Cast Interviews

INTERVIEW 01 - Chiwa Saitō
Compared to the time when the show started airing, has your impression on Becky changed?
Saitō	Counting in that I met Becky for the very first time during the making of Drama CDs, she’s a character to whom I have had quite a long friendship. Even after it became an anime, my impression hasn’t changed that largely. Also, since she’s the main character, her personality or role in the show didn't change drastically between the anime and Drama CDs. Even so, when I took part in anime’s dubbing for the first time, I was astonished. Becky is still just so cute (laughs). Her features are small, and even when she’s only moving around, she’s amazingly cute. I was really looking forward in seeing how Becky would act in the anime, and when I actually saw it, I was so happy. At the same time, I prepared myself to provide a voice of her from this point on, which fastened a sense of renewed determination to me.
Well then, are there any particular things you pay attention when playing Becky’s role?
Saitō	Well, I guess” Becky is a child” is something I keep in mind while performing. But I don’t feel like I’m acting her to emphasise her cuteness. Aren’t children, just in their normal way they are, cute? That’s why I think that bring out her childish side makes Becky’s best parts (laughs) come to life.
Please tell us if there’s a memorable scene that has appeared so far.
Saitō	In Episode 1, there was a scene where she said cheeky things to everyone in class, gets scolded by Rei, and hides herself behind a curtain. And there, she says “hau hau”, which makes it memorable. “If Becky said something, it’s hau hau” is an element that wasn’t present in the Drama CD, so to me, it feels like Becky-like behaviour that was born in the anime. That scene made a big impression on me, and I still remember the first "hau hau " from Episode 1 very well.
Well then, if you were to become a student at the Momotsuki Academy, which class you’d enroll to, and what kind of school life would you lead?
Saitō	Class C, after all. Everyone seems to be all noisy and around the place, but in actually, they have a strong sense of solidarity… that’s how think, and that’s maybe because the focuses on Class C. But if I really became a member of Class C, I think I’d tease, but also pamper Becky (laughs). I feel like every day would be fun.
So, if you were to come to Momotsuki Academy as a teacher, which class would you like to be the homeroom teacher for?
Saitō	Even if I became temporarily a teacher, I definitely wouldn't want to be assigned to Momotsuki Academy! (laughs) I mean, no matter which class I’m in charge of, I don’t have any confidence in being able to keep the students in line at all (laughs). It must be very hard for teachers to work in a school with such difficult students. If it were me, I’d be extremely exhausted, that’s for sure.
Besides Becky, if you have any other favourite characters, could you share them with us?
Saitō	It has to be Mesousa. First of all, no matter what you say, she’s cute!! And, I think her getting always involved with misfortune makes it somehow an indescribably funny (laughs). Moreover, the more you watch it, it strangely starts making sense. It’s not that she has the aura of a bullied to her, but there’s always this unhappy mood floating over her. If you were to see other characters getting bullied, you’d probably think “Why would they do such to the poor thing!”, but with Mesousa, “Hmm, I feel sorry for her... But she’s Mesousa after all. ...It can’t be helped” is something what comes into your mind (laughs). ...I know very well I’m saying some pretty harsh stuff (laughs). This happens in the original manga too, where Becky doesn’t seem to be really all that concerned about Mesousa. Maybe that’s why I think that way too.
We heard that cast members participated in writing scribbles on the blackboards for the episodes. Saitō-san, what did you write?
Saitō	I didn’t write directly to blackboard, but I did so to the original manga. Since Hekiru Hikawa-sensei allowed me to do it, please go buy the manga as well, and by all means check it out (laughs). So, if you see a similar drawing I did to the original work appear in the midst of blackboard scribbles, then you’ll definitely recognize it as something I drew. Let’s all buy the manga! (laughs)
We're nearing the latter half of the story, so please tell us about your enthusiasm from now on.
Saitō	Overall, I want to make Pani Poni-like Pani Poni. ...Well, that might explain nothing, yes? (laughs) As Becky, I don’t think it’s necessary to get all worked up as in “What should I do!” Rather, I hope that, there will be a lot of hustles and hauhaus until the very end, as it has been until now, and that everyone will be able to wrap things up with a smile on their face. ...As for myself, I still don’t what will happen in the end. In the case of this anime, if you were to hear some of the upcoming contents beforehand, I believe watching the show then would definitely be boring. For that reason, I haven’t heard anything from the Director about the final episode. This anime gives myself a sense of enjoyment and nervousness, whenever I receive a script and eye it for the first time. I look forward for it every time, so I think not knowing what happens next is good for you. I feel the same way as the viewers, and I'm excited to look forward to the second half of our battle. I hope you're all excited and looking forward to the upcoming broadcasts.

INTERVIEW 02 - Fumiko Orikasa
What is your impression on Himeko as a character?
Orikasa	I had participated in the work since the Drama CD, but I felt that in Drama CD Himeko was always on the path of an idiot (laughs). When animated, she became a girl that everyone actually listened to. That was quite a cleverness powerup (laughs).
So, having continued with the anime version up to this point, have you noticed any changes?
Orikasa	I have, although I don’t think that Himeko has matured much in particular (laughs), but since the beginning I got the feeling just by looking that she’s considerate about everyone. There are small acts of kindness that show consideration for friends. And as always, she’s all lovey-dovey with Becky (laughs).
Are there anything in particular that you pay attention to when acting?
Orikasa	I try not to get all that smart, I’ll just stay as stupid (laughs). No matter what line, I firstly remind myself that "Himeko is an idiot". I was told it was decided that I’m the biggest idiot in the school, so now I refer myself as a cute idiot (laughs).
If you were to enroll to Momotsuki Academy, which class you’d like to be in?
Orikasa	I want to become friends with Serizawa, so Class D. Whatever you say, isn’t Roboko just a cutie pie (laughs). But if I were to choose a teacher, I’d go with Becky. After all, she’s just cute. And if I joined a club, I’d join the Drama Club together with Serizawa. I feel like the training camps with the club could be fun. Also, even though we may not be able to become friends, but if Ichijou-san is sometime nearby, I'd like to go check her doings out (laughs).
What impressions did the blackboard scribbles leave on you?
Orikasa	I laugh each time I watch them, but there are slogan-looking phrases assemble on the board, which really stick in my mind.
What do you expect from the future developments?
Orikasa	Parent-teacher conferences with parents and siblings visiting the show would be interesting. It would be fun if everyone’s parents appeared. I’m curious to see what Himeko’s parents are like (laughs).
Please express your enthusiasm for the future.
Orikasa	In any case, I’ll do my best with a “Maho!” on my face (laughs).

INTERVIEW 03 - Satsuki Yukino
Can you tell us your thoughts and impressions about acting as Rei?
Yukino	I didn’t try acting too hard, just acted like a normal person. My impression on her hasn’t really changed since the beginning, I think acting her feels pretty natural.
Then is it easy to play as Rei? And did you become accustomed to her?
Yukino	Hmm, if anything, I think I got pretty used to her.
So far in the anime, what is the favourite scene you’ve participated in?
Yukino	I don’t have any particular scene in mind, but Mesousa is pretty cute. There was once a Mesousa plushie placed at the dubbing studio, and because plushies are cute, it was very popular with everyone.
If there are any other characters you’re interested in or would like to play besides Rei, please tell us.
Yukino	Well, I sure am interested in Ichijou. I think she’s a really mysterious, yet a funny character. Since Ichijou is a character played by (Nonaka) Ai-chan, I have neither desire to take her place nor act as her. It’s not that I want to play as Rei more in various scenes that involve Ichijou either, but rather I just want to watch them (laughs). I think getting deeply involved would be troublesome, so it’s better to just watch as events roll out (laughs). Also, the Principal is another mysterious living being, which I think is interesting.
I heard all voice actresses wrote some scribbles on the blackboard. Yukino-san, what did you scribble on the blackboard?
Yukino	Someone had previously written something like "Eat an apple in three bites," so I responded by writing "I would eat it in two-and-a-half bites" as part of the other contents.
Well then, if you became a student at Momotsuki Academy, what Class would you like to attend in?
Yukino	Hmm, overall, Class C would be great. It’s not that I want to be in a similar position like Rei when attending Class C, but teasing Becky might be pretty fun.
Please leave a message for the viewers for the future.
Yukino	Thank you for your continued support.

INTERVIEW 04 – Ai Nonaka
Please tell us about your impressions about playing as Ichijou so far.
Nonaka	Her fundamental role hasn’t changed since Episode 1, but with each episode she gets more polished and she has become rather extreme. There was even an episode where she put an energy capsule inside her mechanical body. And now, I don't even know whether she's a human being, another living being, or even a living being at all (laughs).
Were there points you paid attention to when acting as Ichijou?
Nonaka	There are not many things I have to be aware of, but I try to act in every scene with the calmness that’s very Ichijou-like.
Please tell us if there has been a scene so far that has left a strong impression on you.
Nonaka	There’s no scene in particular, but with the whole Cultural Festival episode (17) I had quite a lot of fun. I felt that it was the Exhibition of Ichijou’s Fine Skills!
Then Nonaka-san, if you were to enroll in Momotsuki Academy, which class would you like to attend?
Nonaka	Hmm, ...It’s gonna be Class C after all. I think it’s painful to blend into the ruckus of those members unless your character is strong (laughs), but being on that group’s side, and something crazy always happening makes it look all the more fun (laughs).
I heard all voice actresses wrote some scribbles on the blackboard. Nonaka-san, if you scribbled anything on the blackboard, please tell us about it.
Nonaka	On the blackboard of Episode 8’s C part, I wrote three things. Ichijou is a character who has a strong fixation to eyeglasses, so I thought this was the only thing I could do. After all, eyeglasses are the seventh most important thing to life (laughs).
The story is approaching the second half, so are there any hopes you wish to turn out?
Nonaka	Considering Ichijou’s future, I have worries to just what will happen if she runs rounds out of control (laughs). But that’s so like Ichijou, and I’d be glad if she could sprint with that energy to the end.

INTERVIEW 05 – Yui Horie
What are your impressions of playing as Miyako so far?
Horie	Miyako-chan is a comedic straight man -like and an angry character, so it’s always a competition of physical strength (laughs). There are many cases where she first appears with light reflecting from her forehead. There are also characters who appear through this reflection. For that reason, I look forward to see scenes with the “Shi~ne” (Kira~n) sound effect when they air. She can say pretty amazing things, like “I hope you die begging for mercy!”, quite a few times (laughs). Conversely, when something actually happened, she felt normally anxious and relieved, such as “Oh thank goodness” and “Good thing Ichijou is safe and sound”. By acting, I was able to see many different sides of Miyako.
Were there things you paid attention to when acting?
Horie	Anyhow you put it, Miyako is bound to be the comedic straight man, so I want to put all my strength to the momentum. As well, there are parts where she suddenly loses her temper, and those parts are also very forceful. I try to keep my tension high and be considerate to a right amount of anger.
Are there any memorable scenes?
Horie	There are lot of them, but recently one had Himeko-chan come up to Miyako’s forehead to reflect herself, which made Miyako angry and shoot out a beam with a yell of “Ugaah!” When the light reflecting off the forehead turns into a beam, it feels like a good use of a forehead (laughs).
If you were to enroll to Momotsuki Academy, which class would fit for you?
Horie	That's a tough one. Ah, whenever trouble occurs at Momotsuki, isn’t it Class C which often plays the key role in the whole incident? So, I think I'd rather be in Class C so I can find out the original cause, rather than being in another class and get all swallowed up (laughs). Also, Igarashi-sensei’s class might be great too, because the teacher would be the one who forgets all the submittable assignments (laughs). And it seems like Saotome-sensei would force Class B run too much… (laughs).
Do you have any expectations for what you would like to see happen in the future parts?
Horie	Something like The Drifting ***room, where everyone would get left behind to a suddenly-appearing wasteland, and it ending in a terrifying note. I believe these type of things are essential part of Pani Poni Dash!, and I think having an entire episode with these scary stories would be interesting.
Lastly, please tell us about your enthusiasm.
Horie	Miyako will be the tsukkomi, get angry and swot until the very end (laughs).

INTERVIEW 06 – Kana Ueda
What are your impressions on acting her so far?
Ueda	Kurumi has been called and described as a plain character since the start, but for a plain character she has had plenty of lines and reactions, in addition to her physical hobbies, so it was actually pretty difficult to act all plain (laughs).
Were there points when your impression changed?
Ueda	She as a character hasn’t changed, but at times when the entirety of Class C is displayed on the screen, the staff goes the trouble to edit Kurumi out of the picture (laughs). I noticed it when I saw it for the first time on air.
Are there points you paid attention to when acting?
Ueda	There's nothing in particular I have to pay attention to with Kurumi, but while I'm trying to portray a plain character, Kurumi herself is trying her hardest to stand out, so I'm always thinking about how to adjust that balance.
Is there a scene you consider memorable?
Ueda	The one at the rabbit hutch. Where she sits in line with Mesousa, but states she doesn’t want to be lumped with Mesousa (laughs). She has gone to the rabbit hutch several times, so it has left an impression on me.
If you were to enroll to Momotsuki Academy, which class would you want to attend?
Ueda	Eeh, that’s a toughie. Probably Class C would be the best, because all the connections and friendships between the girls seem to be the strongest. If I were to choose my homeroom teacher, I like Igarashi-sense, since she has a straight-forward personality. Saotome-sensei would make me suffer in awful heat and tire me all up (laughs). If I were to choose a person I’d be with in the same class, it would be Nanjou from Class D. She always has cute animals alongside her, so I feel that hanging out with her would be a lot of fun.
For future, are there any developments you’re looking forward to?
Ueda	I’d love for ”Food Rangers Specially Selected Five” to participate more actively in the story. It's a real shame that they only make a brief appearance in Episode 15. All of those characters were very strong and interesting, so I wish they’ll come forefront more.
Lastly, please tell us about your enthusiasm from now on.
Ueda	Since she’s the plainest in Class C, but I think that aiming at maintaining an identity from this point on until the last episode will become Kurumi’s personal battle (laughs). I'll do my best not to let her disappear by an accident.

INTERVIEW 07 – Kayo Sakata
What has been your impression in acting her so far?
Sakata	From start to this point, she’s consistently a good girl. She doesn’t get angry at all, nor does she harbour any toxic thoughts. In that sense, I could say my impression hasn’t that greatly changed.
Were there points you paid attention to when acting?
Sakata	I believe that No. 6 is a sensible girl, so I guess I try not to pull out extreme tensions around her.
Is there a scene that left you an impression?
Sakata	The one in the episode (12) where everyone gets transported inside Himeko’s dream. When fighting Michael, everyone else attacked with finishing moves in the style of a superhero. But only No.6 uses something like an Argentinian Backbreaker. Eh, how did she know such a big move!? is what I felt (laughs). As well as episode (11) about No. 6’s love, to read its script made my heart pound. There are men in this work, but not all that many. Just who is No.6’s boyfriend, I was so curious to know. ...And then, it was admiration towards to a cool woman, something common to a good-natured and gentle girl. I think No.6 is a good girl, even to the person she admires.
If you were to enroll in Momotsuki Academy, which calls you’d like to attend?
Sakata	That’s difficult question, isn’t it (laughs). ...But Class C seems to be so lively and fun. Class D with Old Geezer-sensei, may be similar in the sense of being lively, but the atmosphere there is a little different (laughs). It might be a bit hard to keep up with the excitement of Becky and Himeko, but I feel it’s lots of fun to watch all the commotion from the sides.
I heard that also all the voice actresses wrote some chalkboard scribbles.
Sakata	”Don’t be leeky!!” from Episode 8 and “Give the right of way to taxis!!” from Episode 11 are from me. I had an experience before that made me want to say my thoughts about it (laughs).
The story is nearing the second half, but do you have any hopes for how it should turn out?
Sakata	No. 6 isn’t exactly an honour student, but she’s a reliable and very good kid. Let’s hope she’s a good girl who doesn’t give in to others that until the very end.

What's your favourite line from Becky?
"Machachuchechu" Once you get into the role of Becky, it's really impossible to say this. “Massachusetts”, that is (laughs). Well, if I were to say the world with my own voice, I can ride it just fine. I still remember how surprised I was to myself not being able to speak properly.

From Episode 3, Becky eating udon. As Saitou-san said it, Becky’s childlike side may be her most charming point. From Episode 1, Becky hauhaus after the getting scolded by Rei. It’s a scene that leaves you the impression that even if she has the brains of a genius, she’s still just a child. From Episode 3, Becky uses Mesousa to test out the artificial cowlick. It seems she has no pity for poor Mesousa... From Episode 13, a precious shot of showing Momotsuki’s problem children all together. It looks to be painstaking to bring these students together.
What's your favourite line from Himeko?
"Maho" Personally, I put a lot of effort whenever there’s ad-lib including “Maho”, so the most memorable line is most certainly maho.

From Episode 4, the moment where it was recognized that Himeko is “the idiot known throughout the school”. Did her path of a cute idiot start from here?
What's your favourite line from Rei?
(Nothing in particular) She's a character that I can act all normal, so there aren't any particular lines or scenes.

From Episode 2, Rei bullying Becky. The enthusiastic bullying of Becky was made possible thanks to Yukino-san's acting.
What's your favourite line from Ichijou?
”How about Ichijou Festival” What the heck is Ichijou Festival!? If several Ichijous came and it all turned into a festival, it would be fun, but also a bit scary (laughs).
From Episode 10, Ichijou sets an energy capsule to her mechanical body. Will her true identity ever be revealed?

What's your favourite line from Miyako?
"Isn’t 55 points just alright!" Even though she studies for dear life, she’s only the 55th place with her score (laughs). Considering all her hard work, it’s a very strange rank for her (laughs).

From Episode 11, Miyako gets angry when her forehead gets waxed. Keep an eye on these high-tension outbursts of anger from now on too.
What's your favourite line from Kurumi?
"Lalalu~ Lalalu~" It’s more of a song than a line, but because in a way it’s Kurumi’s most prominent part, I think it’s my most memorable line.

From Episode 10, where her research project was called as plain, and she secluded herself to the rabbit hutch. It's a shame that her growing hair is being ignored too.
What's your favourite line from No. 6?
"Igarashi-sensei..." In Episode 11, the scene during sunset, when Igarashi-sensei puts her hand on No. 6’s shoulder. I love all of the interactions in that warm moment.

From Episode 12, one of Sakata-san’s favourite scenes, the Argentinian Backbreaker. It’s an interesting contrast to her usual self.

INTERVIEW 01 - Chiwa Saitō

INTERVIEW 02 - Fumiko Orikasa

INTERVIEW 03 - Satsuki Yukino

INTERVIEW 04 – Ai Nonaka

INTERVIEW 05 – Yui Horie

INTERVIEW 06 – Kana Ueda

INTERVIEW 07 – Kayo Sakata