Exclusive Interview] Saori Hayami, Hiro Shimono, Aya Suzaki, and Soma Saito talk about new developments and revelations in "RWBY VOLUME 4

RWBY VOLUME 4," a 3DCG animation series born in the U.S., is now in theaters.
In the previous "RWBY VOLUME 3," the drama took a shocking turn when the Beacon Academy, the setting of the drama, fell due to a plot by the enemy and the four main characters, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, were scattered. In "RWBY VOLUME 4," the main character Ruby joins the team "JNPR (Juniper)," which has been reduced to three members with the loss of her talented friend Pyrrha, and forms a new team "RNJR (Ranger). The new team, "RNJR (Ranger)," is formed and sets out on a journey with their friends.
On October 7, 2017, the opening day of "VOLUME 4," Saori Hayami (Ruby Rose), Hiro Shimono (Joan Arc), Aya Suzaki (Nora Valkyrie), and Soma Saito (Rai Ren) greeted the audience at Shinjuku Piccadilly in Tokyo. Just before the stage greeting, we were able to interview the four lead voice actors, who gave up some of their precious time to speak with us.

Ren and Nora are "one in two.

What are the basic characteristics of the characters you are playing?

Hayami: Ruby Rose is a bright, straightforward, energetic and mischievous girl. She is highly skilled, so she skipped a grade and entered Beacon Academy, which trains hunters, with her big sister Yan Xiaolong (CV: Ami Koshimizu). In addition to big sister Yan, she is helped by a dependable uncle named Crow Branwen (CV: Hiroaki Hirata).


Shimono Joan Ark comes from a venerable family that has produced many heroes. However, Joan herself has absolutely no talent for combat. He is such a bad-ass boy that I thought he would be one of the gags in the film. However, he grew up experiencing many things at Beacon Academy, and the death of Pyrrha Nikos (CV: Megumi Toyoguchi), who cared for Joan, marks a major turning point in his life. Although her combat skills are low, she is blessed with a talent as a strategist who directs her friends.


Saito: Lai Leng is a taciturn boy who does not talk much or show too much emotion. Until now, his role has been to watch over his teammates from a distance, saying, "Oh, dear. In "VOLUME 4," his past is depicted and he becomes more of a character, so I think your impression of Ren will change. Also, in the world of "RWBY," there are first and last names, and everyone is called by their first name. Ren is the only one who is called by his family name, so while everyone calls each other in a friendly manner, I feel as if I am the only one who is called "Saito! (laughs).


Shimono: Maybe the name is actually longer than that.　It could be that it is a family name, like the names of famous Arab families, but it is abbreviated to "Ren" because it is difficult to call.

Saito: If that is the case, at least call me Lai Leng (laughs). Since we are a new team from this time, I would like to see if my friends will really call me by my name "Rai" in the future.

───Now, please tell us about Len's childhood friend, Nora.

Suzaki: Nora Valkyrie is an innocent and cheerful girl. She is a gourmand and talks a lot. She is very imaginative, and there are many scenes where she is talking all by herself, so you may have wondered, "Is she going to be okay? I was not sure if she could handle it. However, after watching "VOLUME 4," you will see that she is a good girl who thinks clearly and is considerate of others. I think you will find that your image of Nora will change.


─ Nora likes Len, doesn't she?

Susaki: I think so, but I think their relationship is more than just childhood friends or romantic interests; it's a strong bond. I believe that Nora and Ren are "one".