Special Cast Interviews

Translator's comment: This interviews were compiled to the guidebook Common Sense and Nonsense of Pani Poni.

No bigger description was given, so they are presented here as they're in the same order as in the book.

Interviewees: Chiwa Saitō (Becky Miyamoto) | Satsuki Yukino (Rei Tachibana) | Fumiko Orikasa

(Himeko Katagiri) | Ai Nonaka (Ichijou) | Yui Horie (Miyako Uehara) | Kana Ueda (Kurumi Momose) |

Kayo Sakata (No. 6) | Hiroshi Ōtake (Old Geezer) | Mugihito (Alien Captain) | Takahiro Sakurai

(Shu Momose) | Hiroshi Kamiya (Tsurugi Inugami)

Special Cast Interview No.01 - Chiwa Saitō

What kind of an impression did you get from Becky?

Saitō

When I read the original work for the first time, my impression was that she’s small and cute. Even if she was written as an emotionally unstable character, which is how adults and high school students often see her as, she’s essentially a child. With her outward appearance too, she’s just a child. I wasn’t aware that she was established to be a genius. Thinking about myself playing her role, I’ve done it ever since the Drama CDs, but I really got the wrong picture of her from the illustrations. Just by looking at the illustrations, you can tell she’s a cute girl, which I tried not to emphasise in my performance, but rather try acting her in an ordinary way. Becky’s anime version is very cute. She’s originally a little girl, but eventually becomes to resemble a chibi character.

What points do you pay attention to during performance?

Saitō

I try to do an honest performance. I have this thought that she’s a child, who answers questions straightforwardly, and after experiencing things, she realises the hidden meaning of things.

An honest... Isn’t she a bit twisted? (laughs)

Saitō

Yes, that’s right. However, she’s twisted in a way of a child, but I don’t believe she as a character is actually a bad person. Though she’s cynical, she’s still honest (laughs).

Since you’ve known Becky for a long time now, it seems you enjoy acting as her.

Saitō

That’s right, I’ve played with her quite a bit. I even do some ad-libs too. The atmosphere at the workplace is great and it’s rather easy to do your role freely.

Do you have another favourite character besides Becky?

Saitō

I like Lord Cat. He's such an unpleasant character, it's amazing (laughs).

What do you think are the nonsensical things in Pani Poni?

Saitō

I guess the atmosphere is so nonsensical that ordinary things feel nonsensical (laughs). The more nonsensical things, the better, that’s how I see it.

Special Cast Interview No.02 - Satsuki Yukino

You’ve performed for the series since Drama CDs, but have there been any changes to your acting you’d like to tell us about?

Yukino

The inclusion of pictures has had a big impact in many ways. In Drama CDs, I used my imagination to think up Rei’s movements, and because there were many parts I played in, I was able to act freely. But by making it into anime, we were demanded to act accordingly to the pictures, which made our acting much stricter. In many ways, it feels different from the Drama CDs.

From the first dubbing session to the anime as it’s now, are there any scenes that have left an impression on you?

Yukino

We've only just finished recording Episode 4, but everything has been memorable. From them I’d say the best... probably Episode 4. That’s because it’s an episode we just recorded, so I’ve been thinking a lot about it (laughs).

Among the stories and characters of Pani Poni that you have played in so far, please tell us which ones do you consider nonsensical.

Yukino

There was no particular point where I strongly felt that “This is so weird!” Of course, if the characters from Pani Poni existed in real life, or if people actually did the actions depicted in the story, it might seem nonsense, but within the world of this work, it is common sense. It’s a world where nonsense is common sense, and you can’t distinguish that world’s nonsense from reality.

Lastly, could you tell us about your enthusiasm towards the work and leave our readers a message.

Yukino

Finally, the long-awaited Pani Poni Dash! has started. Please keep on rooting us

Special Cast Interview No.03 - Fumiko Orikasa

How do you like Himeko’s anime version?

Orikasa

Compared to Drama CDs, I think she has become a little smarter (laughs). In Drama CDs she’s determinedly energetic, but I thought of her as a character who is kinda outside of the discussion everyone else has. But in the anime, she has become a type of person who takes part in discussions.

To fit into that role, did you try to act little smarter too?

Orikasa

Not really, Himeko is a person who wants to have fun and has constantly her tension going up. In the anime, her cowlick regularly sways back and forth (laughs). It’s fun to play as her.

Are there points you need to pay attention to when playing as Himeko?

Orikasa

There’s a certain level of tension, and you shouldn’t let yourself drop lower than that. I call it the “Himeko line” (laughs). Himeko’s main selling point is her high tension, so I must absolutely maintain it.

Are there points which you’d consider as nonsensical in Pani Poni?

Orikasa

Hmm... I don’t know which one to choose... Maybe the fact that a rabbit talks? Aside from Mesousa, a cat god begins to show up, and weird animals are laid-back, yet their appearance feel out of place, all of this I consider pretty funny.

Is there a scene that you’d like to highlight?

Orikasa

It probably got to be “Maho”. There’s a full range of Mahos prepared to fit into all Himeko’s emotions. In the Drama CDs, Maho was handled with sound effects, but this time it’s me who speaks them up. I was guided with “Orikasa-san, even though Maho is written as a sound effect in the script, please say it out loud”. I would like to be introduced to as many types of maho as possible and say them as many times as possible. In the original work, there was a lot of variation, and had this “Mahokaan” in it, but up to Episode 4, I’ve only said “Mahoroon” (laughs). I’m looking forward to many types of Maho. Both Himeko and the work itself are in high tension, so although it may be difficult to watch it late at night, please raise your tension and give a watch.

Special Cast Interview No.04 – Ai Nonaka

You’ve continued participating in the work ever since Drama CDs, so please tell us your thoughts about playing and examining Ichijou’s anime version.

Nonaka

Actually, I feel that compared to Drama CDs, there are more lines reduced. I think it's because it's an anime, so Ichijo's strangeness can be shown with the pictures (laughs). Even in anime, Ichijou is as expectedly, strange. Although there’s fewer lines, I’m paying attention in my acting to reduce any of the strangeness, so please look forward to that with high expectations.

Plenty of unique characters appear in the story, but other than Ichijou, do you have a favorite character?

Nonaka

I like to be around Himeko because she’s a fun character. Having a girl like that in same class would make school a lot of fun. Also, if I were to become friends with someone, I’d go with Rei-chan. I think she’ll definitely point out when we’re playing the fool (laughs).

What do you think are the highlights of Pani Poni’s anime version?

Nonaka

The cuteness of chibi characters certainly, but it’s also funny to see weird pictures pop up time to time. There are so many different pictures that you might miss them if you don't look carefully. I look forward to what occurs next.

Are there things you thought as nonsensical in Pani Poni, and if so, please tell us about them.

Nonaka

During the previous dubbing, after saying the line, "It's an earthquake," an earthquake really did happen. I thought that was pretty amazing. Maybe this happened because we’re dealing with Pani Poni, a weird work itself (laughs).

Then, please leave a message for the fans.

Nonaka

Please pay attention to Ichijou’s encouraging words. If you listen to them closely, everyone will cheer up... I guess (laughs). Let’s do a good job from now on.

Special Cast Interview No.05 – Yui Horie

Between Drama CD and Anime, what did you feel was different?

Horie

When acting for the Drama CDs, I used the manga’s art as a basis and used my imagination to think up what movements would work, but anime is already accompanied by pictures. Getting to work with illustrations makes acting all the more fun. Speaking specifically about Miyako, in her introduction scene here forehead shines brightly, which is one of the changes compared to the original work and Drama CDs. However, the image of the original work didn’t get demolished, and I was able to hop on her role smoothly.

Well then, if there were points you paid attention to when playing as Miyako, please tell us about them.

Horie

Miyako-chan is relatively a straight man type of a character, but she’s still a bit different to the similarly tsukkomi character Rei-chan. Miyako-chan is always on the edge and gets often emotional when pointing things out. This is especially true to the period before exams, where the physical tension makes her tsukkomi side show up a lot. Because she’s such a character, I’m careful to convey her tense feelings properly.

In Pani Poni, are there points you think as nonsensical?

Horie

Nonsensical you say… Well in fact the one who causes the most trouble with his actions would be Lord Cat. To have vending machine juice with “the right body heat -nya”... Isn’t that the most unpleasant temperature? (laughs) At this season, you can’t pass over the coldness of drinks, but if they get heated up, it can’t be helped… that’s how I felt about it. But body heat, isn’t the lukewarmness the most annoying thing? is how thought (laughs).

What do you think are the highlights of Pani Poni Dash!?

Horie

It’s a show you can watch without getting too worked up, I believe. This is a work that you can smoothly get into even if you’re not familiar with the original work, so on a Sunday night, before getting all depressed thinking about work or school the next day, I hope you will watch it to most importantly laugh.

Special Cast Interview No.06 – Kana Ueda

You started participating in this work with the anime, so what was your first impression on Kurumi?

Ueda

I originally auditioned to different character, and I got to know Kurumi’s face for the first time at that meeting place. I had heard she’s a plain character, so I thought her as a reserved person, but in actuality she’s just an ordinary girl. She may seem a bit like a gyaru, but in this work, being ordinary can be fatal (laughs). …For an ordinary girl to be surrounded by everyone who has a strong personality, it’s no wonder she would become plain. Playing as this “ordinary girl” is quite difficult. Since she doesn't really have a distinctive feature, I had a little trouble figuring out how to act. I can't be too inconspicuous, but at the same time, if I act in a way that stands out, it will contradict Kurumi’s setting as a plain character.

Are there any scenes that left you an impression?

Ueda

This scene is in the original work too, and it’s a scene where Kurumi is feeling sad inside the rabbit hutch, where she sings a song. That “lalalu~”. Before the dubbing session, I was told “Kurumi has a song”, to which I prepared myself, and when it actually came time to struggle with it, I was like “That’s was it?!”

What do you think are Pani Poni’s funniest points?

Ueda

I find it funny that even though it’s fully loaded with parodies of several works, the world of Pani Poni is still solid. Overall, there’s a somewhat “lenient” atmosphere (laughs). That mood of the work influenced everyone at the workplace, and we felt joyous and lenient, but when it came time to get focused, we did our part with precision. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves, as there was a lot of adlibs, and the workplace itself was really fun.

Is there anything you wish to happen for Kurumi in future storylines?

Ueda

Give them neither life or death... or rather, to not let them live, to not let them be killed (laughs) is a line I hope to point out.

Special Cast Interview No.07 – Kayo Sakata

What was your first impression on No. 6?

Sakata

When I read the original work for the first time, I thought “Why is she called as No. 6?” A lot of people might think similarly (laughs). Since she has a warm and comforting way of speaking, I thought it would be easy to play this girl. She’s a good girl who accepts the absurd world as a face fact. She’s pretty earnest, and seems fairly good at studying. In the anime, there’s a scene where she studies just before the exams, and I believe that if seeing their back-and-forth discussion, everyone will think “What an earnest girl”.

Please tell us about the impression you got from the work.

Sakata

I read the original for the first time before the audition, and I was totally captivated by its unique atmosphere. Even though it's hectic, there's something fresh about it, like the Alien Captain (laughs). Thanks to this, I can't help but look forward to coming to the dubbing session every time.

What were your thoughts after performing the role?

Sakata

No.6 is so cute (laughs). You don’t usually see her in the original work, but I’m glad that in anime she has plenty of screen time. Also, when I saw a scene where the characters were lined up, I thought that they’re surprisingly tall. Thought that they’d be shorter. Even away from the role, the show has a lot of parodies, which makes me look forward reading the script and to wonder what kind of work will come out next.

Are there parts in this work that you feel as nonsensical?

Sakata

Weird, you say... Various animals talking is pretty fun. It’s something doesn’t happen in reality, but still creates out a really nice atmosphere. Including the talked contents. On top of this, Saotome-sensei is more sensible person than I imagined, which surprised me, in a good and funny way (laughs).

Lastly, please leave a message for the readers.

Sakata

No. 6 doesn't stand out much in the original work, but in the anime, she gets along well with other characters. Be sure to keep an eye on No.6 catchphrase. Please enjoy the world of “Pani Poni”!

Special Cast Interview No.08 – Hiroshi Ōtake

What kind of an impression does Pani Poni give you?

Ōtake

Eccentric ideas and interesting development make it all the more outstanding. From my experience, I felt that “This would make into a funny anime”. I’ve been making an appeal for an anime adaptation since the Drama CDs’ days, and now that it’s finally happening, I’m just so glad.

Are there any memorable lines?

Ōtake

It’s great to see young people exhibiting their individualities at ease. In particular, Chiwa Saitō-chan would respond to Himeko with “Get your butt to a hospital!”, and to Old Geezer I play as with “Go home, Old Geezer!”, and thinking about them makes burst out laughing. I have been a unique role, so I think I want to immerse myself more as composed and spontaneous to this role that has a strong presence in the series.

Please leave a message to the show’s fans.

Ōtake

I believe that the support from our fans will help us extend this program’s broadcast. We will continue to do our best, and we’d appreciate it if you sent letters for everyone working on with this show.

Special Cast Interview No.09 – Mugihito

You have been working with Pani Poni since Drama CDs. What do you consider to be its charm?

Mugihito

This is not limited to the anime version, but the well-timed jokes are funny and the setting of stories surprised me. Main character being a child, yet a high school teacher surprised me, the powerful personalities of appearing characters surprised me, and then my own role being an alien captain surprised me even more. Goofing around a lot, but then getting serious, I’m having fun with acting.

What points do you think are nonsensical in this work?

Mugihito

Just as humans are capable of turning what is nonsense into common sense, they are also capable of turning what is common sense into nonsense. This work is overflowing with absurdity, so there isn’t any need not to accept them (laughs).

Please tell us about a scene you consider memorable.

Mugihito

It’s at the space outside the main storyline, where the conversations with subordinates bring out manzai comedy-like elements, which wasn’t my intention, but in the back-and-forth discussion between Captain and his subordinates from Episode 4, I goofed around to the fullest. It will be broadcasted soon, and I’d be glad if you enjoyed it.

Special Cast Interview No.10 – Takahiro Sakurai

What impressions did you get from Shu Momose?

Sakurai

To put it nicely, he’s kind, but ends up taking on unfavorable duties, that’s the type of character he is. I get the feeling he’s an absent-minded character, but depending on how he’s portrayed in future episodes, and if he plays around, he could become a fun character.

What is the most memorable scene so far?

Sakurai

There’s no such thing as “This scene from the original work is a must!” No matter the character, every character has their own flavour, right? Rather than wanting a story in which Shu can play the main role, it would be great if he had a couple of moments to shine.

Are there parts in this work that you consider nonsensical?

Sakurai

I guess it’s the disharmonious feeling that sensible behaviour gives me (laughs). It’s because the work is full with nonsense. Surreal, you could say... Episode 4 is fully loaded with parodies, so I think you’ll be shocked if you watch it. But doing so would be brave of you (laughs). In that sense, it's a work with a lot to offer, so be sure to check it out.

Special Cast Interview No.11 – Hiroshi Kamiya

What was your impression on playing as Inugami?

Kamiya

To point out to the grandpa teacher as a cool tsukkomi makes the role appealing. Though he hasn’t talked all that much, neither said anything (laughs), but I wish to be able to point out strong critique. Right now, Lord Cat has much more lines, and because of that, I’ll keep on working hard with him.

There are a lot of voice actors who have been working together since Drama CDs, so how are the dubbing sessions like?

Kamiya

The vocal tests to find the right voice are amazing. Mugihito-san sometimes adds in spectacular ad-lib, that I would like to see be done also for the actual show, which is what I frequently find myself thinking. That's why tests are fun in a different way than the real thing, here at the workplace.

Are there points here that you’d like to pay attention to?

Kamiya

I’m personally interested to see what kind of interactions Inugami will have with Nanjou. Also, I wish you to pay attention to my other role as Lord Cat. I’m really exploring new areas with this character, so please look forward in how he participates actively (?) in the show.