Winter 2022 Anime] "The Image of Playing Ping-Pong and Shogi at the Same Time" and "The Takagi Sense" - Riyo Takahashi and Yuki Kaji Talk about the Key Points of Their Acting! Interview with TV anime "Mr. Takagi the teasing friend 3

The third season of the TV anime "Mr. Takagi the Karakajite no Takagi 3" will begin on January 7, 2022. Ahead of the long-awaited start of the third TV anime season, we spoke with the two stars of the show, Riyo Takahashi (who plays Mr. Takagi) and Yuki Kaji (who plays Nishikata), about various topics.

The series "Mr. Takagi the Karaka-gaite no Takagi" ("Mr. Takagi") is an adolescent comedy series written by Soichiro Yamamoto and serialized in Shogakukan's "Gessan" magazine. The series has sold more than 10 million copies, and the first TV anime season aired from January to March 2018 and the second from July to September 2019, with a movie scheduled to be released in 2022.

Will the long-awaited third season of the TV anime bring Takagi-san and Nishikata even closer, or will they ....... Once again, a first love story to watch over, and a "teasing battle" between the two that will make you grin and squeal will be depicted. We spoke with Takahashi and Kaji about how they played these two, the highlights of the third season, and what has happened since the second season.

The main attractions are their "hard work in everything they do" and "single-mindedness.

--First of all, please tell us how you felt when the third season was decided.

Takahashi: I heard about the decision for the third season from the manager in a whim, so I was not happy at all, but I was wondering how the fans would react to the decision. I felt like I had to be the one to "press" the fans on how to communicate the news to them (laughs). I felt that I could never say anything about the movie version since it was announced at the same time. Even though staff members at various scenes told me, "I saw you, Mr. Takagi," I continued to keep it a secret.

Kaji: When I met with the director and producer on the set of another film, I gradually heard that they were going to continue the story, so I was simply happy when I heard the news. I had been itching to get the word out (laughs). Takagi-san" has been my life's work as a voice actor, and one that I hope to continue even after I become an old man. So I am very happy to have been able to continue it into its third season. On the other hand, the movie version was a complete surprise! I heard about it at the recording studio for the third season, and I was so excited with surprise and joy! I'm really looking forward to seeing how it will turn out.

Hiroki Kaji

--What do you find attractive about each other's characters?

Takahashi: Nishikata has nothing but charm. Everything about her is attractive.

Kaji: I feel the same way about Takagi. I think everyone is unknowingly attracted to him. However, Mr. Takagi is only interested in Nishikata (laugh)! He is not interested in anyone other than Nishikata, or it is not too much to say that he is a salt-of-the-earth kind of person who treats everyone as "just a friend.

Takahashi: She's just a classmate.

Kaji: That's why, as viewers who are emotionally involved with Nishikata, we mistakenly think, "Takagi-san, you're so cute today, you're really liking me" (laughs). (Laughs) Well, at any rate, I think the single-mindedness of "only Nishikata" is definitely a key point.

Takahashi: Nishikata is also full of charm, but if I had to pick one thing, I would say that I love her "hard work. Nishikata always tries her best to think through everything she does and make the best possible move. That is why she is sometimes "good at being teased" (laugh). (Laughs.) Not only in terms of the competition, but also when she invites the girls to the summer festival (in the 12th episode of the 2nd season), she does so after thinking hard, so I love all of her actions.

Kaji: Nishikata is also a really cute guy.

Riyo Takahashi

--Did you notice any changes in the characters during the recording of the third season?

Kaji: I think the charm of this work is that they don't change, and I don't feel like I'm consciously making changes in my performance. However, it is clear from the scenario and direction of the anime that Nishikata and Takagi-san are getting closer. In the third season, there is a depiction of them getting even closer. In that sense, subconsciously, there must be a part of them that is changing. Nevertheless, as performers, the basic point remains the same: how well they tease each other.

--Takagi-san is the one who continues to tease Nishikata like that.

Takahashi: In the third season, the time line has moved forward, and there are parts where we get physically close to each other or make aggressive remarks, but we felt that it would be too much if we made Takagi-san's voice and acting too close just because the script says so. I did not change anything in particular, and just played the role of Mr. Takagi as usual.

The postrecording of "Mr. Takagi" was technically and physically demanding.

--I would like to ask you more about the postrecording and acting. Regardless of the third season, what do you consider important in playing Mr. Takagi and Nishikata?

Kaji: From a technical standpoint, I feel that Nishikata is quite a difficult role. First of all, she switches between dialogue and monologue, in other words, between the superficial and the internal parts of the character. In addition, she is a child whose tension changes at a tremendous speed, from high to low, and from joy to sorrow. It is very hard for me to keep my head and heart in sync with these changes (laughs). (Laughs) I feel that voice-over work is somewhat similar to a sprint race. I run as fast as I can through the A and B parts of each piece, then take a short break and move on to the next part of the race. I feel as if I have to reset and start a new race at each site, so I feel that instantaneous power is more important than endurance.

At the same time, I have the image that postrecording is like playing ping-pong and chess at the same time (laughs). (Laughs.) As you continue a rally in a play, of course you will get a ball that is different from what you expected. But it is not fun if you don't just return the ball, but you have to instantly think about which direction to attack and play the course. And from there, you have to build up your next tactic, so you have to anticipate the next move yourself. Compared to other works, "Mr. Takagi" seems to be doing this two or three times faster, so I think the amount of concentration and energy you have to devote to that ...... is considerable.

The character of Nishikata is really pure or straight-forward. I think that's why Takagi-san likes him so much and why readers and viewers want to support him. He has a lighthearted feeling that "boys can be silly, can't they?" And when it comes to the important parts, he is always kind. I am acting the role with the hope that the impression I got from reading the original work will be expressed in the anime as well.

Takahashi: I did think that there were many parts in this work that required a great deal of technical concentration. There are A, B, C, and sometimes D parts, so the word "short-distance running" fits perfectly. It takes a lot of energy and brain power.

Kaji: Without a doubt. Basically, the two of us are talking the whole time, and our brains are working at full speed.

Takahashi: So, we had to work so hard that when we were done, we felt like we had done postrecording! I think it is a work that cannot be completed without working hard enough to make the audience feel as if "I did postrecording! While taking care of my heart, I also have a "Takagi sense" of how I can improve my voice acting skills each time I do it. When the postrecording for the third season began, we talked about how we had returned to Takagi's postrecording.

Kaji: Yes, yes. When we did the postrecording for the first episode of the third season, I thought, "What? (Mr. Takagi's postrecording) was this tiring? (laughs). (Laughs) Well, there had been no time since the recording of the second season, and maybe it was my own aging, but I was really tired (laughs).

Takahashi: This is it. This is the "Takagi sense" (laughs).

Kaji So this is the "Takagi sense" (laughs).

Takahashi: It's a unique postrecording style. The script is thick with many lines. And Nishikata rarely records lines and monologues separately.

Kaji: For scenes in which the dialogue and monologue are spoken at the same time, we have no choice but to physically record them separately, but for other parts that can be covered with other techniques, we basically record them as they are. It is difficult and demanding, but I enjoy it.

Takahashi: Moreover, since Kaji-san did the monologue as it was, it was very easy for me to play Takagi-san because I could hear Nishikata's monologue in its entirety. I could hear what Nishikata was thinking (laughs).

Kaji: Actually, I think that's how Takagi-san sees it. Just by looking at Nishikata's facial expressions, I could tell that this is what she was saying (in her mind).

Takahashi: It's like a careful guide, and it's easy to perform.

--Takahashi: So you two are currently dubbing together?

Kaji Yes. Although the Corona disaster occurred, we were basically able to record together. Being in the same place and sharing the same feelings has a big impact on the performance.

Takahashi: Mr. Takagi sounds mature when we are physically distant from each other.

Basically, it's "Hey, Kimura! (laughs).

--Looking back on the first and second seasons, which episode or scene was particularly memorable?

Takahashi: Most recently, in episode 9 of the second season, when Nishikata notices that Takagi-san's condition is a little different than usual in the "trouble" episode. I really like that part.

Kaji: That's a critical episode every once in a while (laughs). (Laughs.) You can tell that Takagi-san is gradually becoming a special presence in Nishikata's life.

Takahashi: I'm very happy that it's reaching Nishikata.

Kaji: I felt that more strongly in the third season. Also, personally, the "Summer Festival" in the last episode of the second season is impressive. It is an original episode of the anime, and it is one step further than the original story. ...... I was moved by the moment when Nishikata took a step forward as a man. I was really moved by the moment when Nishikata realizes what Takagi-san means to him, and finally pays him back, even though he's a mess.

--The third season will be a continuation of the "Summer Festival" episode.

Kaji: First of all, just as in the first and second seasons, I felt that the production kept the tempo and atmosphere of the original work in mind. On top of that, we are waiting for the original anime episode like the "Summer Festival" in the second season, so I hope you are looking forward to it. I also have the impression that there are a lot of events in the anime.

Takahashi: I also want people to pay attention to the events, because the second semester of the second year is quite long, and it is a time of adolescence filled with interesting events. I think it is also full of interesting aspects such as the fun of being in a large group or a small group, or the aspects seen from another couple's point of view.

--What are your impressions of the characters other than Takagi-san and Nishikata?

Kaji: As for the familiar three girls (Mina, Yukari, and Sanae), rest assured that they will still have their own episode slots! (Laughs) Takao and Kimura also continue to make their blunders in the right places, and the drama between Hojo and Hamaguchi seems to be moving along at the same time. I feel that this is the third season, and that is what makes it so interesting.

Kimura is like that in the "Summer Festival" episode. Whenever there is a dramatic episode of COPY00, for some reason, he suddenly becomes dramatic himself (laughs). (laughs) In fact, I think Kimura's popularity rose dramatically in that episode.

Takahashi: In the third season, do you think there will be a moment when Kimura's popularity, which increased in the second season, will turn into "Hey, Kimura! Kimura's popularity that rose in the second season?

Kaji (laughs). Well, basically, it's "Hey, Kimura! (laughs).

Takahashi: Ha-ha-ha! In the third season, I think there are quite a few times when the three girls and boys suddenly get together and talk, just like at school. Also, "Hey, Kimura! (laughs).

The underlying theme is "If Mr. Takagi went to karaoke, this is how he would sing.

--What about the theme song? The ending song will again be a cover song by Mr. Takagi.

Takahashi: The songs cover a wide range of generations, so much so that everyone may have a memorable song that they sang at karaoke. We will be presenting a collection of great songs that fit the episodes and that everyone will remember.

--The transition from the main story to the ending song is also very good every time, isn't it?

Takahashi: That's right. This time, there was a part where we thought, "If we make the ending 89 seconds long, the butt part might be a little different, so let's re-record it for the anime. So we decided to re-record it for the anime." Although some parts were recorded for the anime, all the songs were recorded at full length, so please download them when they are distributed (laughs).

Kaji: I will download it (laughs)! It's lovely, isn't it? The lyrics are beautifully linked to the episode, and I feel that it works very effectively as an ending. According to what I heard, the theme behind the singing was "If Mr. Takagi went to karaoke," and I thought, "I see! Interesting!" I thought, "I see! But I think it is very difficult to find the right balance. If Mr. Takahashi sang as himself, I am sure he would be able to bring out more range in his singing, but he sings it as Mr. Takagi.

Originally, Mr. Takagi has a poker face, or rather, a poker face, and it is somewhat difficult to read his emotions. But her voice exquisitely conveys her feelings, and no matter how one listens to her, she is just Takagi-san. I think it's wonderful.

--By the way, if you had to pick your favorite song of all time, what would it be?

Kaji: It's too difficult to choose, but ...... "Capricious Romantic" left a great impression on me.

Takahashi: The first episode of the first season. It is too perfect as an image song, isn't it? I was also very impressed by the first time I sang this song.

Kaji: Another song that left an impression on me was "Bicycle" by Judy and Marry. It seems that the third season will have songs that have not been chosen before, so I am really looking forward to seeing how they will be sung.

--The opening song is also sung by Yuko Ohara, as in the first and second seasons. What is your impression of her?

Takahashi: I thought it was filled with the "sparkling atmosphere of the second semester. It reminds me of the sparkling second semester of my second year of junior high school, full of fresh air and events.

Kaji: (At the time of this interview) I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, but I'm sure that as I listen to it every week, I'll think, "This is it! This is the only one! I'm sure that as I listen to it every week, I'll be like, "This is it! (Laughs) I would like to listen to a concept album someday, an entire album devoted to the world of "Mr. Takagi.

--I think it's great that the same person has been in charge of the music for so long.

I think the strength of having the same artist making the first and second albums is the ability to take a different approach. That "sweet but somehow sad singing voice" and "life-sized and familiar lyrics" are now an indispensable part of the "Mr. Takagi" anime.

Over the past two years, I have become "Mr. Takahashi, the XXX expert" and "Mr. Kaji, the □□□ expert.

--It has been two years since the second season, and during that time, I think many of us have had the Corona disaster and have taken advantage of our home time to take on various challenges. So, please tell us if there is anything you have become "○○ good at" over the past two years.

Takahashi: I became certified as a "storage and organization advisor. I am only at the second grade.

Kaji: That's great! What level is Level 2?

Takahashi: When you reach Level 1, you can give advice to others as part of your job, but for now, I'm still at the level of "being able to organize my surroundings without any problems.

Kaji: Even so, that's amazing! Mr. Takahashi is really just as I imagined. It's the same when we talk, and it's the same when you do things like this. I know it's a bit forward of me to say, but I think she will make a wonderful wife.

Takahashi: Yes! I also love home interior design, and if someone was having trouble with storage, I would be happy to travel to them and give them advice (laughs).

Kaji: I wonder if there will be any video specials like that? The storage expert, Mr. Takahashi" (laughs)? For example, maybe you could go to Shodoshima Island (where this film is set) and do it.

Takahashi: You've never been there, have you, Mr. Kaji?

Kaji I haven't, but I really want to go there! I love traveling, and I was thinking, "It would be great if we could have an event for this work on Shodoshima someday," and then this situation came up. ...... By the way, do you plan to take the first class?

Takahashi: Right now I'm rather satisfied with what I have going on around me, but I'm starting to think that if it leads to work, I might want to pursue it properly.

--How about you, Mr. Kaji?

Kaji: I can't say that I'm doing well ......, but in terms of having to grow, I would say that the Corona Disaster over the past two years has forced me to set up a YouTube channel and learn how to shoot, record, and edit. During the Corona disaster, you couldn't even meet anyone in person. So even if I wanted to create something, I had to do it all by myself, in my own home. I had to buy cameras and lights and look for editing software. Even for the editing, there were so many things I had to do, like cutting, adding sound, removing noise, etc. ....... It was hard work, but I learned a lot. It was tough, but I learned a lot. At first, I didn't even know how to distribute.

Takahashi: I didn't know.

Kaji Until then, I had never had much experience with YouTube itself, let alone running a channel, so I never thought I would be doing it myself. But I feel that the knowledge and experience I gained there have definitely been a plus for me. Even now, I use it when I record my own audition tapes.

Also, I have a greater sense of respect for the staff. Until then, I honestly did not have a clear picture of what each professional did and how they did it, but this experience made me realize how much work goes into completing a program. I was able to experience firsthand how much work goes into the completion of a single program. When I think that a work is finally completed by professionals from different fields coming together and giving their all, I realized that I, as a professional voice actor, have no choice but to do my best in what I can do and what I can do only as a professional voice actor. I felt once again that as a professional voice actor, I have no choice but to do what I can do and what only I can do.

--I am sure that the staff will be very pleased to hear this! Finally, do you have a message for those who are looking forward to the show?

Kaji: The third season is finally starting! I am really happy. As in the past, we have kept the same tempo and atmosphere of the original work, and we have also prepared original episodes that are unique to the anime. I am personally happy that there are more episodes featuring Kimura, Takao, and other classmates. I hope that you will look back on the series as if you were flipping through an album so that you can enjoy the new series even more. Best regards! Enjoy the movie version as well!

Takahashi: The final episode of the first season was great, the final episode of the second season was great, and we are running right up to the final episode of the third season, so I would be happy if you could watch it with me every week without skipping a single episode. When asked, "Which episode was your favorite?" I would say "I liked all of them," so I hope you will enjoy all the episodes.

Kaji: Following the second season, we get to see cool Nishikata, too!

Takahashi: That's right. Please look forward to Nishikata's critical times!

(Interview and text by Kenichi Chiba)

Production Information

TV animation "Mr. Takagi the teasing friend 3"
Broadcasting will begin on January 7, 2022 (Fri.) on the "Super Anime-ism" slot on the nationwide network of 28 MBS/TBS affiliate stations.
Movie to be released in 2022!

<Synopsis
The distance between two people is shortened by "teasing".
In the year 2022, there is a first love here that we want to watch over.
At a junior high school, Nishikata is teased by Takagi-san, a girl who sits next to him.
He tries to make fun of her, but she always sees right through him.
Every day, Nishikata struggles to somehow give Mr. Takagi a surprise...
What changes not only in the seasons but also in Nishikata's heart...?
On the other hand, Takagi-san, who seemed to have the upper hand, has a shaky situation...?
Will he show his true colors, or will he show them?
The "teasing battle" with a 100% grinning index,
Finally, the final round...!

<Staff> Original Story

Original story: "Mr. Takagi, the teasing teacher" and "Ashita wa Satsuday" by Soichiro Yamamoto (published by Shogakukan's "Gessan")
Director : Hiroaki Akagi
Screenplay：Yuko Fukuda, Aki Itami, Kanichi Kato
Character Design: Aya Takano
Chief Animation Director: Takuji Mogi, Natsuko Kondo, Akihiko Oka, Masato Onoda, Aya Takano
Music: Hiroaki Tsutsumi
Animation Production: Shin-Ei Animation
Opening Theme Song: "Straight" by Yuko Ohara (TOHO animation RECORDS)

<Cast
Takagi-san: Takahashi Riie
Nishikata: Kaji Yuki
Mina: Yoshimi Ohara
Yukari: M・A・O
Sanae: Yui Ogura
Nakai: Yuma Uchida
Mano: Kotori Koiwai
Takao: Nobuhiko Okamoto
Kimura: Fukutsugu Ochiai
Hamaguchi：Koki Uchiyama
Hojo: Yuuki Aoi
Dr. Tanabe：Yoko Tadokoro

▼Blu-ray & DVD are now on sale!
KARAKASHIUE NO TAKAGI-SAN" Blu-ray&DVD total 6 volumes
KARAKAMIUEIDE NO TAKAGI-SAN 2" Blu-ray & DVD total 6 volumes
Each volume Blu-ray 7,480 yen (including tax) / DVD 6,380 yen (including tax)

Music
Ending theme "Mr. Takagi, the master of teasing" CoverSong Collection 1 & 2 / Mr. Takagi (CV: Riyo Takahashi)
Opening theme "I'm not going to tell you. Zero Centimeter"/Yuiko Ohara

Original Comics

The latest issue is scheduled to be released on January 12, 2022 (Wed.)!
The Karakajite no Takagi-san" vol. 17
The teasing Mr. Takagi" vol. 14

The "Mr. Takagi" series is now on sale!
Mr. Takagi the teasing upper hand" vol.1-16
Mr. Takagi the teasing teacher" Volumes 1-13
Ashita wa Satsuwa Satsuwa" 2 volumes
Koisuru Yukari-chan in Love" 5 volumes

(c)2022 Soichiro Yamamoto, Shogakukan/Karakajite no Takagi-san 3 Production Committee