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The lastest issue of Animage(September 2018) features an interview with Ishikawa Yui (Mikasa’s VA)



Translation of Animage September 2018 (Scans Above)

Interview with Seiyuu Ishikawa Yui (Mikasa)

All translations by @suniuz & @fuku-shuu of @snknews

(Please credit if used)

- What kind of impression did you have of Season 3’s beginning parts

Ishikawa: The strongest impression I had was, “Oh, we’re not fighting Titans.” Up to this point, the theme of the series expanded upon “Humans vs. Titans.” In the last scene of season 1 episode 1, Eren’s mother was eaten by a Titan, and the 1st episode of season 2 also concluded with the Survey Corps’ Mike being eaten. It had always been this way - heightening that sense of fear for the viewers from the get-go, where the opening scenes re-emphasize the level of cruelty within the Shingeki no Kyojin universe. However, for season 3, the series unfolded in a way that prompts the audience to perceive upcoming developments, starting with the 104th preparing for battle. Therefore, the atmosphere seemed quite different. Sasha even said herself that it felt like they were back to being cadets, and there was a sense of daylight gradually emerging from the horizon.



- But this time, the second half of season 3 episode 1 also had pretty intense action sequences. It was a pretty grim situation.

Ishikawa: Even though the anime had us battling Titans before, the first episode blatantly expresses that this season is about human enemies. Mikasa even relayed Captain Levi’s message to the 104th: “From now on, we’re not only fighting Titans - we will start to go against fellow men.” In other words, that established how in season 3, the primary plot structure is humans vs. humans.



- In the beginning of the season, Mikasa’s stance seemed to be protective of the 104th members who were still hesitant about fighting humans.

Ishikawa: In season 2, Mikasa allowed Reiner to escape. That was a painful memory for her. For Mikasa personally, I think she also felt hesitation back then about having human opponents. However, due to that uncertainty, Eren was thrown into danger, and the “enemy” that caused harm to humanity also escaped. In order to not repeat that failure, I think Mikasa already mentally prepared herself for this kind of clash. Compared to her companions, it seemed like she had already stepped into the same position as Levi and Erwin.



- Levi asking Mikasa to help relay a message seems to show that he treats Mikasa differently from the rest. In other words, it feels like there is a sense of acknowledgement towards her.

Ishikawa: Something like that. The only thing is, Mikasa feels a burden of regret towards Levi because of her past mistake causing his injury. Though she respects him, she still can’t trust him 100% (Bitter laugh). At the same time, perhaps due to the worries that still remain within her, she also thinks Eren’s current predicament is actually because of Levi. For her words of concern, “How’s your leg?”, I received this instruction [during recording]: “Because [Mikasa] feels awkward there, please use a ‘harder’ style of delivery for the dialogue.” As a result, [the production team] allowed me to put in an even longer pause during that line. Even though Mikasa wants to acknowledge Levi, she still possesses some animosity from before, so she can’t be so direct for at least a part of it.



- Putting it that way, it seems difficult for Mikasa to open up to anyone outside of Eren and Armin.

Ishikawa: Yes, even if it’s her fellow 104th comrades. Though she is concerned about them, she isn’t the type to become intimate with people. It’s also no doubt how she feels towards Levi - so let’s see how that goes.



- How do you feel about the first three episodes of the new season

Ishikawa: I should first mention Kenny, who didn’t make his debut until season 3. For me, he might even be the current story arc’s most key character. As soon as he appeared, he was the center of the show (Laughs). This Kenny had some kind of relationship with Levi, sharing the last name “Ackerman” and all. Perhaps he’s also connected with Mikasa…the story uses great methods to keep everyone guessing. In addition, the scene of Armin disguising himself as Christa also had impact. Mm, the guy who captured Armin…was a terrible person. The seiyuu who did his voiceover committed himself fully to the performance and shocked us all. Truly, my inner compliment towards him back then was…“this is quite disgusting!” (Laughs)



- Do you feel that season 3 is different in some ways from the previous?

Ishikawa: Even though a lot has happened, the story typically developed with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin at its center - but that situation has slowly changed. Now Christa/Historia is also shown as a protagonist, and at the same time, there seems to be a focus on a “vaster” world - such as the Reiss family secret, Kenny’s situation, etc. One mystery leads straight into the next, and the identities of allies and enemies are no longer so black-and-white. Up to now, it would’ve been easy to just have Titans as the singular opponent, but because the circumstances have shifted, I think everyone will try to keep clearer minds as they fight on.



- The interrogation scene in episode 2 was pretty shocking as well.

Ishikawa: It was pretty severe. The torture was not only physical but also psychological - I feel like those methods were both realistic and cruel. It was also a different kind of suffering than being consumed by a Titan - this felt more like you were stabbed in the heart. Those on the other side have their perspective as well. In the end, [the interrogators] didn’t feel any relief like “good thing he confessed” - they only felt worried and displeased. However, in a way, that displeasure fits the style of Shingeki no Kyojin.



- What are some key moments to watch for after episode 4?

Ishikawa: The highlights will probably be around Christa/Historia and the Reiss family secrets. Looking back to season 1, it’s probably shocking to many that Christa was actually such an important character. However, she will no longer showcase herself as a “goody goody.” The moment when Historia commits to choosing her own path is an awesome and pleasing one. I’ve liked Christa since her interactions with Ymir in season 2, but in season 3 I enjoy her even more. Additionally, I of course also hope that everyone pays attention to Eren. Especially right now, when he is different from the Eren who was hot-headed. He now possesses a different kind of inner struggle, and ends up in a significantly tight spot. However, if he’s able to overcome the distress, I think he will return to being the Eren that marches onward. Please anticipate his actions.



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