Interview] Celebrating the release of "Ni no Kuni," the much-talked-about movie by Level-5! Mamoru Miyano, who plays Yoki, the key person in the story, talks about the appeal of this film.

The popular video game series "Ni No Kuni" has been made into a movie with a completely original story!　The nationwide roadshow started today, August 23 (Fri.).

The executive producer/original story and screenplay is directed by Akihiro Hino, President/CEO of Level-5 Corporation, the creator of the series. Yoshiyuki Momose, who directed "Giveaway episode 2" at Studio Ghibli and worked as an original picture creator for "Omohide Poroporo" and many other works, is making his directorial debut as a feature-length animation director. The story is told by a distinguished staff, including Joe Hisaishi for the music, along with a splendid cast.

For this interview, we asked Mamoru Miyano, who plays the role of Yoki, the magical Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Estabania in Ni No Kuni, about the appeal of this work.

--How did you feel when you were chosen for the role?

Miyano: "Ni No Kuni" is a very popular and talked-about game, so I was very surprised when I heard about the film adaptation, and I was very happy to be able to participate in it, thinking, "This is where the film is going to be made with a lot of success.

--What did you think when you read the scenario?

Miyano: "Choose life. The story focuses on how to depict the weight of life, and the interaction between the hearts of young people is deeply depicted. It is not a pretty story, but rather a depiction of what it means to care for others. I am sure that the viewers will be struck by the realistic exchange of life in the fantasy world.

--How did you approach the postrecording?

Miyano: I was very happy to be given the opportunity to voice a very wonderful character.

The three main characters, Yu, Haru, and Kotona, are very straightforward, and it is important for me to feel the fragility and brilliance of the realistic exchange of life. I was also able to act while listening to their performances, and I felt that their straightforward thoughts moved the atmosphere around them.

Although I was not able to meet them during recording, I was able to pursue my role and feel the joy of interacting with them because of the performances of the three actors who put their lives on the line with all their might.

--What would you do if you were lost in "Ni No Kuni" yourself?

Miyano: I would like to have adventures using magic myself, since this work fulfills the dreams of boys and girls who want to use magic.

--I would like to use magic and go on an adventure myself.

Miyano: "What is important? Who are the important people? I think they will realize these questions.　In this work, "life" is placed as the main focus, and I think the strength of the feelings will become clearer. Even if it is not "life" in our daily lives, I think there are times when we quarrel with our family members or friends over minor differences, or when we are at odds with each other. What is important to choose in such a situation? What is important to think about whom? There are some heavy expressions and serious exchanges, but I am sure that you will take home wonderful memories.

--Another theme of this film is "friendship.

Miyano: I was a member of a soccer club when I was a student, but I was also a member of a theater troupe at the time, so I was not able to participate in club activities to my satisfaction. There were many times when I felt I was inconveniencing my fellow students, but I spent many irreplaceable moments with them outside of club activities. That is why I thought, "I can't cause them any more trouble, and maybe I should quit soccer." I thought, "I can't cause them any more trouble. But when I talked to my advisor, he told me, "You've come this far, so you have to work with us until the end.

I couldn't have done it on my own, but by taking the first step, I was given the opportunity to "choose". I live my life feeling every day that it is important to step out on my own.

--Thank you very much!

(Interview, text, and photos by Atsushi Saeki)