Signature Paper Present! Mamoru Miyano's newest film, "Bubble," is about the character of Shin, a key figure in the movie that opens up new horizons for him. Interview with Mamoru Miyano on the occasion of the release of the movie "Bubble".

Director Tetsuro Araki, who has created many popular works such as "DEATH NOTE," "Guilty Crown," "Shinketsu no Kyojin" and "Kabaneri the Iron Castle," will present an original animation film "Bubble" with his acquaintance WIT STUDIO, which created the popular animation "SPY x FAMILY, The film will be released in theaters on May 13, 2022 (Friday).

The film features a cast of unique characters, including actor Jun Shizon and singer Riria. The film's cast includes such unique faces as actor Shizon Jun and singer Noria Nori, but the pillar of the cast is voice actor Mamoru Miyano, who has worked hand in hand with director Tetsuro Araki on numerous productions. The role given to him this time is that of Shin, a man close to his own age who is the spiritual pillar of the boys in the film.

The man on the left is Shin.

Since this character brings a new image to the character of "Mamoru Miyano," it is very intriguing to see how Miyano himself dealt with the character of Shin. What experiences did he have in the "bubble"?

The kindness that can be expressed only by an adult who has passed through one stage of life, superimposed on himself

--I think that you have not had many opportunities to play supporting roles as close to your own age as you did with Shin in this role. Were there any points you were conscious of when playing the role?

Miyano: First of all, I was very excited to have the opportunity to work with the directors Tetsuro Araki, Takeshi Obata, and Gen Urobuchi, all of whom had created works that were turning points for me. Being given the role of Shin made me realize that I had become an adult through my experience as a voice actor. Shin was the one who led the boys.

To be honest, I was often asked to play young, teenage roles, and Shin was a role that I had little experience with, so I was a bit hesitant at first. But then Mima, the sound director, carefully and meticulously recorded take after take. I think I was able to find out through Shin how I should treat young people. I think I was able to find myself as an adult.

It is natural for me since I am over 40 years old (laughs). But I was able to feel that through the role, so it was a very gratifying experience for me.

--What kind of communication did you have with Mr. Mima?

Miyano: I think he could probably tell from my voice that I was anxious about the project, and since it was an original animated film, different from TV series, etc., we didn't have anything that had been built up over a long period of time, so we had to work out what we could do together at first. As we progressed to the latter half of the recording, the way Shin should be gradually solidified, and it was very significant that he suggested that we record the film again from the beginning. I had the sense that Miyano patiently worked with me to make sure that I was able to express myself as Shin.

--In contrast to your anxiety, did you have any enjoyment in playing a role that was close to your actual age?

Miyano: In terms of enjoyment, the fact that Kaji (Yuki) and Sengoku (Ayaka) were on the set was probably the biggest factor. I felt the atmosphere created by the presence of these two junior actors on the set. And although not all of us were there at the same time, it was very helpful in building the characters to be able to record while listening to the two of them play and express themselves. I was also impressed by how happy Director Araki looked when he saw us gathered together. I thought to myself, "No, it was you who gathered us all together" (laughs).

--I heard that "Bubble" was going to be a challenging work for Director Araki, so he consulted with sound director Mima and asked for a cast of people he could trust, but also wanted to bring out a new aspect of the characters that had never been seen before. Miyano: I see.

Miyano: I see. I was relieved when the director said, "That was cool," after we finished, but I think he may have meant it based on what we had talked about. I am very happy if we have become a special presence for the director.

--Did you get a sense of the kind of Shin that Director Araki and Sound Director Mima were looking for?

Miyano: I had a sense of that. We have known each other for a long time. When I received the script and the characters, I knew what they wanted. But this time, I had a sense of "Is this what I am expected to do?" So in that sense, I was anxious and nervous, and I was thrilled.

--In that sense, I was anxious and nervous.

Miyano: I think it was the kindness that comes from being an adult who has been through one stage. It would be a bit light to say that I have a lot of leeway in what I say to the younger members, but I think it is the way I can talk to them in a way that puts them at ease. I think that Mima-san has worked hard to make sure that my "feelings" are not just "thoughts" but that these aspects are expressed in the tone of my voice.

Both for the main character, Hibiki, and for Hatanaka-kun. The meaning of the word "Hatanaka" is different (laughs). (Laughs) I wanted to be able to say that to the leader of the Electric Ninja (of the Battlecool Team) as well. We recorded a few takes of those small words as well. I didn't want to "act like an adult with a weirdly made-up voice," so I had a problem with the naturalness of my voice, and I think it came out in my voice. I think it must have shown up in my voice. Mima-san can easily see through my voice.

Shin was the first character I had ever played, and I was thinking about how to approach the role to make sure that I could speak to the young people. However, as a member of the "Bubble" production team, there was no way that I would not be able to find it, so I was thinking that I could think about it after I jumped into the film.

--Lastly, for those who will be watching the film, could you tell us about your favorite scene?

Miyano: As the story unfolds, various things happen, so I think everyone will be able to see various aspects of Shin-san, but if I were to answer without spoiling anything, I would say that my favorite scene is when Shin shows his mature position from the beginning, or if that's the right way to put it, it's the scene where he "did his best" (I don't know if that's the right word). I don't know if I'm expressing it correctly, but it's a scene where he "tried his best" (laughs).

(Laughs) Also, the "night fight" (laughs) scene with Makoto, played by Alice (Hirose), is one of my very favorite scenes. I think it is a place where I could find Shin's own style.

It's that atmosphere. The way he speaks to her, the way he broaches the subject, he is mature and mature, and I think it is a scene that shows a different texture from the others in the story as a whole.

(Interview and text by Koji Shimizu)

Outline of Present Campaign

<Prize
In commemoration of the release of the "Bubble" movie, we will present one lucky winner with an autographed copy of Mamoru Miyano's autograph!

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Entry period: May 13, 2022 (Fri.) - May 20, 2022 (Fri.) 23:59
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