The main cast of the upcoming Rifle is Beautiful anime announced on June 1 that they are taking up the role as PR ambassadors for the National Rifle Association of Japan (NRAJ). They spoke of how working on Rifle is Beautiful triggered their interest in rifle sports and also shared their experience with shooting.

NRAJ President Kiichiro Matsumaru first explained that rifle sports are very niche in Japan due to the country's strict firearms laws. Machico, who plays Hikari Kokura in the anime, said, "It was through [Rifle is Beautiful] that I came to realize that [rifle sports] can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age. I think that more people will pick up an interest in the sport thanks to this work, just like I did."

Akane Kumada, who plays Izimi Shibusawa, said, "It was very comfortable to be in a silent room where all you can hear is the sound of a gun. The gun is heavy and you have to concentrate, so it's tiring both physically and mentally, but it was incredibly exhilarating at the same time. You have to experience it to know what it's like."

A video posted on the related idol unit Rifling 4's YouTube account on May 31 shows the voice actors learning about the sport from a rifle instructor and displaying their appreciation.

Rifle is Beautiful is based on a manga of the same name by Akki Sarumi. The story follows Hikari Kokura, an incoming high school student who is excited to join her school's shooting club. However, when she gets there, she learns that the club has been shut down, so she must revive it.

The main cast members, who also form the Rifling 4 unit, include:

Machico as Hikari Kokura

Akane Kumada as Izimi Shibusawa

Saki Minami as Erika Meinohama

Anna Yamaki as Yukio Igarashi

Last year, the city governments of Niiza, Asaka and Wako sponsored a similar rifle-related manga by Sarumi that is currently running in the city newsletters. The three city governments also co-sponsor the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka shooting range, which is hoping to attract new gun enthusiasts prior to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Source: Comic Natalie