ACTOR," you should never forget this. Like...you portray an idol character, you dance and sing on stage, fans scream over you - but that doesn't mean you've become an idol, and I think that shouldn't be forgotten. In that vein, even if you've become an MC, and had come up with a lot of good conversations, "ah, I'm not an MC, and I'm not a comedian either". Because at the root of it is being an actor. And so I think that as an actor, you've taken part in all these other things. So going on forward, what I've decided on is - I wonder if I should call it an entertainer rather than an actor?

K: I understand...yes yes yes.

A: Or rather, someone who is an entertainer through [their capacity as] an actor. That's what I'm aiming for.

K: I see...you said a lot of good stuff...

A: Well it's - isn't it THAT kinda corner??

K: *laughs*

Question from Kawanishi Kengo: How could you describe how it's been since you graduated up to now? | I can't describe it in one phrase.

A: Way back, I'd had feelings that went "if it comes to scenes, if it comes to the emotions behind the scenes, I'll never lose to anyone." But of course you could never win against the ones before you, you'd wonder why, how you could make it okay, and get all depressed, I guess? I got depressed.

K: I see. So now, after those failures - if we call them failures?

A: Just like you said earlier, we should take it easy. What I was taught kinda fits, but it's - instead of just wanting to be “enough”, aim for being “good enough”. Don’t just be “enough”, be “good enough” instead. So it's fine if you feel like you have to take down notes, because you should go at your own pace; I've read a lot of books and watched stuff on TV and, thinking "ahh so such things exist," absorbed them as part of me. And...going in that manner, I realized, mm, I guess, mm, I am me, and they are them, that's why I'll never be the same as other people. So why did I even think of comparing myself to other people, in the past? That's why, hmm, I wonder if I got rid of that habit now...

K: Mm...I see.

A: I think people can’t help but compare themselves to others though? No matter what.

K: I guess?

A: In auditions and stuff, no matter what you do, winning and losing...it sounds odd to think about it as “winning and losing”; just because you passed [an audition stage] doesn’t mean you can relax. And even though there are things you can compare, fundamentally speaking...that kind of...feeling where you’re always wondering how you would stack up against someone, I [think] I’ve lost that.

K: Mm. Then...I guess it’s something you understand now after becoming an adult, huh.

A: I wonder if it is...Mm. As long as you focus your strengths on it –

K: That’s important, isn’t it? Mm.

A: Mm.

K: Of course that kind of...right? How you were during your first recording? That kind of voracious performance? You can’t go back on that.

A: Well, I guess I could think that I’m thankful things actually happened that way. The kind of voracious energy hiding under the nervousness of my past self – do I still have it now? Haha. Don’t you ever think about that?

K: Ahh...I guess I have those [kinds of thoughts], right? That kind of – somehow – freshness?

A: The thing that kinda. Shows on your face.

K: - there are times when something like that breaks through, mm.

A: Ahh, that...during the times I would see the script, there would be a part of me that made way to say “ah, I can’t do that~” but. If only I could meet the me back then, I’d like to tell him. “Have more confidence, and just give this a try.”

K: I see.

A: I didn’t have confidence [in myself]. There was a part of me that thought “I won’t lose!”, but there’s also a part of me that has no confidence. It’s been like that for a long time. Mm. Something like that?

Episode #141: Kawanishi Kengo’s impression of Kousaka Atsushi

...yes. Ehhh...we’ve finished two episodes now, ehh...what should I say? Twel...ve years ago, I guess? Somehow, just this –

(In the background, Kousaka throws his cardigan open. Staff-san laughs. Kawanishi bursts into laughter.)

Just that...that I was able to talk like this. With Kousaka-kun. It’s. During that time, umm, I didn’t know about him. We were in different classes. There were rumors spreading – ah there’s this guy over there and that guy is good, and stuff, so, yeah?

(Points to his temple. Probably referring to Kousaka’s glasses?)

I’ve heard about him, but...somehow...

(In the background, Kousaka has long since thrown his cardigan to the floor. He is dancing some weird kind of dance. Staff-san is still laughing.)

Right now, where we got to meet up, and talk. Getting to hear from him – anou...

(Kousaka continues dancing. Staff-san is still laughing. Kawanishi bursts down laughing as well.) I’m curious...

Right. I know now those, the kind of things that say what kind of person he is. Mm. That he knows [how to deal with] the people around him and stuff, mm. And of course, our similarities, right. That we’re both from the Kansai area. We graduated the same year from the same school, too. From here on out, if we could ever work together again, in lots of kinds of work –

(Kousaka is striking pinup poses and had just pretended to take his shirt off. Multiple staff members are laughing. He at least pretends to be embarrassed.)

- It’d be good, I think...I wonder, what the hell is happening over there, I will never understand what the hell that kid is doing, mm,

(Kawanishi sucks in a deep breath. Behind him, Kousaka is miming yelling at him.)

Maa, I guess that’s good enough. Un. Well, but if you’d cheer on Kousaka Atsushi and Kawanishi Kengo, it’d make us glad. We’ll be in your care. Thank you very much.

my translation index

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATSUSHI!!!!

jesus christ the man. talks a mile a minute. i know i always say i never promise 100% accuracy but ESPECIALLY here - transcribing this DRAINED me. transcribing this AND attempting instant translation in my head???? god. why did i do this.

just like with kawasan’s extra interviews, this was supposed to be a vidsub, but that means i have to watch the video again to time it and a third time to sub it and oh my god. i am so, so tired. why are you both february babies WHY RIGHT AFTER EACH OTHER.

that being said though, i still stupidly might use this for a vidsub someday, so please do not redistribute this translation anywhere!!

thanks for reading!!

#seiyuu #kousaka atsushi #kawanishi kengo #animemashite #my translations #transcript #I NEED SLEEP #this is roughly five mins longer than kawasan's and it's mostly atsushi waxing poetic #how did i transcribe this #love makes you do amazing things

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patriciaselina · 8 years ago

Text

Step-up Talk for Nizista - Komatsu Shohei (2/2)

I like karaoke, but I don’t particularly like being alone, so right now, I’d like to have friends (lol)

T/N: This is the second half of the interview Nizista did with voice actor Komatsu Shohei. The first part of this interview could be found here - both translations are posted today because May 14 is the birthday of the character he made his debut with, Idolm@ster Side M’s Kizaki Ren. お疲れ様でした！

This entire interview is crossposted onto Wordpress for my own archiving purposes, but can also be found under the cut!

Komatsu Shohei interview (last half) – “I was blessed with really good productions, I could really feel the connections with people.��

This is an interview with Komatsu Shohei, who is part of the currently-airing TV anime DAYS (as Sato Hideki) and in Idolm@ster Side M (as Kizaki Ren). This time, we’ll be talking about his feelings at the actual site [of the recording] and about his time with his senpai.

I want to show people the acting I can do because of my previous experiences with action.

As a member of HIROZ, since Komatsu-san was mainly in charge of action performances and MC, he went to Ken Productions in order to focus on his voice. And how did he actually start his work and study?

How was being a voice actor like?

Komatsu Shohei (Komatsu, for short): I had quite a lot of confidence, and I felt that I wouldn’t lose to anyone, because I used to do plays, but...’acting’ using only one’s voice is completely different, so from the beginning my confidence had been crushed completely (lol) But since I’d decided on doing it, I thought I had to focus on studying, so I went to our company’s training school. Every time I wasn’t recording, I was studying.

Your first [named] roles are from DAYS and Idolm@ster Side M. Since DAYS is a TV anime, how was it after recording?

Komatsu: Yoshinaga Takuto-san, who plays the lead character, is a rookie, but he’s [just as] awesome as the entire main cast. Every time I studied, I got to be part of dozens of workshop class lessons. I think that I really was blessed with a really good company.

Who was impressive to you, in particular?

Komatsu: I think Matsuoka Yoshitsugu-san is amazing. He plays Kazama Jin [in DAYS], a cool character, but [in real life] he’s a more passionate man than one might think, and every time he acts I feel like he’s the very embodiment of passion. And then there’s Seki Tomokazu-san, who is good at using different voices according to the scene. Anime is all about “how much of this can you imagine?” What kind of voice would you make, if you’re the one taking the place of the character on-screen? I thought it was amazing to be able to put myself in that position.

Because it really is amazing.

Komatsu: There’s also something else that makes me happy [about being a seiyuu]. Terashima Junta-san and Hamano Daiki-san are in the same unit as me as part of Idolm@ster Side M, and we’re also all part of DAYS as well. Even up to now, after recording would end, we’d all go out to eat together. In the midst of such great senpai, I’m grateful that I got to meet them.

It really seems like a good encounter.

Komatsu: The three of us are always talking to each other. It’d be nice if we all became well-known together, and meet in other productions again.

Recently, the opportunities for you to sing have increased, so how are you with singing?

Komatsu: In anime there are character songs, there are also songs within games, and there are seiyuu who go beyond their work and end up doing lives. I thought that it’d be nice if I was someone who could sing after all, so I studied voice acting and singing at the same time. And that’s also why I ended up making a band again [at the time] (lol)

What were you in charge of in the band?

Komatsu: I used to play the guitar a bit, but at that time I was solely the vocal. But since we broke up shortly before I joined Ken Productions, it felt as if I was just practicing singing normally (lol)

Aside from songs, seiyuu also have a wide range of activities such as radio shows and events.

Komatsu: I agree. Since I’d often talked and sung in front of people, I appreciate being able to make use of my past experiences. And that is also why I do not want to miss out on other skills I might have as a seiyuu. I have a few other things I’m a part of that are not just about recording, and I know I shouldn’t be content with just that.

By the way, what kinds of roles are you good at?

Komatsu: Considering how I use the experiences with what I used to be doing, I think I can characterize myself by not thinking of myself as just “a seiyuu who can do action [stunts]” but rather as someone who can figure out “what kind of voice should one do in action scenes?” For example, what kind of breathing would one make when they’re punching someone out, what kind of voice would one make when they’re on the receiving end of a blow? I’ve actually experienced these myself, so by all means I wanna get into more anime about fighting games or action stuff. Even if there’s no one else good at action [stunts] to [work off of], I can pretend to be someone punched out just fine (lol)

If [someone who was listening to Komatsu] was to close their eyes, they’d understand completely where you’d have been hit.

Komatsu: I also do work for drama CDS, and I think would like to be a seiyuu who can express when he has been beaten, what kind of movements he has been doing, even without video. In those kinds of situations, you can’t fight with anything but your own capabilities as weapons. There are lots of young seiyuu, after all.

Do you ever feel restless?

Komatsu: Because I’m someone who hates losing, I feel frustrated each and every day. If I see other people on Twitter saying “I’ll be part of this work,” I end up saying “damnit!” And whenever I see young seiyuu appearing in anime, I end up saying “GODDAMNITTTTTT!!!”

So that also becomes your motivation.

Komatsu: That’s true. In the face of that, it’s easy to say “I’m hopeless” or feel like “I have lost.” Whenever I see young seiyuu act in anime, I end up thinking stuff like “If I were in that role, I would do it this way,” “That’s good but if they did it a little bit like this, would it be better,” and I end up actually trying that voice out loud. It’s free training, yanno (lol)

When I’m just at home I usually just do stupid stuff, solo karaoke

Now knowing his past and his attitude towards work, lastly I asked Komatsu-san what kind of person he is normally, and he answered me from his heart.

You really are a person who hates losing, but can you talk about other facets of your personality?

Komatsu: I’ve also been called “too damned earnest” (lol) When I’m working there are times when I get too serious and there are times when I end up being boring, so I think I gotta study when to “let myself loose”. The way I’m thinking of going about this may be way too serious too, though (lol)

Let’s let go of work for a bit; what kind of person are you at home?

Komatsu: I keep talking about action this and action that, but on my off days I’m ridiculously the indoors type (lol) Because I didn’t wanna go outside at all, one time I bought all my food the day before, and decided “I am not gonna take even one step out of this house”, and just do stupid stuff. I watched TV and played games.

What kind of anime or games do you like?

Komatsu: I like stuff with robots in them. I’m rather good at the game “Super Robot Battle”. After I became a seiyuu, I think I’d like to do a role where I go and ride a robot.

By the way, what kinds of robots do you like?

Komatsu: The real kinds of robots, like those in Gundam. The super robots from way back are also cool, but I like those sharper kinds of robots.

Aside from that, what kind of ‘stupid stuff’ do you do?

Komatsu: Stuff so stupid that I don’t like other people knowing about it (lol)

Are you the kind of person who’s too loud in his room?

Komatsu: I’m insanely messy, and I end up looking very sloppy (lol) But since karaoke is my hobby, sometimes I’ll go out and go to the nearest karaoke place (lol) I’ll sing alone for around five to six hours.

What kind of songs do you sing?

Komatsu: Lots of kinds. I started playing guitar in high school through BUMP OF CHICKEN songs, but I also sing Visual Kei songs, songs from Johnny’s idols, female artists. I think of it as seiyuu practice, too.

Do you go out to eat with friends?

Komatsu: Fukuoka is my hometown, so I don’t have much friends living in Tokyo (lol) I didn’t go to college, and since most of the people I did the action group with are in Kagawa prefecture, I don’t have the opportunity to go out to eat with friends much. So I guess, if I get more friends through work who are as close to me as Terashima-san or Hamano-san, I’d be happy (lol)

So your wish right now is “I want friends”, isn’t it!

Komatsu: I like karaoke, but I don’t particularly like being alone, so right now, I’d like to have friends (lol) I think I’d get more friends as I get more work, though, so I’d like to have more work first! (lol)

Lastly, please tell us about your goals and what you look forward to in the future.

Komatsu: I’d realized that as I became a voice actor, my prior experience with doing action [stunts] onstage is my weapon, and I can use it to my advantage. There are also seiyuu who also take part in stage plays like Ono Kensho-san and Aoi Shouta-san, so I think it’d be nice if I were able to do that as well too, someday. But of course, first of all, I will focus on studying my voice, and as an active seiyuu, I’ll do my best to let my name be known.

My intent was just to ‘do whatever’, but it was only after my first loss that I realized I was taking it seriously...

It almost sounds like lyrics from a song, but unbelievably, these are his real words. Komatsu-san said that he is the kind of person who hates losing in any way. But, when I’d actually talked to him, the gap between the passionate heart of his that hates losing and his ever-smiling face that talks about ‘doing stupid things’ is also charming.

I think that whether it be in DAYS or Idolm@ster Side M, he had been blessed with good productions and good companions. And I look forward to his rapid growth, to him being part of series and stage performances making good use of his action [stunts], as well as roles that are far from the ones Komatsu-san are taking now; I look forward to see what kind of figure he’ll end up showing.

Article: Chiba Kenichi Photographer: Takenaka Tomoya Hair/Makeup: Nagaki Mizuho

my translation index

breathe if you think chiba-san was charmed by shohei by the end of this interview,

please do not redistribute this translation anywhere without permission and credit!

thanks for reading!

#seiyuu #komatsu shohei #idolm@ster side m #side m #days #interviews #my translations #if i thought the first half was emo THIS WAS WORSE #SHOHEI IS SO RELATABLE I HAVE NO REGRETS

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