![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
angeldeviloshiFirst official post of the journal!
So Hominis released an interview with Kusunoki Tomori (Makima's seiyu) on the 9th of September this year with the Reze Arc movie just around the corner. The interview mostly delved into Kusunoki's process in capturing Makima for her performance as a fan herself and it's such a good read I think it deserves to reach a wider audience.
There's plenty of interviews and features I'm looking to translate in the future as well with this as only the first of many to come.
So Hominis released an interview with Kusunoki Tomori (Makima's seiyu) on the 9th of September this year with the Reze Arc movie just around the corner. The interview mostly delved into Kusunoki's process in capturing Makima for her performance as a fan herself and it's such a good read I think it deserves to reach a wider audience.
There's plenty of interviews and features I'm looking to translate in the future as well with this as only the first of many to come.
(Click the image to access the original page for the interview.)
Kusunoki Tomori speaks on her shifting perspective regarding the essence of expression through her role as Makima, a "turning point character". For Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc.
Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc is soon to be released on 19th of September 2025. As a character who has drawn attention even from the TV Anime, what can we see of Makima's portrayal in this title? Played by Kusunoki Tomori reprising the role since the TV Anime, how does she dig into this challenging role that exudes overwhelming charisma and an air of elusiveness?
Through memorable moments at the recording site along with interactions with fellow cast members, her meeting with the character of Makima has greatly influenced her perspective on acting and her stance as a voice actress, Kusunoki says. Her words assessing the character, the work, as well as her current position as a voice actor convey distinct growth and deeper understanding.
Q. In the TV Anime, Makima's overwhelming presence and elusiveness left strong impressions on many viewers. While there's been massive reception during the movie's production announcement and on social media, even now, when you heard that you'll be playing as Makima again, what emotions has it stirred for you?
"Reze Arc" had always been a chapter that I've wanted to see at the theatres as a fan myself, so I'm truly ecstatic when it was decided that I'd be able to record for it in this form. When it came time to record, while there were parts where we recorded individually based on the scenes we appeared in as I've expected, I had a lot more chances where I got to record with the other cast members than I'd thought.
It had been a while since I was able to act out my role while sensing the story's progression, it was a lot of fun. The vibe of sharing in the interactive atmosphere with everyone as we acted was very strong as well.
Q. During your interactions with fellow cast members and the staff, were there any moments that stood out or left an impression on you?
At the recording site, rather than passionately conversing about the work, it's more of a vibe where we're distinctly on and off. Power's voice, Fairouz Ai-san brought some really yummy snacks and even though I don't usually eat at the recording site, I found myself unable to stop and ate a lot, that stood out to me (laughs).
Fairouz Ai-san's liveliness naturally makes her the merrymaker of the site, the atmosphere was really fun. On the other hand, due to different recording days, there were cast members I didn't get to meet as well, it would be great if I could see them in person in future events.
Q. Even in the manga, "Reze Arc" is a special arc that provides a peek into the "unknown side" or a depth that's not normally seen in Makima's character, isn't it?
That's right. In fact, when reading Reze Arc in the manga myself, there were parts that had me liking Makima too. Her expressions that were different from what was shown thus far, that "unknown side" we briefly got to see, those really drew me in.
And that's precisely why, rather than a major change to the character's image, I was consciously basing the tone and vibes set from the TV Anime while taking great care in performing Makima's "current needed role" and "the mood of the situation" in the flow of the story and scenes. Makima's not quite the type of character who develops by changing herself, so I greatly value the shifts in her nuance.
Q. I find that the elusive quality of Makima being simultaneously controlling and all-encompassing carries a lot of charm and difficulty. On top of having to portray this duality, is there a tone of voice or timing that you are particularly conscious of yourself, Kusunoki-san?
Makima is a really intricate character, as an example, I'd say it calls for refinement with a meticulous nuance akin to threading a needle. Normally, I'd often imagine the feelings of the character and carry that interiority into my acting, but in Makima's case, not carrying too much emotion into it is important too. What I take care in portraying is the perspective of Makima as seen by Denji.
Ultimately, I place emphasis on how the figure of Makima is reflected through the lens of the audience and Denji. By limiting the output of emotions, I hope to produce an impression that's enigmatic and multifaceted.
Q. As you continue to perform as Makima, has your position in tackling that elusiveness and multifaceted aspect gone through changes as you repeat your takes? Between the beginning and present, if there's a change in your acting or your distance with the character, do share with us.
Formerly, while getting into my role I'd often construct the character's feelings in detail and embark on my recording with a solid plan. But since meeting the character of Makima, I came to consider a more holistic framework of "How would this character operate in the entirety of the work?" or "What's the kind of role they play in the story?"
Q. I see. It's not just a matter of catching up on how the character feels, you've come to tackle the role through a greater lens of what meaning Makima's existence holds for the story.
I think of her as a turning point character of sorts. Lately, I've switched to a style where I don't establish a plan too firmly, valuing what naturally comes out of the atmosphere at the recording site and my interactions with fellow cast members. I use the necessary minimum as my base and perform onsite with anticipation. That's how I feel about it.
Q. As a fan of Chainsaw Man yourself, the image of Makima you've felt and the charm that had you hooked has gradually deepened in your mind as well I believe.
I've considered Makima a complex character even before playing as her, though as I was exploring her as a role, the feelings of "I love her, but I hate her." only intensified. Despite having moments where I thought I frankly detest her as a person, I'm captivated by that charm of hers and the way her presence pulls you in.
When I'm acting, I'm able to view the character from various perspectives more than when I'm reading the manga and even discover new things about myself.
Q. Lastly, a word about the movie's highlight to the fans looking forward to the premiere.
I'm really excited to be able to see Reze Arc at the theatres this summer myself, I'm sure the fans feel the same too. While these days movies can be easily watched through streaming services as well, this movie contains an intensity and immersion that is best savoured through the big screen of the cinema.
Even fans of the manga have told me "I want to watch this at the theatres!" many times, so please if you could take the chance to visit the cinema and experience it in full on the big screen, I'd be really happy. Thank you very much!
Kusunoki Tomori speaks on her shifting perspective regarding the essence of expression through her role as Makima, a "turning point character". For Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc.
Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc is soon to be released on 19th of September 2025. As a character who has drawn attention even from the TV Anime, what can we see of Makima's portrayal in this title? Played by Kusunoki Tomori reprising the role since the TV Anime, how does she dig into this challenging role that exudes overwhelming charisma and an air of elusiveness?
Through memorable moments at the recording site along with interactions with fellow cast members, her meeting with the character of Makima has greatly influenced her perspective on acting and her stance as a voice actress, Kusunoki says. Her words assessing the character, the work, as well as her current position as a voice actor convey distinct growth and deeper understanding.
Q. In the TV Anime, Makima's overwhelming presence and elusiveness left strong impressions on many viewers. While there's been massive reception during the movie's production announcement and on social media, even now, when you heard that you'll be playing as Makima again, what emotions has it stirred for you?
"Reze Arc" had always been a chapter that I've wanted to see at the theatres as a fan myself, so I'm truly ecstatic when it was decided that I'd be able to record for it in this form. When it came time to record, while there were parts where we recorded individually based on the scenes we appeared in as I've expected, I had a lot more chances where I got to record with the other cast members than I'd thought.
It had been a while since I was able to act out my role while sensing the story's progression, it was a lot of fun. The vibe of sharing in the interactive atmosphere with everyone as we acted was very strong as well.
Q. During your interactions with fellow cast members and the staff, were there any moments that stood out or left an impression on you?
At the recording site, rather than passionately conversing about the work, it's more of a vibe where we're distinctly on and off. Power's voice, Fairouz Ai-san brought some really yummy snacks and even though I don't usually eat at the recording site, I found myself unable to stop and ate a lot, that stood out to me (laughs).
Fairouz Ai-san's liveliness naturally makes her the merrymaker of the site, the atmosphere was really fun. On the other hand, due to different recording days, there were cast members I didn't get to meet as well, it would be great if I could see them in person in future events.
Q. Even in the manga, "Reze Arc" is a special arc that provides a peek into the "unknown side" or a depth that's not normally seen in Makima's character, isn't it?
That's right. In fact, when reading Reze Arc in the manga myself, there were parts that had me liking Makima too. Her expressions that were different from what was shown thus far, that "unknown side" we briefly got to see, those really drew me in.
And that's precisely why, rather than a major change to the character's image, I was consciously basing the tone and vibes set from the TV Anime while taking great care in performing Makima's "current needed role" and "the mood of the situation" in the flow of the story and scenes. Makima's not quite the type of character who develops by changing herself, so I greatly value the shifts in her nuance.
Q. I find that the elusive quality of Makima being simultaneously controlling and all-encompassing carries a lot of charm and difficulty. On top of having to portray this duality, is there a tone of voice or timing that you are particularly conscious of yourself, Kusunoki-san?
Makima is a really intricate character, as an example, I'd say it calls for refinement with a meticulous nuance akin to threading a needle. Normally, I'd often imagine the feelings of the character and carry that interiority into my acting, but in Makima's case, not carrying too much emotion into it is important too. What I take care in portraying is the perspective of Makima as seen by Denji.
Ultimately, I place emphasis on how the figure of Makima is reflected through the lens of the audience and Denji. By limiting the output of emotions, I hope to produce an impression that's enigmatic and multifaceted.
Q. As you continue to perform as Makima, has your position in tackling that elusiveness and multifaceted aspect gone through changes as you repeat your takes? Between the beginning and present, if there's a change in your acting or your distance with the character, do share with us.
Formerly, while getting into my role I'd often construct the character's feelings in detail and embark on my recording with a solid plan. But since meeting the character of Makima, I came to consider a more holistic framework of "How would this character operate in the entirety of the work?" or "What's the kind of role they play in the story?"
Q. I see. It's not just a matter of catching up on how the character feels, you've come to tackle the role through a greater lens of what meaning Makima's existence holds for the story.
I think of her as a turning point character of sorts. Lately, I've switched to a style where I don't establish a plan too firmly, valuing what naturally comes out of the atmosphere at the recording site and my interactions with fellow cast members. I use the necessary minimum as my base and perform onsite with anticipation. That's how I feel about it.
Q. As a fan of Chainsaw Man yourself, the image of Makima you've felt and the charm that had you hooked has gradually deepened in your mind as well I believe.
I've considered Makima a complex character even before playing as her, though as I was exploring her as a role, the feelings of "I love her, but I hate her." only intensified. Despite having moments where I thought I frankly detest her as a person, I'm captivated by that charm of hers and the way her presence pulls you in.
When I'm acting, I'm able to view the character from various perspectives more than when I'm reading the manga and even discover new things about myself.
Q. Lastly, a word about the movie's highlight to the fans looking forward to the premiere.
I'm really excited to be able to see Reze Arc at the theatres this summer myself, I'm sure the fans feel the same too. While these days movies can be easily watched through streaming services as well, this movie contains an intensity and immersion that is best savoured through the big screen of the cinema.
Even fans of the manga have told me "I want to watch this at the theatres!" many times, so please if you could take the chance to visit the cinema and experience it in full on the big screen, I'd be really happy. Thank you very much!
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}