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[starryc]

[ENG Translation] Imai Shunto & Ando Yuto Interview | 『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- | "We hope you can come to the theater and experience the 'force' we've talked about"

happy grateful cypher senshuuraku! don't ask me why i did this when i have a whole backlog of translations, a million wips, and actual work to do; i blacked out and it was done--

if you know me, you'll now that i've found myself a little too endeared by hifumi and gentaro's gen 2 stage actors!! i will forever miss gen 1 with my whole entire heart, but i'm glad it's andy and shunty who've taken up hifumi and gentaro's roles. i'm enjoying their portrayals a lot and i think they're both promising actors, so that's why i wanna share more about them! i thought this was a fun interview that gave some insight on hypstage behind the scenes and their friendship c: so if anyone's interested, enjoy!

links to the interview can be found here (first part) and here (second part). translation is under the cut! i'm far from proficient btw, so if you spot any errors, kindly feel free to correct me!

First Part

Starting October 4th, 2024 (Friday) in TOKYO DOME CITY HALL,『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- raises its curtains.

It is the latest in the series of stage adaptations (more commonly known as "HypStage") based on the popular rap-based character project Hypnosis Mic.

Following -New Encounter-, which ran back in March 2024, all 18 members of the 6 divisions (Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Osaka, Nagoya) return. The stage original Hachioji Division "WESTEND-MAFIA" will also be featured.

THEATER GIRL has interviewed Imai Shunto, who plays Yumeno Gentaro, and Ando Yuto, who plays Izanami Hifumi. In this first part, we ask them about their experiences in their previous work and discuss what they look forward to in this production.

Rehearsals Made Everyday Exciting

―The two of you made your HypStage debut in Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -New Encounter-, which ran throughout March. Looking back on it, what was the production like?

Imai: Not only the performances, but rehearsals made everyday exciting. Every cast member and all of the DDB were brimming with talent. When the show opened, the audience had such amazing enthusiasm.

Ando: When I think about it, it feels like the final show came around in the blink of an eye. This was my first 2.5D stage play, and I had never done so many performances in a run before. From rehearsals to the stage, we would tell each other "Wouldn't it be better to do it this way?" and pushed one another to improve, so I feel like I've really grown.

―In what ways do you feel like you've grown?

Ando: During performances, I kept thinking about things like how I could engage with the audience and how I could hype them up. I think I've been able to grow by putting myself in the shoes of those who are watching us.

Imai: I actually worked with Andy (Ando) on another production (Butlers' Opera 『Devil Butler with Black Cat』 ~Rose Scented Ball Edition~ [TL/N: "AkuStage" henceforth]) afterwards. Andy had a role like that there, and he was very good at it.

Ando: You think so?! I'm sure a lot of it is thanks to my experience on HypStage. Shunty (Imai), do you feel like you've had any growth?

Imai: Personally, I know I had no sex appeal at all, so I studied how to be more seductive as a man. I learned how to move my gaze, how to hold it until the end, and other little details like that. I even went to Andy for advice.

Ando: That's right.

Imai: I also learned a lot from YUKI-kun [TL/N: Jyuto's actor]. But I feel like I still have a lot of room for improvement. This time, I'd like to show even more growth!

―What do you think of Ueki Go-san as a director?

Ando: Man, he's the best.

Imai: Both the cast and the audience get so excited under his direction that it gets me really pumped up while performing. Starting right from rehearsals, everyone's energy was incredible.

Ando: Very incredible! Everyone was so anxious during our first meeting, but Go-san gave us this passionate speech. That's when things really started getting into gear, wouldn't you say?

Imai: It really did! Go-san told us "You don't need to be worried. Just believe in yourself." That gave me a lot of confidence, and I feel like I was able to do my best.

Ando: Go-san constantly says "HypStage creates 'force'¹." We say "We'll make it!", but I wonder if we even come close to matching that force.

Imai: Good question. I guess it's about how much force you can unleash from inside you.

Ando: I think having a fighting spirit and a strong desire to "express" creates even more "force."

―On the day of a performance, when do you get into the mood?

Imai: It's when I put on the wig and costume. What about you, Andy?

Ando: Radio calisthenics.

Imai: Ahahaha! You did do those, huh.

Ando: Of course I do other exercises, but I love radio calisthenics.

―You don't do them with everyone else as part of your routine?

Ando: Nope, just me.

Imai: One time in the hallway, I heard him going "Radio Calisthenics Exercise No. 1~" (laugh)

Ando: Oh yeah. Shunty happened to be passing by, so I dragged him in (laugh)

Imai: I got completely caught up in it (laugh)

Ando: Radio calisthenics is great, though! When you really get into it, your whole body wakes up.

Imai: I feel that! Let's do some radio calisthenics again.

Ando: Let's, let's! I'll slowly drag everyone else into it too (laugh)

Imai: I'm sure you will.

Ando: Another thing about -New Encounter- is that each character makes their entrance one by one in the opening song. The person before me is Dr. (Jinguji) Jakurai (Kohatsu Allen), so whenever I hear Dr. Jakurai's part, I tug on my jacket and lock in. "It's all right! I got this!" I tell myself, and the switch turns on.

I'd Like to Make the Role My Own

―What are you looking forward to in 『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher-?

Ando: -New Encounter- was pretty faithful to the original drama tracks. But this time a stage original division will be showing up, so I'm excited about that. Before, I followed the drama tracks closely like a textbook for my line delivery and whatnot, but in an original production I have to figure it out myself. Using the drama tracks as a basis, I'd like to make the role my own while thinking "How would this character do it?"

Imai: Last time, the divisions barely interacted with each other. So this time, I'm interested in seeing what happens when members of different divisions get mixed up with each other. There's also the music, isn't there?

Ando: Definitely!

Imai: The music and dancing are getting better and better, so the quality is improving as well. I'm a little nervous, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the choreography will be like.

―Since you brought up dance, I heard that Ando-san has a lot of experience in dancing.

Ando: I've been dancing since I was 4 years old, so that's about 17 years now?

Imai: 17 years! He's sure not playing around.

Even with that many years under your belt, do you find the choreography in HypStage difficult?

Ando: I know I've been in a lot of dance battles and seen all sorts of dances, but I think the choreography for HypStage is at a difficulty not meant for actors. It's on the same level as real dancers, everyone's drenched in sweat while we're doing them.

Imai: For real! Even the DDB say things like "This sure is tough." Honestly, I used to feel like I wasn't cut out for dancing at all. I didn't have experience to begin with. But since I was going to be a part of HypStage, I couldn't think that way anymore and decided I had to catch up to everyone else. I practiced over and over so no one would think "Imai is bad at dancing." Thanks to that, I've been feeling better about it.

―Did you get any dance advice from Ando-san?

Imai: I did. I also got my fellow division members (Mitsui) Junpei-kun [TL/N: Ramuda's actor] and (Kituya) Taiyu-kun [TL/N: Dice's actor] to teach me. During the rehearsal period of -New Encounter-, I took Taiyu-kun to a studio with me so we could practice together. But no matter what, I always went back to Andy for help.

Ando: I'm glad!

Imai: I was asking things like "How do I make this swing look sexier?" and so on.

Ando: You did, yeah. You see, it's not just about following the choreography, but also thinking about "How would this character dance?" and how the costume would look.

Imai: During my solo dance, there's a move where I raise my hand and then drop it. Presenting that part was the issue.

Ando: Oh yeah! I was like "You should do this with your fingertips."

Imai: Right. And also how to carry myself. I often asked him how to show off these moves in a way that would captivate the audience. It was like that all throughout the production period.

―Ando-san, what do you think of Imai-san's dancing?

Ando: I mean it's sexy, isn't it? I've been watching Shunty dance since we first started learning the choreography, so I can't help but feel like a teacher (laugh). When you see that kind of growth, it's like "Whoa, nice!"

Imai: I'm glad you think so.

Ando: Gentaro is the only one whose style differs from the others, so that affects his presentation. Shunty put a lot of effort into it and has really polished his skills since then, so I'm amazed seeing his improvement. That's something I'm also looking forward to in this stage play.

Imai: I'll give it my all!

―Imai-san, what do you think of Ando-san when it comes to acting?

Imai: He's very dexterous.

Ando: Wow! Really? I'm glad.

Imai: When we worked together in our other production, we had roles that clashed with each other quite a bit. I thought he was very dexterous and sensitive to subtleties, and he was good at attracting people's attention. I have a lot of respect for him, even if he is younger than me.

Ando: Hey, do you want to say that last part again? "Even if he is younger"?

Imai: Oh, it's nothing! (laugh)

Ando: As you can see, we really are friendly rivals.

Imai: Mhm.

Ando: Shunty's acting style makes very good use of silence, or like, how do you say it… "beats." But most of all, he's big on practice! Every time I saw him practicing our sword fight scenes [TL/N: in AkuStage], it made me want to work hard, too. There's a lot to learn from him in terms of work ethic.

Imai: Wow, it's embarrassing to hear all that.

Ando: Yeah, saying it in front of the person in question is pretty embarrassing.

Imai: Well, they aren't things you'd usually say to them.

Second Part

Starting October 4th, 2024 (Friday) in TOKYO DOME CITY HALL,『Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-』 Rule the Stage -Grateful Cypher- raises its curtains.

It is the latest in the series of stage adaptations (more commonly known as "HypStage") based on the popular rap-based character project Hypnosis Mic.

Following -New Encounter-, which ran back in March 2024, all 18 members of the 6 divisions (Ikebukuro, Yokohama, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Osaka, Nagoya) return. The stage original Hachioji Division "WESTEND-MAFIA" will also be featured.

THEATER GIRL has interviewed Imai Shunto, who plays Yumeno Gentaro, and Ando Yuto, who plays Izanami Hifumi. In this second part, we ask them about what they keep in mind for an original production, how they became friends, and what kind of work they would like to do together.

First Impressions Matter on Stage

―What do you keep in mind when performing in a stage play or a musical with an original story like this one?

Andy: I think that first impressions matter on stage. Once you see a character's first scene (that I'm playing), it should still feel like that character later on even if something is a little off. In my opinion, voice is especially important, so I always start by studying voice.

Imai: For me, it's presence.

Andy: You're pretty concerned with appearances.

Imai: I put an absurd amount of effort into studying appearance. Different characters walk in different ways. Even the way they stand while waiting, it's all different. When I read a script, I think about small details such as "Why am I here in this very moment?" I feel like everything is hinged on that.

―How do you objectively look at appearance?

Imai: I try to look in the mirror, or check out the videos from rehearsal when I'm at home. I also ask the director and the cast "How was that?" That's how I make adjustments as we practice.

―Ando-san, you mentioned "first impressions" a moment ago. Can you tell whether or not you've made a good first impression on the audience?

Ando: Nope, I can barely tell.

Imai: Seriously?! Didn't you feel like the crowd went "Whoa!" when the panels came out during the opening scene?

Ando: Ah, that's right! When I look into the eyes of the audience, they're dazzling… They're eyes full of hope and joy. It makes me so happy.

Imai: They sure are looking at us! (laugh)

Ando: I think that's when I get this sense of accomplishment. Like, "I've really made myself this character."

Imai: Uh-huh.

Ando: Of course, I'm happy when fans of Matenrou (Izanami Hifumi's division) look at me that way. But, let's say someone wearing another division's colors looks at me like that… They would have a more objective opinion since they're not our fans, no? When I see how fans of other divisions react, I wonder if I've hit the mark.

Imai: I can't see very well with just the ring lights², so I try to observe the audience's reactions when the lights are on them or when we get off the stage.

Their Influences Are…?!

―A Hypnosis Mic is something that affects your psyche. Is there anything in your daily lives that influence you?

Imai: There is! I play a lot of escape game apps, they really make you think.

Ando: Heh

Imai: What are you laughing at?

Ando: It's nothing, it's just that you're talking about them like they're some niche interest when they're pretty popular, so you don't need to explain what they are…

Imai and Ando: (laugh)

Imai: I've started to develop this "Escape Game Brain" from all these escape games. It's gotten to the point where I'm always thinking "If I were trapped in this room right now, what would I use to get out?"

Ando: Just in case you ever get locked up somewhere?

Imai: Yeah. I guess I have pretty good survival skills.

Ando: What are you even going on about? (laugh)

Imai: What about you, Andy?

Ando: Animation is what influences me. The last time I saw an animated film, I felt like there was a lot of thought behind the movements. I've even say they probably put more effort into studying gestures and emotions than they do for live action productions. I used to watch anime for fun, but now I've realized I can learn a lot from them when it comes to 2.5D works.

Imai: Hey, could you stop right there? You're making me look bad for talking about escape games.

Ando: It balances out, doesn't it? (laugh)

Imai: I guess. Thanks (laugh)

―You two are pretty close, aren't you?

Ando: Ahaha! We go out to hot springs and saunas together.

Imai: Yeah, we do that a lot.

―How did you two become friends?

Ando: Well, I think the best place to start is…

Imai: Is?

Ando: During HypStage's Osaka performances…

Imai: Stop!

Ando: When we were staying at the hotel~

Imai: That's enough! It's so embarrassing!

Ando: One morning, I was heading to our meeting place from my room when I ran into Shunty in the hallway. While we were waiting for the elevator, Shunty told me, "You know, I don't think you look that much younger than me" like some sort of confession³ (laugh)

Imai: Ahaha! Did I sound that serious?

Ando: I mean it was a closed space. It was all quiet, and no one else was there. So I was like "Huh? Wha?!"

Imai: Were you a little freaked out? (laugh)

Ando: Back then, I called him "Shunto-kun." But then he said, "Just 'Shunty' is fine." I was totally freaked out (laugh)

Imai: It really is embarrassing!

Ando: He told me "You don't need to be polite with me."⁴ I guess that's when we started getting closer.

Imai: Absolutely. But to be honest, I felt a kind of kinship with Andy right from the beginning.

Ando: So scary! (laugh)

Imai: I mean, don't you have a "friendship sensor⁵"?!

Ando: I do!

Imai: Mine went off with you.

Ando: You mean like you thought we'd get along?

Imai: Yeah. That's why I thought "This is my chance!" when we were in that elevator together.

Ando: Were you nervous?

Imai: I was nervous (laugh)

Ando: You see, it would've made more sense if you approached me during rehearsals, but this was after the Tokyo shows and during the Osaka run. It's just hard for me to change like that (laugh) Like calling you by your name or speaking to you so casually⁶

Imai: That's true.

Ando: But, you know, I did also feel my "friendship sensor" go off for Shunty.

Shunto: See!

Ando: Shunty may be older than me, but he doesn't really feel like a senpai. I think we were able to get closer because he has such a friendly vibe.

―What would you two like to do together in the future?

Ando: When it comes to work, I want to cross swords.

Imai: Like a sword fight?

Ando: We've done a sword fight scene before, but it was as allies, so I want to fight against you.

Imai: It's the opposite for me. In HypStage and our other work together, we've had roles where our characters are on bad terms or constantly at odds with one another. I wonder what it would be like if we played partners.

Ando: Good point!

Would you like to work together on film or on stage?

Ando: Ah, film also sounds fun!

Imai: Right? Film or stage, I'd like to do both.

Ando: A hierarchal dynamic between us could be interesting.

Imai: Which one of us would be the senior? You know, it would be really surprising if it was you.

Ando: For sure. I guess I'd be like (low tone) "Get to work~"?

Imai: Never mind, you're pretty bad at it (laugh)

Ando: Well, I haven't really had anyone work under me (laugh)

―Please give a message to those looking forward to your upcoming performance.

Ando: Whether or not this is your first time watching HypStage, whether or not you're already familiar with it, it's an interesting piece of work. We hope you can come to the theater and experience the "force" we've talked about in this interview.

Imai: We'll do our best to deliver a stage play that's even better and more exciting than the last. Definitely come to the theater prepared to have a good time. We'll see you there!

¹ the original term used here is 圧, which is "pressure" or "force." i think "force" just flows better, so i translated the conversation based on that imagery

² the exact phrase here is 僕は光にあまり強くないのです, which is literally like "I'm not very good with lights." i'm assuming shunty means the ring lights that the audience wears based on the context of the conversation, but maybe it's not idk i just thought i should mention that lol

³ the original term used here is 告白, which can mean confession as in confessing to a crime or like. a love confession WKJGHGH okay, so i just kept it vague because i wasn't sure which vibe andy meant here 😭

⁴ this is in reference to the honorifics used in the japanese language, which are used as part of polite speech

⁵ the exact term used is 仲よくなる人センサー, which is more literally like "person befriending sensor" 🥺

⁶ is a similar to ⁴ in that they're discussing the formalities of japanese speech depending on who you're talking to and how close you are

[6okuto]

GOOD WITH KIDS

ushijima, suna, hinata, akaashi, sakusa, kita, atsumu with their kids ^__< reader is never mentioned so u can imagine them as single dads if u'd like 🫶

USHIJIMA’s tall, to say the least. his daughter finds this incredibly beneficial to her every few days. all she has to do is walk up to his spot on the couch and look a little fidgety, biting her bottom lip, for wakatoshi to smile. “is something high up again?” “yeah…the cereal’s on the top shelf again! i didn’t put it there last time though, i swear.” she furrows her brows as her dad stands up to his full height. “well, let’s get it down from there together, then.” he easily pulls her into his arms and she giggles, maneuvering her way to sit on his shoulders with practiced ease. “make sure not to bump your head,” he reminds her, slowly walking to the kitchen. “i won’t!” she carefully holds onto him, and wakatoshi’s glad she hasn’t figured out he’s the one who’s been putting things high up whenever she’s finished with them.

SUNA holds his daughter's hand, his phone with two tickets to the barbie movie open in the hand that's free. they had gotten ready together—rintarou had let her put her cutest pink clips into his hair, and made sure to get a shirt that matched the shade of her dress. he took her to buy a whole outfit for the occasion, from the dress to her bag to her shoes. the pair had taken photos and videos, one currently posted on his story that had her face out of view, but bow in her hair shown off. “can i get the barbie popcorn combo, too?” she asks in line. “yeah, you wanna get a photo with the barbie cut-out after?” “yeah, yeah! she looks so pretty.” rintarou hums and lets her swing their arms back and forth, careful not to hit the people around them. “i think you’re even prettier, though.”

HINATA has always supported his son in decorating and expressing himself, which is why when he wanted to decorate his room, he couldn’t say no, even with his lack of artistic skills. instead, they worked together to fill online shopping carts with different merchandise and furniture and got temporary wallpaper that would fit the bill. a couple of weeks later, and now shoyo finds himself sitting on the ground setting up a new desk, surrounded by boxes and different figures that will hopefully fill the bookshelf they built a few hours earlier. “dad?” “yeah?” “do you think i could get some of your team’s stuff, too?” “my—” shoyo fumbles with the screw in his hand in shock. “like, like your shirt? or something signed by uncle bokuto?” the question could make shoyo cry, he thinks, and he makes a noise of excited agreement. “of course you can! do you want to check my old high school stuff, too?”

AKAASHI’s a fan of thunderstorms. his daughter on the other hand, is not. so he’s made it a little game. they’re sitting together in a blanket fort, legs touching and hands on their lap.she fidgets slightly at the sight of the lightning, but starts to count out loud for the thunder. “one, two, three, four…��� keiji joins and they watch each other carefully. at eight, the thunder rumbles the house and his daughter reaches over—not for a hug or comfort, but to try tickling her dad who does the same. she squeals as he reaches for her sides, and keiji laughs as she, maybe a little aggressively, tickles him back. when he picks her up to sit her on his lap, she yells, “no fair! that’s cheating!” between giggles and yelps. in mock indignation, keiji replies, “cheating? i would never do that.” yet stops anyway. his daughter jokingly huffs. “i’m gonna get you next time.”

SAKUSA’s eyes widen as his daughter runs up to him, only to hide behind his legs. instinctively, his hand moves to hold and comfort her as he scans the park for what could have scared her. it’s when two large dogs bark that he spots them playing with each other and the dots click. he turns to squat in front of his daughter, who looks at him with wide eyes and a pout that make his heart clench. “dad,” she says softly. “hm?” “do you think i could play with the dogs? they’re…big.” she sends a pointed look to other kids walking up to the owner and their pets. kiyoomi hums again and gently rubs her shoulder. “ it looks like they’re being nice with the other kids, right? why don’t we go together and ask?” his daughter nods and grabs his hand, and kiyoomi’s eyes crinkle as he smiles before walking over with her.

KITA’s son is adamant that his bed is the comfiest in the house. shinsuke’s happy to hear this, of course, even if he’d have to personally disagree. he’s about to rest in your own bedroom, when his son catches up to him in the hall. “do you wanna try my bed?” shinsuke blinks, processing the question. he laughs a little. “i don’t think i’d fit properly.” “we can both fit!” and before he can object, his son is pulling him into his bedroom and onto the bed that was definitely not made for the two of them to fit. but something tells him that he won’t get out of this easily, so he lets out a breathy laugh before crawling in, leaving space for his son to curl in with him. his back will probably hurt a little when he wakes up, but he pulls the blanket over the both of them anyway with a soft smile on his face.

ATSUMU rolls up his sleeves and pretends to crack his knuckles. “y’ready?” “yeah!” his son says with determination. the carnival game worker counts down, and they both get ready with their basketballs. the grand prize, the largest teddy bear, was locked behind a rigged basketball hoop, but the two of them refused to give up. and apparently atsumu’s mind is on another level right now, honed in as he succeeds with most of his tosses, and gets the last needed shot for that damned bear. “dad! you did it!” his son cheers and excitedly pulls on his arm. “ha! and who said i couldn’t play a sport other than volleyball?” “...no one?” “aw, come on,” atsumu whines, “work with me here!” the both of them are play-fighting when the worker manages to get the bear down and hand it to them. there’s huge grins on both of their faces as they shout a thanks. “can i put it in my room?” “and hide this success? it’s goin’ in the living room.” “you can do that?” “majority of the family says yes, we can do anythin’.”

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