Interview] Yui Makino is impressed by "Espero," which concludes the final chapter of the "ARIA" series!

Starting with "ARIA The ANIMATION" broadcast in 2005, "ARIA" grew into a popular series. Fifteen years later, "ARIA The BENEDIZONE," the final chapter of "Ao no Curtain Call," will be released in theaters on December 3, 2021. It is the last anime adaptation of the series.
The opening theme "Espero" and ending theme "Undine ~2021 edizione~" will be sung by Yui Makino. She sang the opening theme for the three TV series from "ARIA The ANIMATION" to "ARIA The ORIGINATION" and will be returning to "ARIA" for the first time in 13 years.
We asked Makino Yui, who was joyfully reunited with the world of "ARIA" and its creators, to talk about the appeal of the song that will mark the end of "ARIA"!

When it comes to "ARIA," my lacrimal gland gets loose!

─ ─ When I received the information about the release of "Espero," I was happy to see Makino-san back in the "ARIA" series.

Makino: I was really surprised to hear that I could sing "ARIA" songs again, as I had been watching "ARIA" as a viewer since the TV animation 10th anniversary project "Ao no Curtain Call" started. I had sung the theme song for the show in the past, which I consider to be one of my favorite works, and when my manager first told me about this opportunity, I exclaimed, "No way! I exclaimed (laughs).

─ So it was an unexpected surprise.

Makino: Yes, it was. The main characters grow as the work progresses, and many things change over time. It was the "ARIA" series that taught me that this is a lovely thing, and the theme songs sung by wonderful artists for each work fit the concept of the series, so I knew there was no way I would ever come back. The first time I heard about it was on a street in Shibuya, and I was so surprised and happy that I cried without being seen.

─ ─ So the "ARIA" series is that special to you, Makino-san.

Makino: I have been involved in various productions as a voice actor and singer, and of course all of them are important to me, but "ARIA" is the one that makes my lacrimal gland loose (laughs). (Laughs.) Whether I am involved in the work as a professional or as a fan, my emotions overflow immediately. Normally, I can control my emotions and never cry in public, but with "ARIA," my guard is up.

─ ─ I think I can understand why you say "only" for "ARIA".

Makino: It is a work that reminds us that it is important to live with an honest heart. I feel that the true value of many of the quotes that appear in the work cannot be understood unless the armor of the heart is removed, and when I watch "ARIA," my heart is always unprotected. In singing "Espero," I watched all three TV series and the two "Ao no Curtain Call" movies ("ARIA The AVVENIRE" and "ARIA The CREPUSCOLO") again, and was moved anew, and I still cried.

─ ─ It has been a long time since the TV series, and I imagine that you must have a different view of it now than you did back then.

Makino: I was still in my teens when I first came into contact with "ARIA." At that time, I was moved by the work and convinced by the words of the characters, and I remember thinking that I too would cherish these feelings in my life. But now that I am an adult, I realize that what "ARIA" is trying to convey is much deeper than what I thought back then, and I have learned something new. More than anything else, I felt that my own feelings were more directed toward the feelings of the seniors. The way in which the work was portrayed also brought characters of various generations into the spotlight, not just those of Touri's generation.

─ As the series progressed, each character became more in-depth.

Makino: I was moved by the frustration of watching over the younger generation with warmth and a little distance. I felt that this was something I could not have understood at the time. Watching the film with my own age in mind, it touched my heart even more. I hope the film will continue for another 10 years or so, but this is the last chapter. I can't wait to see it in theaters, but at the same time I feel sad.

─ ─ I think it is wonderful that the series has continued for such a long time, but I am still sad. What kind of communication did you have with director Junichi Sato and other staff members?

Makino: I had the opportunity to greet Director Satoh at a screening for interested parties. I even asked him about the use of "Espero" on the spot.

─ How did the director plan to use "Espero" in the film?

Makino: Yes. I can't go into details for the sake of the fans who are looking forward to the release of the film, but he used the song in a very impressive way, thinking about the song. Hearing the director's words gave me a warm feeling. Also, when the cast gathered in front of the poster for a commemorative photo, Ryo Hirohashi, who plays Alice, called me over and let me in the photo shoot circle. That made me very happy (laughs).

─ It was like we were old friends.

Makino: That's right. I was able to see many people again at the preview, and I felt like I was back here again.