Kirara Magica Interview Mizuhashi Kaori

Mami Tomoe's VA - Mizuhashi Kaori

Mami may be the character with the strongest fan reaction. What is Mizuhashi Kaori's feelings for acting in this role?

Recording for the compilation movie (I) just completed. Kirara A few days ago, re-recording for the compilation movie finished. How did it go? Mizuhashi Only Part I finished! This movie thing really take a lot of time. The re-recording was done very carefully, took a full two days. Kirara Because it's a compilation, Mami suffered the same fate as the TV series? Mizuhashi Since it's a compilation, certain parts are cut out to integrate the plot, but it's basically the same as the TV series. Kirara Feels like anticipating the doomed character? Mizuhashi I have said this many times, death in anime, compared to death in real life, are wholy different concept. In anime, the character only truly dies when treated as thin air. Compared to people saying "who's she again," this is much blissful. Kirara In fact, Mami is the favorite character for many people. Mizuhashi Even though she dies, but as an anime character she still lives. It may be better to she her life has just begun. I was often asked, "How do you feel about Mami-san's death?" If I can reply honestly, I actually felt quite happy. Because compare to those disposible characters, a memorable death is much better.

A perfect timing meeting Mami Tomoe

Kirara Can you talk about your thoughts on Mami Tomoe again? Mizuhashi I feel I encountered Mami Tomoe at the perfect time. Because I have been looking to change my role as a voice actor. There are many voice actors looking for change, no matter how much they shout "I can do this role!" the opportunity rarely presents itself. Not only that, switching role not completely is not enough. You must have impact. You need a role, a creative work that can completely change people's impression. That's why when I was picked for Mami-san's role, I had a feeling that my typecast will change from here on out. In fact, I wish for that to occur. SOmetimes I wonder, "if I didn't accept Mami-san, what could I have done now?" That thought makes me shudder. Not able to remove myself from a typecasted role is a worrisome thing. Kirara How do you feel about Madoka Magica itself? Mizuhashi If I have no connection with the work, if I wasn't one of its VAs, I would probably had sinked deeper into it. A lot of it is the self-discipline as a participant. If not, I would probably be lining-up with everyone at Comiket (laughs). I think I'd get really into it. Kirara For a participant of creative work to enjoy it so much must be a real blessing. Mizuhashi I often was asked,"you must be really happy." Once you empathize you will understand. Even when happy, you must repress the feeling, it's a complicated emotion (laughs). But it's also a privelage, and I am really enjoying this incredible feeling.

I really want to watch the events with the audience! Kirara The TV airing has ended over a year ago. From the fan reactions, can you still feel the popularity of Madoka? Mizuhashi People still tell me "I just finish watching recently," so it seem to remain fresh. Its impact appear to be still gorwing from word of mouth. Between my colliges, it seems to be popular, is it addicting to watch and such. I am really happy to hear that even now. Kirara After broadcast there are many different Madoka events. You attended a few talk shows in Osaka and Nagoya. Mizuhashi Previously I didn't have a chance to get to know why people enjoy Madoka. After attendign these events, I realized there're many fans that attended these events for the first time. Almost half of the attendees are such people, I really want to tell them thank you for "giving us your first time" to Madoka. Kirara Many that never attended offline events came out on purpose, that must be nice to hear. Mizuhashi Many attendees are not big fans of anime, some was fans but grow old and graduated, some because of girlfriend was fan and preached into it boyfriends, yet end up ignoring the girlfriend to buy their own figures. It was really people of all kinds (laughs). Everyone's reactions were interesting. Of course, character topics are very popular. Some even said "Talk about what you have lunch or wahtever! Please use your Mami voice~!" kind of people (laughs). Kirara The attendees react noticiably cooler towards personal things? Mizuhashi Definitely cooler, but I feel happy. Small stories in the recording studio got everyone's attention, that makes me happy. Kirara The "Anime Contents Expo 2012" was held on April 1st. All six primary actors had a chance to gather on the stage. Mizuhashi That was very enjoyable. During that time I keep thinking, "why do I only have one body?" If there's another me, I definitely want to sit with the audience, and crying too (laughs). Right now I wish to not be on stage, but watch everyone gathered together as one of hte audience.

If we can continue without missing anyone it will be amazing. Kirara What do you think of a dedicated Madoka magazine like this? Mizuhashi I thought people was joking at the beginning (laughs). I had to eat my words when it actually came out. After reading the VOl.1 Sample, I thought it's really good fun! Especially the "Mami Tomoe Age 31" (<<Mami's Everyday Life>>). That really shocked me (laughs). Kirara All the other magical girls are engaged or marriaged, only she was left single (laughs). Mizuhashi Ya, that's how it is. It's a bit off topic, but as the saying goes, "if that person looks to marry early, she'll definitely be left behind." If there's someone available, hurry and introduce him. Otherwise, it'll be bad! (laughs) Kirara The follow up story is a story about everyone attending a wedding. Mizuhashi That's just sad (laughs). And Mami-san pretend to have a boyfriend too. If you lie in this area people won't introduce introduce you, that makes a very grim situation. Ah, a last stand... (laughs) Then there's that everyone was family story. Kirara The one when the five magical girls became sisters "The Veranda of Madoka" right? Mizuhashi My favorite part was when Mami was eating cake by herself, she said "Even though it's just dessert, but I still feel like saying grace" the line (laughs). That's something you can say everyday. Before eating dessert and such, saying "Thanks for the food... Hah, even though it's just dessert, but I still want to say grace." and such (laughs). It's only dessert, but I can't stop myself from saying grace. It feels like a natural slice of life. I enjoy these kind of down to earth stories that I can identify with. And it ends with those beautiful words - "TO be Continued." I am looking forward to it. And lastly, there's a story about Mami-san and Akemi-san cohabitating (Mitakihara Anti-Material), I like that too. Kirara The Mami / Homura combination might be a bit unpopular. Mizuhashi But the plot makes sense. Homura has no street smarts, so Mami asks "what do you eat normally? Why not live with me?" This kind of development feels very natural. To come up with this scenario, drawing this comic, it's very novel... If I am not a VA and was addicted to Madoka, I would probably be drawing doujin too. Also, I would probably be bullying Mami-san too (laughs). Since Madoka was an anime original, I really do feel like the audience are part of the creative process. No one decides "that's it!" Everyone have hte freedome to let their imagination run well. I think that's just fine. Kirara You already talked about re-recording the first compilation movie. What about your hope and expectations for the following two movies? Mizuhashi I hope after the trilogy finish, we can all work together on a follow-up. Even though some people due to complicated reasions become the law of cycles - some passed away, some has been guided away, I wish that all the cast members can meet together, not a single person missing. Getting everyone together will definitely not be easy, but no matter how ardous the proecss, having everyone together must be quite enjoyable. By the way, I have no clue on the content for the 3rd movie, I just hope everyone can fight together. [END]