



The Rising of the Shield Hero is a new Crunchyroll anime co-production set to begin streaming in Janurary 2019. In anticipation, some of the voice actors have given their comments on their upcoming roles, the challenge of voicing their characters, and what viewers can expect from this upcoming adaptation of the hit light novel and manga series. Read on and enjoy!





Kaito Ishikawa (The Hero of the Shield / Naofumi Iwatani)

What was your first impression of your character when you read the original novel or script?

Kaito Ishikawa: The way I remember it, I was surprised that he was an ordinary university student at the beginning of the story. Since this show has “Nariagari” (rising) in the title, I thought his social status was very low from the beginning, but after seeing his positive attitude with a high hopes for another world, I became hopeful, too. But rising from there also means there must be a turn back, so that part broke my heart a bit.

What were your feelings and some things that you tried to keep in your mind when you actually played the character? Were there any suggestions from the director and the sound director?

When the anime becomes a revenge story, they wanted Iwatani to be a bit like a totally different character, so I focused on that request. I think that the basis of human nature can't be changed so easily, so I am always thinking about the subject of feelings when I played this part.

Do you have any message to the viewers, such as the anime's appeal and highlights?

I am Kaito Ishikawa, and I am playing Naofumi Iwatani. Playing him in this anime was really painful for me. His negative feelings whirled through my mind, and I experienced difficulties so many times. But this anime is about “The Rising” of the shield hero. So please look forward to seeing how he will work his way up!





Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (The Hero of the Sword / Ren Amaki)





What was your first impression of your character when you read the original novel or script?

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka: I sympathized with Naofumi who had fallen into a dire situation. Kaito-kun showed an amazing performance to express the character's agony and despair. So I thought it was going to be great in the anime.

What were your feelings and some things that you tried to keep in your mind when you actually played the character? Were there any suggestions from the director and the sound director?

I was able to understand Naofumi's mental state in the story very well, so I tried to be careful not to put my own anger into the character. But when I used my special move, the director said once, “Your voice is too loud!” (laughs).

Do you have any message to the viewers, such as the anime's attractions and highlights?

I think you will find many heart-aching words and things that you can sympathize with as the story progresses. There will be a scene about Raphtalia's dedicated love and a scene that will give you goosebumps in the good sense. I would be happy if you can enjoy everything. We all have been working very hard! Please, look forward to it!

Makoto Takahashi (The Hero of the Spear / Motoyasu Kitamura)

What was your first impression of your character when you read the original novel or script?

Makoto Takahashi: The protagonist is a shield? All of sudden, a false charge? Wait a minute, the story is very unpredictable! How dare you! Don't do it…! This is not a typical another-world story…

What were your feelings and some things that you tried to keep in your mind when you actually played the character? Were there any suggestions from the director and the sound director?

In the beginning, the director gave me an instruction to play him as “a stupid, girl-loving, dandy, and a hot-blooded character.” I have almost the same feeling toward Motoyasu, responding to his jokes the same way. So I had to think about how I could be more foolish than myself, and also how I could deliver his kindness and human warmth. When I played him, I always tried to figure out how I could make the viewers believe “Motoyasu has every reason to do what he does.”

Do you have any message to the viewers, such as the anime's appeal and highlights?

The young man who dreamed of a different world is deprived of his status and honor from the beginning. How much will he change through the process? It looks like a typical another world story, but the characters defy your expectation.

Yoshitaka Yamaya (The Hero of the Bow / Itsuki Kawasumi)

What was your first impression of your character when you read the original novel or script?

Yoshitaka Yamaya: Even though Naofumi becomes a hero, he has been kept deprived. I enjoyed reading to see what kind of life he would go through and what kind of character arc he would have. I was also excited to see him raising his level up little by little.

What were your feelings and some things that you tried to keep in your mind when you actually played the character? Were there any suggestions from the director and the sound director?

The three heroes, including Itsuki are so impulsive. They pretend to be a know-it-alls, and easily jump to conclusions, but also have an immense sense of pride. So I played my character only thinking about how I could irritate Naofumi. I thought the more hateful they are; the more exhilarating Naofumi's counterattack would be.

Do you have any message to the viewers, such as the anime's appeal and highlights?

At the beginning of the story, you will definitely be irritated and frustrated by many characters who will make you think “what's wrong with this person?” But I guarantee the story twists that come after will be very exciting. The more you read, the more you get involved, so don't miss that rising process.

Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero on Crunchyroll in early 2019!



