The action scenes were tough, and the difficulty of finding the breath that the original sound put in was also…
──Do you all record the recordings yourself?
Hanazawa:Just like the previous movie, everyone was a bit disjointed. I started recording quite early on, so I didn't really listen to everyone's voices while recording. There was only one person in the previous work, so this time it was no different. But even if we record together, it will definitely be recorded separately. The battle scenes are intense, and the dialogue also overlaps a lot.
There was also the original sound, so I thought that was very different from normal recording. It's easier to interact with than zero.
──How much of the atmosphere of the original sound do you utilize and how much do you express it in Japanese?
Hanazawa:First of all, the acting of the original sound is wonderful, so of course I use it as a reference. Also, the part where Xiaohei turns into a cat was done faithfully, and the sound was basically added where the original sound was included in the action.
In terms of expression, it's been like this since the previous work, but rather than tracing the original sound, I performed with what I felt. Even in the direction, they didn't say, “This is the original sound, so I want you to do it this way,'' so I acted while thinking that it would be okay to do it this way.
──Was the breathing difficult for the action?
Hanazawa:I agree. And I'm breathing a lot. It's easy to include scenes where the battle is really tough and you're gasping for air, but there's really a lot of detail in the scenes. I knew it was an important point because it connected to Xiaohei's childishness and cuteness, but the original sound video I received contained a variety of sounds, so it was really difficult to find the right breath. So, during the dubbing that day, the staff wondered, “Isn't there some breath in here too?'' (laughs)
Also, the action is fast and the pace is amazing, so if you're just reading the script and watching the footage, you won't be able to catch up. It was quite difficult because you had to memorize a series of movements before you could do it.
──I felt like there were a lot of sharp breaths that sounded like kung fu, like “Ha!”.
Hanazawa:I agree. The script says “Ya!”, but in the parts where it doesn't have to be that way, I used different breathing techniques and other things, so for me, I want you to hear both sounds. Both the original version and the dubbed version have their merits.
──The number of characters that appear in this work has increased, but are there any characters that you are interested in?
Hanazawa:I'm weak against gaps, so I really like Mugen. When the strongest person is a little timid or kind, people get upset about it, so I thought Mugen was cunning and I liked him (lol).
Although he is not a very easy-to-understand person, I think that because he was always by Louie's side, she was able to move forward together with him, and that kind of kindness and tolerance is what will give her such a long life! That's what I thought (laughs).
──Did you have a favorite scene?
Hanazawa:After all, it was the first time I talked about it, when I had a different opinion with Louie, I properly conveyed my intentions. I thought that scene was very adult.
──I think you've become an adult in terms of being able to understand the situation.
Hanazawa:That's true, isn't it? He says he thinks he may have said too much, but he can reflect on it. That's another good thing about Xiaohei!
──Finally, please give a message to your fans.
Hanazawa:I think it's a really easy-to-watch animation. Although it was made in China, I think it will be well received by people who have watched anime in Japan, and it will also give them a bit of a nostalgic feeling. However, it is a great video with a new feel, so if you haven't seen the previous movie, “Ra Shogoku Senki: The Future We Choose'', it is also available for streaming, so please watch it and then watch “Ra Shogoku Senki 2: The Future We Want.'' I think that way you can enjoy the more powerful feeling of this work!
Also, the theme is about how humans and fairies coexist, and I think there are some overlaps with today's brutal world. It teaches us that it is important to think carefully and to be considerate of each other, so please enjoy it as entertainment while also overlapping various events. Also, I think it would be a waste not to see this movie in a movie theater, so please go see it there.
[Text & Photos by Junichi Tsukagoshi]
Work information
Synopsis
Two years later, an attack on a hall threatens the long-held peace of the fairy world.
Xiaohei and Mugen are separated by a mission from the Fairy Hall, and their fates begin to be shaken up.
While facing the threats that appear one after another, Xiaohei sets off on a new adventure in search of the truth with her sister and disciple, Ruie.
Faced with a sudden trial and an unexpected enemy, Xiaohei is forced to make a big choice…
cast
Mugen: Mamoru Miyano
Louie: Yuuki Aoi
Nata: Inori Minase
Yudi: Yohei Tadano
Lin Yao: Kazuhiro Yamaji
Seamuse: Akira Ishida
Chinen: Junichi Suwabe
Old man Kyu: Cho
Panjin: Yoshitada Otsuka
A: Junya Enoki
B: Tsuchiya Kamiha
(C)2025 Beijing HMCH Anime Co.,Ltd
