Ariru Kizuna no Ariru" Special Edition] "PathTLive" Cast Interviews! In the 5th interview, Arisaki Hanawa, who plays Liz, says, "I was nervous during the recording of my first TV anime, but the presence of the PathTLive members made me feel at ease.

This is the first installment of a series of interviews with the cast of the popular spring 2023 anime "Kizuna no Ariru"! The final installment features Arisaki Hanawa, who plays the role of Liz!

Kizuna Aril" is an anime project of the world's first virtual YouTuber "Kizuna Ai". It is the story of Miraku, a girl who aspires to become a virtual artist following Kizuna Ai's back, and her friends. WIT STUDIO × Signal M.D. will be in charge of animation production.

Akiba Research Institute is paying close attention to the heroines of this work, which is attracting a lot of attention this spring! As the first installment, we will be publishing an interview with the cast of "PathTLive," the unit to which the main character Miraku belongs, in a series of five articles.

The fifth and final installment of the first interview feature is with Arisaki Hanawa, who plays Liz!

───Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to appear in this film.

Hanawa: When I heard the announcement, I was so surprised that my emotions ran wild, but words cannot express how happy I was! The work materials I saw during the audition were very fascinating and I was very eager to participate, so I am honored to be able to play the role of Liz in this way.

Please tell us about the character of Liz.

Hanawa: Liz is a clear-headed person who always researches and analyzes everything, and is always able to come up with the best solution at the time. She is also an attractive girl with a gap between her cool appearance and her passionate and kind side. As the story progresses, you will see more and more of her charm, so please look forward to it!

─ What was your first impression of Liz? What were your first impressions of Liz, and if your impressions changed or if there were any new charms you discovered after actually playing the role?

Hanawa: When I first saw Liz, I thought she was a cool and cool girl. I wondered how I could express her personality, which is so different from mine, but as the story progressed, I found that she had a very companionable side and that she was a bit mischievous and cute, which made me feel closer to her. I'm looking forward to seeing how my impression of the other characters will change as they progress in the story!

─ Do you see any similarities between Liz and Hanawa-san?

Hanawa: Liz is especially serious and focused on "winning" when it comes to competition, and I think we are similar in that I hate to lose. I have always been serious about small games ...... such as card games, and when I lose, I feel really frustrated. That includes big things, of course, and I have always tried to use that frustration as a springboard for growth, but what about Liz? ...... Stay tuned for further developments!

What kind of unit is "PathTLive"?

Hanawa: They are five people with different personalities and personalities, and seem to be different pieces at first glance, but they fit together and create a chemical reaction. The friends who meet in Miraku gradually start to run in the same direction as they spend time together. The power they generate is so immense that it is hard to take your eyes off of them!

─ What is your most memorable episode with the "PathTLive" members?

Hanawa: I was really nervous during the first recording session for my first appearance in a TV anime, ....... I kept searching how I could express Liz vividly and attractively in the world of "Kizuna no Ariru". But when the recording started, everyone from PathTLive was there, and I was very moved. When Mr. Hihara spoke, he said, "It's Mirak. ......!" Surrounded by the four of them, I felt like I could stand there as Liz, and I felt relieved even though I was nervous. After the recording, I was so happy when everyone said "I thought you were Liz" when they heard my voice, and I treasure that feeling.

─ If you were to play a member of PathTLive other than Liz, which character would you like to play?

Hanawa: I would like to play everyone, but if I had to give ......, it would be Miraku. I often feel the strength and brightness of Miraku, who is so determined to pursue her dreams that I feel like I have to do my best just by watching her. Because I see how everyone is moved by Miraku, I wanted to learn from Miraku that wonderful attitude. I think I feel this way because Miraku, played by Hihara-san, is so wonderful!

─ What was your impression when you first heard about the theme song "mirAI wave!

Hanawa: "Wow, it's an anime OP. ......!" I thought, "Wow, it's an anime OP! I remember the first chorus and the introduction gave me goosebumps. The lyrics are realistic about the struggles of the heart and the friends who support the dreams linked to the story, and combined with the fast and refreshing sound, I thought it was a song that would help people move forward toward their dreams at any time. I think it can be a cheering song for those who are aiming for their dreams, so I would like to listen to it before a game!

─ What is your impression of Kizuna Ai? What is your impression of Kizuna Ai, and are you influenced by her presence and performance, or do you use her as a role model?

Hanawa: Many people have heard of Kizuna Ai even if they are not familiar with the virtual world, so in that sense, I think she is a person who has widely connected the real and virtual worlds through her activities. This work is a story about the world after Kizuna Ai is gone, and when I received the script, I felt that the characters strongly inherited that "desire to connect," so I participated with that in mind.

─ What are some of the highlights of the "Kizuna no Ariru" anime?

Hanawa: Of course the story of the characters growing up to pursue their dreams is appealing, but everyone has their own thoughts and struggles, and I was struck by the way they overcome obstacles in the story that are never easy to overcome with their friends. Furthermore, the delicate and beautiful visuals, which make full use of animation and 3D, deepen the world view and emotion of the story. The music has a variety of tunes and the characters are full of personality, so you are sure to find your favorite!

─ ─ In addition to your appearances in the anime, you are also active as the XR artist project "Alleles" on your YouTube channel. What kind of activities would you like to do as "Alleles" in the future?

Hanawa: This project is based on the concept of "connecting the real and virtual worlds," and we have already started virtual distribution on our YouTube channel. As an artist, I would like to improve my expressive ability in singing and dancing so that I can give a performance that will touch your hearts in the live streaming! I hope to deepen my understanding of Liz and convey her charms to you more, so that I can show you a different side of her than during the live performance. In real life, I would like to do my best so that I can meet everyone directly at live performances and other activities. The opportunity to meet and communicate directly with you is very precious, so I would like to work on my daily activities so that everyone will want to meet Alleles. I would like to connect with more people, so Liz and I will work hard hand in hand! Please keep an eye on Alleles!

─ ─ Finally, do you have a message for Akiba Research Institute readers?

Hanawa: Thank you for reading this far. The broadcast of ...... has finally started! I can't stop being thrilled and excited to finally be able to share my work with you all! Kizuna no Ariru" is a work that blends the virtual with the real, something that has never been done before, and the way Miraku and her friends pursue their dreams is something that will come to your heart. I would be happy if this work will be a chance for those who are aiming for something or have a goal, as well as for those who are not aiming for something, to find something! Please watch "Kizuna no Ariru"!