Interviews

This article presents a collection of interviews pertaining to the My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 manga series' anime adaptation. It may include interviews with the production team, voice actors, and other personnel involved in the project.

## Staff

### Morio Asaka, Director

#### Interview with AnimeRecorder

The TV anime My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999, which started airing in April 2023, is an original work serialized under the manga app "GANMA!" and received the grand prize at the "6th TSUTAYA Comic Awards" in June 2022. The cumulative circulation of the tankobon (printed and electronic versions combined) published by KADOKAWA has surpassed 2 million copies, attracting attention as a romantic comedy work.

The story depicted in this work revolves around Akane, a college student who falls into unexpected heartbreak, and Yamada, a gamer high school student, and their love story. The animation production is handled by Madhouse, known for works such as "Overlord IV" and "A Place Further than the Universe." The director is Morio Asaka, who has previously worked on "Chihayafuru" and "Cardcaptor Sakura."

In this interview, we conducted an interview with Director Asaka. We asked various questions about how they brought this work, born from a manga app, to life through animation.

Sometimes, I also refer to professional gamers' videos for inspiration.
 ***──What was your impression after reading the original work?***
**Morio Asaka:** I learned about this work when I was approached by Madhouse to direct it, and that was when I read the original source for the first time. I hadn't had many opportunities to experience manga apps before, so I was pleasantly surprised by its fast-paced nature. It was impressive how it was easy to read and occasionally had killer shots and catchy lines interspersed throughout.

 ***──Regarding the adaptation into an anime, what aspects did you prioritize and focus on?***
**Morio Asaka:** First and foremost, I felt that maintaining the lively and brisk dialogue was crucial in the anime adaptation. The exchanges between Yamada and Akane have particularly good pacing, so I wanted to ensure that it translates well visually without any sense of discord.

The presentation of the characters is also a point I paid attention to, which ties in with the dialogue. I initially wanted the viewers to empathize with Akane and then gradually shift their focus to Yamada. I considered this progression as part of the overall narrative structure.

In terms of character presentation, I received assistance from the original author, Mashiro-sensei. Sensei participated in script meetings and voice recordings, providing input on the characters' emotional changes. We collaborated closely to incorporate their insights during the production process.

 ***──Mashiro-sensei was actively involved in the process, aren't they?***
**Morio Asaka:** Yes, that's correct. Mashiro-sensei provided assistance not only with the characters but also in various other aspects. For example, there were scenes where Yamada plays games. Since I personally don't play online games much, I had several questions for Mashiro-sensei.

 ***──Indeed, when creating this anime, knowledge of games becomes important.***
**Morio Asaka:** Indeed, it is important. However, none of the staff, including myself, regularly play games... So I consulted with Mashiro-sensei and sometimes watched videos of professional gamers to expand my imagination. Even something as simple as aiming with a mouse was surprising to me... Akane was instrumental in helping me, despite her lack of gaming knowledge. Although she doesn't possess extensive gaming knowledge either, her perspective allowed me to approach the game from the same standpoint.

 ***──The scenes where Yamada gives instructions to his teammates felt very realistic.***
**Morio Asaka:** Thank you very much. I wanted to create an atmosphere that even people who don't know the individuals playing games would think, *"There must be someone like this."*

 ***──How did you perceive the personalities of Yamada and Akane?***
**Morio Asaka:** I saw both of them as individuals who care about those around them, although they differ in the amount of output they express. Of course, they have their own unique aspects as well. Yamada has a world expanding within himself and is the type of person who thinks about various things within that world. On the other hand, my first impression of Akane was that she is someone who can smile even at the end of a breakup. She is capable of turning loneliness and hardship into a smile, as fragments of which are depicted in the anime.

 ***──What about the other supporting characters, such as Eita, Runa, and Kamota-san?***
**Morio Asaka:** Personally, Runa left a strong impression on me. I think Runa is a good character in bringing out Akane's personality, and although she has a limited outlet for expressing herself, she has a very cute side. At first glance, she may come across as an antagonist-like character, but I wanted to go beyond that and portray her as a character who is loved by others.

Efforts to bring out the rhythm of conversation
 ***──How were the staff members other than the director decided?***
**Morio Asaka:** The team within Madhouse was already somewhat established, so this time it followed that structure. Shimizu-san (Tomoyuki Shimizu), the art director, is someone who can create a very fresh and vibrant world. Hamada, the character designer, is skilled at drawing soft and gentle images, and I was confident that his designs would be a perfect fit for the work. In fact, we almost gave the green light based on his initial designs. However, he's truly a reserved person and not very approachable, much like Yamada.

 ***──(laughs) The story and direction of the original work are generally the basis, but were there any parts where ideas from the staff were incorporated?***
**Morio Asaka:** We want to keep the story moving at a good pace, so we're conscious of minimizing explanations. Instead of extensively describing the locations, we present symbolic elements for the audience to understand at a glance. For example, in the first episode, we quickly show signs and beer in the scene of the izakaya, conveying that it is an izakaya without explicitly stating it.

 ***──One thing that stood out when watching the anime was the use of written text to represent dialogue. Sometimes the spoken lines and the text conveyed different content.***
**Morio Asaka:** That was also a result of being mindful of the rhythm of the conversation. Instead of making everything spoken, we replace certain parts with text to maintain the flow while still capturing interesting emotional changes. Although there are many interesting lines in the original work, it's difficult to include them all. It was an idea to ensure that the audience could savor all the charms of the conversation. Sometimes there are separate conversations happening through voice and text, with completely different content.

 ***──Speaking of text, the chat, which is a staple in online games, is also depicted in the story.***
**Morio Asaka:** We were conscious of presenting the chat, which tends to be information-based, in a lively manner. In the story, there are scenes where Akane sends a message but doesn't receive a reply for several minutes. However, we can't really make the audience wait for a full two minutes, but if we cut everything, we wouldn't be able to express Akane's impatience and anger. It's about finding the right balance. We tried various techniques to portray the passage of time, such as having Akane brew tea during that interval.

 ***──In this work, both the real world and the in-game world are depicted. Were there any differences in how they were portrayed?***
**Morio Asaka:** We were mindful of the music. When characters are in the game, there is an atmosphere reminiscent of medieval foreign lands, while the real world has a softer and more ethereal feel. Regarding the backgrounds, we created differences by depicting the in-game world with detailed and realistic trees, for example.

Furthermore, the characters themselves become shorter in stature within the game, so naturally, their movements also change. This applies not only to the main content but also to the eyecatches. The eyecatches feature avatars from the game, and their energetic movements may seem unnatural in the real world, but in the context of avatars, it actually feels more natural.

 ***──When watching anime, it seems worthwhile to pay attention to the eyecatches, doesn't it?***
**Morio Asaka:** They allow us to bring in a playful element that is not present in the main content, and we don't have to worry about the flow before or after, so it's enjoyable.

 ***──Were there any specific points to consider when selecting the cast?***
**Morio Asaka:** Akane is a character whose expressions change frequently, so we emphasized a voice that would not be disliked regardless of which aspect is captured, especially a voice that women would not dislike. Inori Minase has a wide range of abilities and we believed she would portray the ideal Akane, so we made the decision.

As for Yamada... it was Ayumu Murase without a doubt (laughs). It seems that Murase-san was also the perfect fit for Mashiro-sensei, and judging from the reactions on social media, many people said "It's a perfect match."

 ***──Speaking of Inori Minase, she has a strong image of playing younger girls, so it's rare for her to play an older woman from Yamada's perspective in this case, isn't it?***
**Morio Asaka:** That's true, it may be the case. However, I believe she shows exquisite acting that encompasses that image as well. Akane is not only an older figure but also has a childlike side. Inori Minase was the right choice because she can balance the sense of an older sister and the innocence.

 ***──By the way, Director Asaka is also in charge of the storyboard for the opening theme. How was it produced?***
**Morio Asaka:** I wanted to actively incorporate elements that were symbolically used in the original work. This includes pixel art, Yamada's staff, and the Paladin's sword, for example. One aspect that posed a challenge was how to animate the characters. Since both Yamada and Akane appear, we had to be careful not to disrupt their established image. Yamada, in particular, couldn't be given too much movement. There was a lot of consideration involved in figuring out how to create impactful moments with Yamada alone.

 ***──In that case, if there are any specific points the director would like the audience to pay attention to in this work, please let us know.***
**Morio Asaka:** While the story mainly revolves around Yamada and Akane, I would also like the audience to pay attention to the supporting characters. For example, the bespectacled man in Episode 5 or the enemy characters in the game. There are interesting details packed into the finer aspects of the show as well.
### DÉ DÉ MOUSE and Mito from Clammbon, Music in-charge

#### Interview with Lisani

**[Interview]** The world of the TV anime *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* is adorned by the collaboration of Mito (Clammbon) and DE DE MOUSE in *One Egg*! Delving into the meticulously crafted sounds that express each character.

In the midst of despair after being dumped by her boyfriend, Akane encounters Yamada, a handsome high school pro-gamer, in a fateful meeting triggered by the online game she used to play with her ex-boyfriend. The hugely popular romantic comedy work *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999*, serialized on the manga app *GANMA!,* is now being aired as a TV anime since April. Handling the soundtrack for such a production are Mito from Clammbon and DE DE MOUSE, both of whom have been active in various genres in the Japanese music scene. After their collaboration on the 2021 TV anime *Wonder Egg Priority*, which also garnered attention for its sound, they have come together once again to create a soundtrack in a new realm, this time for a traditional romantic comedy. What kind of sounds have they produced?

"If they approached us, it means they didn't want something ordinary for a romantic comedy." (DE DE MOUSE)
***──The collaboration between Mito-san and DE DE MOUSE-san for the soundtrack will be their first since the 2021 TV anime* Wonder Egg Priority *(hereinafter referred to as* One Egg*). Can you tell us about the circumstances that led to this tag team collaboration again for the TV anime* My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999*?***
**Mito:** I don't know the specific details, but we received instructions from above to work together as a duo (laughs).

**DE DE MOUSE:** I thought I had gone too far with *One Egg*, so I didn't expect to be approached by the anime industry again (laughs).

**Mito:** Oh no, that's not true (laughs).

**DE DE MOUSE:** Maybe it's like, "As long as Mito-san is there, it's fine." It's like, "We have one more chance, but if we mess up here, there won't be another! It's okay because Mito-san is here" (laughs).

**Mito:** Now we're having this conversation in front of the Aniplex staff, it's getting intense (laughs).

**DE DE MOUSE:** For me, being approached like this is a miracle. Mito-san is like my... what do you call it... guardian.

**Mito:** We're not that far apart in age, you know (laughs)!

**DE DE MOUSE:** But actually, she's the one who's the most dangerous.

**Mito:** Excuse me, what are we talking about today (laughs)?

***──However, the soundtrack created by both of you for* One Egg *was fresh in many ways, just like the user response. It's imaginable that the anime sought this kind of stimulation through the music, which resulted in the collaboration this time.***
**Mito:** Indeed, the feel of the soundtrack that I and Dede-kun created for *One Egg* seemed quite different from what we had done before. It feels like people find it interesting.

**DE DE MOUSE:** During our meeting with producer Yamauchi-san and director Gundam-san, Yamauchi-san mentioned, "Maybe we don't want it to be a typical romantic comedy. That's why we chose these two." I'm not sure if it actually happened that way, but the fact that they approached us suggests that they didn't want a typical romantic comedy soundtrack. It was more like, "Let's do something a bit different." It's all speculation. We went into it with only a few clues, not knowing if it would work or not. That's how this project came about.

***──It's true that they were probably looking for a soundtrack that was different from what you had done before.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** It could be that the anime side had expectations of adding some subtle sense of discomfort. But that's just speculation; it could have been a straightforward offer based on the results from "One Egg." Indeed, *One Egg* is still popular overseas, and I still receive DMs on Twitter from people abroad about "One Egg." Especially from France. Porter Robinson, for example, wrote in an interview, "I love 'One Egg.'" So, the offer might have been influenced by the positive reputation.

**Mito:** When it comes to creating a romantic comedy, it tends to become something predictable or formulaic, at least from the perspective of us as soundtrack composers. There are usually certain cards that you play, so to speak. But this project wasn't following that kind of flow. There was a sense that they were looking for something different, not just an offer based on my individual position, for example.

"The music changes rapidly from scene to scene" (Mito)
***──Once again, it's unexpected that the work you both worked on is a so-called modern romantic comedy called "Yamada-kun." What were your initial impressions when you first saw the original work?***
**Mito:** Dede-kun, what did you think?

**DE DE MOUSE:** I had actually read the original work beforehand. From the title, I thought it would be a work with a strong gaming element, but when I read the original, there weren't many game scenes. It felt more like an online game, reminiscent of the 8-bit era of games like the Famicom or Super Famicom. So when it came to doing the soundtrack, at first, I wasn't sure what to do since there weren't any game elements. I ended up watching a lot of old shoujo manga adaptations and romantic comedy anime to see how they used background music.

***──So, you did research on past romantic comedy works.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** I wondered how the BGM was used in those works. It turned out that Bossa Nova and Fusion were the main genres used, so I expanded my imagination based on that. That's why it was a question mark for me when I received the offer! Doing something like dubstep, similar to *One Egg,* wouldn't work. Moreover, since the original work was incredibly popular, I was afraid of receiving backlash from fans like, "That guy is ruining the atmosphere of the original." And, for me, it was a matter of survival in the anime industry, haha.

**Mito:** Hahaha! A matter of survival, huh? (laughs)

**DE DE MOUSE:** So, I didn't know where to attack initially.

**Mito:** It's going to get into the production talk right away, but at some point, Dede-kun's work felt like it was playing it safe. It was something different from *One Egg,* not dubstep or trap, but rather a rhythm that was a bit softer. He respects anime a lot, so he was careful in his approach, but that wasn't really what was expected. If they wanted a typical soundtrack, we probably wouldn't be here in the first place, haha. So, I thought it would be better to make it more challenging.

**DE DE MOUSE:** "You can be a bit edgier." That's what you told me, Mito-san. During the first demo submission, you came up with a track that had three times as many beats as mine.

**Mito:** That's right, haha. I was told I could do whatever I liked, so this is what it means to do what I like. I made it quite cut-up and minimal house sound.

**DE DE MOUSE:** It sounded like a release from a super obscure label tucked away in a corner of the Techno House building in Udagawa, Shibuya, haha.

**Mito:** Like something you'd find in the HEADZ section, haha.

**DE DE MOUSE:** When I listened to it, I got really excited. I thought it would be a daunting task if the two of us did it together. So, Mito-san went in that direction, and I thought I'd go with a cute element.

***──In regards to the so-called soundtrack of this work, your approaches were also different, right?***
**Mito:** Yes, that's right. So I submitted about three tracks, and as for Dede-kun's...

**DE DE MOUSE:** I was told, "It seems very usable."

**Mito:** And they said to me, "Mito-san, you're quite daring." Even though that's not usually my role, haha. But since I was working with Dede-kun, I thought I could do cut-ups and vocal chops, so I went all-in on that aspect. And then, even though it fits into everyday life, Yamasa (Yamauchi) said to me, "You made unsettling music again," haha.

**DE DE MOUSE:** Mito-san said, "That wasn't my intention," and she was even a bit annoyed, haha. Of course, I was complimenting her. But I wish he had said that to me! It was a role reversal for us.

**Mito:** So, in the latter half, Dede-kun's tracks kept adding more and more elements, while I, on the other hand, went back to the typical and orderly score after starting with a scattered demo. I guess that's how we divided the tasks.

***──Indeed, the sounds heard in the play blend into everyday life, but there are various sounds heard in the score that give a sense of differentiation.***
**Mito:** We wanted to add a sense of incongruity to the ambient sounds subtly flowing in the play's background and differentiate it. It's like we're creating a chaotic atmosphere around it.

***──While the conversations between Akane and Yamada, as well as Akane's monologues, are the main focus, various sounds fill the gaps between the dialogue and the music, creating a unique listening experience.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** What I found amazing when watching the anime was that there were tracks that were prominently featured in the beginning, as well as tracks that gradually developed with each episode.

**Mito:** Sound director Jin Agetagawa is skilled at using stems, creating impressions with individual parts, and then adding kicks and rhythms from there.

**DE DE MOUSE:** Yes, that's right. So the music gradually reveals its full picture.

***──The usage varies, but throughout the play, there are constantly different sounds playing, making it feel like an integral part of the main content.***
**Mito:** There's a lot of information in it. Akane is thinking about various things in her head, so there's quite a bit of information to convey. That's why the music keeps changing from scene to scene. It's not just a minute or two of excitement; the music changes every few tens of seconds. I feel like the responsibility for creating that sense of speed is on our side, while I'm currently watching the anime.

**DE DE MOUSE:** The tempo of the story is good, so it doesn't get boring to watch, and there aren't excessively long scenes. With the music carrying a lot of information, it feels like the episodes pass by in an instant. Although I don't watch a lot of recent romantic comedies, I can sense the incredible speed.

***──Overall, there is a charm in the abundance of thoughts and information in Akane's monologues, which progresses with a good tempo. By the way, what do you think of the main character, Akane?***
**DE DE MOUSE:** It's oddly realistic how she always wears the pendant she received from the guy who rejected her, haha.

**Mito:** I'm not sure if I understand that kind of thing, haha.

**DE DE MOUSE:** Maybe it's something that younger people can relate to. They might feel like they're losing the time they spent with that person.

**Mito:** Well, I think it's because they tend to have strong emotional attachments to such things, haha.

***──There were indeed scenes where she couldn't let go of her personal belongings, haha.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** Is that so... Well, some things are unexpectedly hard to let go of.

**Mito:** This person is the most "girly"! Haha.

**DE DE MOUSE:** I'm the type who empathizes with shojo manga. I actually decluttered my unused clothes at home yesterday.

**Mito:** Wait, is that relevant to the conversation right now? Haha.

**DE DE MOUSE:** No, no, this is an important topic! You see, you can't just throw away things until you've reached the point of no return. Like, this is the outfit I wore when I first performed at Fuji Rock, so I can't get rid of it... It's like proof of the path I've walked, and if that disappears, it feels empty.

**Mito:** I see. I wonder if Akane is the same type of person.

The soundtrack needs to express emotions physically." (Mito)
***──On the other hand, what do you think about the character Yamada? He's an elusive character, isn't he?***
**Mito:** I wasn't quite sure how much of Yamada's personality to portray, so I was creating it with a sense of mystery. For example, when there are scenes where Yamada is supposed to be cool, I'm the one composing the music, but I had quite a dilemma there.

***──As a part of the story, the early stages present Yamada in a way that makes it difficult to grasp his feelings. So, there was a challenge in how to convey his enigmatic nature through music.***
**Mito:** Lately, I've been playing poker in places like Shinjuku, where there are a lot of hosts and hostesses. I've become more observant of those people who I think are cool. I started thinking about what kind of nuanced music would suit someone like him. Well, I found something creative through my hobby of poker, so I'm trying to show that off, haha.

***──So, you were researching the points to extract from Yamada based on the current younger generation, so to speak.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** But overall, Mito's music is well-calculated, or rather, when it comes together with the visuals, it becomes the only fitting sound. When I received the check footage with the music inserted into the partial animation after submitting the music, I watched it while thinking, "Ah, I see." But when I watch the completed broadcast, even though it's the same footage I've seen before, I'm amazed. It's like the visuals and the music come together to create a complete package. The way the sound is added or removed is remarkable. It fit perfectly in a different direction than "ONEGAI" did... It was something that Mito-san worked on and completed after various considerations.

**Mito:** But that's because DE DE-kun is there, so we understand that each element is being focused on, and we also try to match it with DE DE-kun's nuances.

***──It seems like the music comes together because of the two of you, and I can see the reason why you received an offer for these two characters we talked about earlier.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** During the first meeting, Mr. Yamauchi said something like, "This time, it's better to create as many gaps in the music as possible. If you can create something sharp within those gaps, it'll be a win." When it comes to "ONEGAI," it's an extraordinary setting, so I mainly created battle-like, fast BPM beat music and bass music. But this time, it's more like lounge hip-hop.

**Mito:** That's true, it had a lo-fi hip-hop vibe.

**DE DE MOUSE:** Yes, yes. Also, I really like Luke Vibert. He's a creator with a sense that has influenced artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher. He's someone who is underrated, despite being amazing, because his approach is too subtle. But when you listen, each aspect is incredibly well-crafted. So, for this soundtrack, I wanted to create something like that.

***──I see.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** It's not about having an immediate edge when you listen, but rather, when you listen quickly, it sounds normal, but when you listen closely, it's strange. At first, that aspect was too subtle, but Mito-san and Yamauchi-san pointed it out to me, saying that it should be brought out a little more and made more understandable. I thought it would be better to have more cute elements, so I incorporated lounge and Mondo elements into things that sparkle like Runa-chan and Eita-kun, and I tried to include as much hip-hop or breakbeat-like beats as possible. Also, this time, I used children's voices in a different direction from Mito-san.

***──Voice sampling is something that comes to mind when it comes to DE DE MOUSE.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** I wanted to subliminally instill the innocent side of Akane-chan. You might not notice it unless you listen closely, but I want you to feel that innocence through the music. However, the song with the voice in the first episode is actually Mito-san's song.

**Mito:** That's right. It adds to the confusion (laughs).

**DE DE MOUSE:** And it was used for quite a long time, and it feels like it determined the direction of "Yamada-kun." It's interesting and personally frustrating.

**Mito:** But when watching the main story, the music is definitely more prominent than usual, right?

**DE DE MOUSE:** In the fourth episode, the music is playing all the time. It's a musician's honor to have music playing subliminally like that.

**Mito:** That's why I wonder what will happen next.

**DE DE MOUSE:** And after the broadcast, there's a playlist of the soundtrack playing on YouTube.

***──"YAMADA MUSIC PLAYLIST," right? It's a groundbreaking concept where you can chat and discuss the impressions of the show in the chat section while the soundtrack used in the episodes is playing after the anime's broadcast.***
**Mito:** That's amazing, right?

**DE DE MOUSE:** I'm really happy about it. And the artwork used there is also synthwave-like, and it matches the music as well.

***──Once again, it's evident how significant the role of your soundtrack was in the anime.***
**DE DE MOUSE:** Initially, I tried to get too close to the work, but I think it was good that I could incorporate enough edge into the soundtrack that I could also express in my solo work. Mito-san was the one who gave me that opportunity.

**Mito:** With the soundtrack, there's a place where you can take risks, unlike with my solo or band work, where there's a line that shouldn't be crossed. When it comes to external work like providing music, there's often a sense that you shouldn't cross that line, but with the soundtrack, that line isn't really demanded. DE DE-kun was trying to be very sensitive to the story, and that's not the case with other types of music. You have to express your emotions more physically; that's what's important in a soundtrack... I said that while drunk at an izakaya after recording (laughs).

**DE DE MOUSE:** So, after that, I completely rewrote the approximately 25 songs that were already written within a week deadline, but it was incredibly fun.

**Mito:** In the end, it was good that we returned to our usual activities, so to speak.

**DE DE MOUSE:** You know, we often don't really understand ourselves. Even if we think we're fine, it's when others point it out to us that we realize. This time was exactly that.

***──In the future development of* Yamada-kun, *it will be interesting to see how the music is perceived.***
**Mito:** The original manga is still ongoing. I don't know how far the story will have progressed by the time this interview is published, but the original manga is really interesting, and I hope it continues in a good way. Whether we'll be there at that time... we can only wait for the official announcement (laughs).

***──We'll wait for good news then (laughs).***
**Mito:** The animation is also amazing, so I personally feel very reassured watching it!

**DE DE MOUSE:** And it's subtle, isn't it? It's not like, "What do you think of that!" It's really subtle.

**Mito:** We're truly blessed with the visuals. And there's a playlist too. I wonder if DE DE-kun will be DJing again?

**DE DE MOUSE:** If we get permission, I'd love to!
## Voice Actors

### Koki Uchiyama

#### Interview with Mantan Web

The *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* is set to premiere on April 1st on various television channels, including TOKYO MX and BS11. The series revolves around the unyielding love shared between Akane Kinoshita, a college student who is reeling from a sudden heartbreak, and Akito Yamada, a high school gamer boy. Although Yamada may seem cool on the surface, he is actually a kind and gentle character, which aligns with Uchiyama's persona. In this interview, we inquire about Uchiyama-san's personal experiences in high school and his perspectives on the recording process.

*Loving Yamada at Lv999!* is a popular work that has exceeded 2 million copies in total circulation of it's manga, which won the Grand Prize at the 6th TSUTAYA Comic Awards chosen by the public. An anime adaptation of the work is being produced by Madhouse.

Yamada, played by Uchiyama-san, is a high school student who attends a prestigious school and is also a professional gamer. He is well-known in the gaming community for his skill, but he is not good at communicating with others, especially women, despite being extremely good-looking.
*“Yamada's personality is basically cool, and he looks good, but he doesn't have an arrogant attitude. He appears blunt. However, he doesn't have a bad personality or attack people aggressively. He is the type who doesn't care about how others think of him or whether he is liked. He doesn't try to make himself look cooler than he actually is, and he is always himself. When I played the character, I tried to keep in mind his inner world, while also considering his high school student status and the atmosphere of the character design.”*

Uchiyama-san reflected on his own high school days and found that he could empathize with Yamada.
*“When I was a teenager and in high school, I wasn't exactly like Yamada, but I didn't care too much about what others thought of me or how I was perceived. I didn't think about being well-liked or evaluated. So, I found parts of myself that I could recall when I played Yamada. Now that I've grown up and my voice has become more mature, there are times when I want to bring out the youthfulness and the feeling of being younger than Akane through the contrast of the characters. Sometimes, I feel like I need to add those elements to the voice, rather than just using my current self as material. While acting, I think about these things.”*

What kind of elements does he mean by *"the elements of my past voice"*? As a voice actor, Uchiyama-san says his voice has changed as he has gained more experience and aged.
*“My basic key has dropped a little, and my voice has become thicker with a more resonant quality, as you might say. It feels heavier than it used to. Since I've been doing voice acting since I was a child, there are occasions when I have to record lines for characters I played in the past. When I listen to my voice from back then, it's completely different. It's quite difficult to imitate it, and it's like fighting with my past self. Sometimes, I feel like I want the elements of my past voice. Compared to my current self, there may be areas where I am technically lacking, but there is also the joy of expressing myself through these things. However, I can only do my best at the present moment, even if it's painful or uncomfortable. That's how I think about it.”*

In playing the cool character Yamada, what is important for the actor is "restraint." They tried to delicately act without showing too much emotion.
*“Especially in the beginning, there were many times when I was directed to 'restrain a little more.' In the latter half, there was quite a range of emotions, but basically, I don't show much emotion and don't smile. The relationship with Akane also gradually changes. Compared to the beginning, the atmosphere of the conversation changes in the middle, and a different expression of Yamada comes out. Overall, it was more of a feeling of changing unconsciously rather than a sudden drastic change.”*

Akane, who interacts and speaks well, and the cool Yamada appear contrasting.
*“In the beginning, Yamada spoke little and often only spoke a single word in a mumble. But gradually, he starts to speak more. In the conversation scene where they have a meal together with Akane in the beginning, it was directed to 'not get carried away by Akane's mood and be calm.' While Akane talked a lot, Yamada spoke intermittently, and I think he was helped by Minase. The difference in the amount of lines was huge, and I'm sorry about that.”*

He is inspired by working with Minase, who plays Akane.
*“I first worked with Minase in 'The Anthem of the Heart' (a theatrical anime released in 2015), and at that time, she was still a teenager, but now, it's natural, but I feel that she has become an adult! She can play various characters, and this time, I play a high school student, and Minase plays a college student, so Minase plays the older role. Akane has a mature charm and a cute side, and I feel that she is a character with various attractive qualities.”*

***Thanks to the staff and co-stars.***
Yamada, a high school student who is not good at communication, gradually changes through various encounters with different people. What kind of high school student was Uchiyama-san?
*“When I was in high school, I was technically part of the swimming club, but it wasn't a club where everyone aimed for competitions, and especially in our generation, it was more like a fitness-oriented pool club. I never participated in any competitions, and sometimes we just played in the pool. We would swim however we wanted and when we got tired, we would play with a ball. When the time came, we would just go home (laughs). Anyway, there were few members in the club, but I was the captain, so I had to increase the number of members. I asked everyone to write down their names and phone numbers, even if they didn't come to practice. The students at the school were kind, and the number of members increased a lot. As a result of lowering the standards for joining the club, the number of members increased, but it became difficult to know who the real members were. The junior who took over from me had a hard time organizing everything... I'm sorry about that.”*

Uchiyama-san has been active as a voice actor since high school, and he is grateful to the staff and co-stars who helped him at that time.
*“When I was a third-year high school student, I had a one-year regular job as a voice actor for an anime, and I recorded while attending school. The club activities were not difficult, but looking back, there may have been busy periods during regular tests and exams. The industry staff really helped me with my work. They adjusted my schedule so that I could participate in the recording without leaving school early, and they allowed me to take a break from recording during the school trip, and they were considerate in many ways. I am truly grateful for that. Now that I have become an adult, I feel that I must take care of the younger generation.”*

Regarding the broadcast of *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999,* Uchiyama-san said,
*“There are many anime-specific tidbits and playful ideas from the staff scattered throughout, and there are many interesting devices in the eye catches as well. I want everyone to watch it, whether they have read the original work or not. Everyone should be able to enjoy it regardless of gender.”*

Pay attention to Uchiyama-san's delicate acting as well.

### Interview Gallery

#### Interview with Animate Times

"Falling inlove before you know it" - What is the distance between you and Akane, who is conscious of "before you know it"? An interview with Koki Uchiyama, who plays Akito Yamada in the anime *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999.*

The popular series with a cumulative circulation of 2 million copies and a stable ranking of first place has finally been adapted into a TV anime!

*Loving Yamada at Lv999!,* a manga by Mashiro-sensei currently serialized on the comic app "GANMA!" since March 2019. The TV anime adaptation based on the same work will start broadcasting on Tokyo MX and other stations from April 1, 2023 (Sat)!

The heroine of this work, university student Akane Kinoshita, has just broken up with her boyfriend who cheated on her in an online game (hereinafter referred to as "net game"). Later, the story begins when she meets "Yamada" from the same guild in real life at an offline event she participated in to get back at her ex-boyfriend.

In this article, we bring you an interview with Koki Uchiyama, who plays Akito Yamada. He talks about how he played the character by restraining his heart's liberation to avoid opening up, and how he gradually fell in love with Akane Kinoshita while being aware of the passage of time. He also talks about the distance between Akito and Akane.

### Yamada's charm is his “unaffected personality.”

 ***──This work boasts high popularity, what are your thoughts on the original work after seeing it?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I thought it was interesting. First of all, the artwork is catchy and makes you want to read more and more. It's characteristic that they have double interactions through the real world and online games and become friends. I also felt the "now-ness" from the setting of Yamada as a high school student who is a professional gamer.

 ***──What were your feelings when you decided to play the role of Yamada?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** During the dubbing, I heard from the staff that Yamada was a very popular character. I felt honored and at the same time, I thought that I had to make a good character. It's a challenging job, but I also feel pressure.

 ***──Despite feeling pressure, how did you portray Yamada?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** While keeping in mind that he is a high school student and his character design, I focused on making him cool and attractive but not in a snobbish way. I also made sure to portray him as brusque in his demeanor, but not aggressively so in his personality. Additionally, I felt that he wouldn't be concerned about being liked by others, so I was conscious of that aspect as well.

 ***──What do you think is attractive about him, Uchiyama-san?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I think his unpretentious personality is cool. It's nice that he can always be himself.

 ***──That's why you can catch glimpses of his coolness and kindness. How did you express his subtle kindness?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Overall, I tried to say my lines smoothly. Specifically, I tried not to put too much emphasis on intonation, lowered my voice volume, didn't put too much pressure on the words, and didn't emphasize the endings of words.

 ***──How did you express the aspect of Yamada not being conscious of wanting to be liked by others?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Although I no longer think this way now, there was a time when I had similar thoughts to Yamada when I was a teenager. However, I'm not simply portraying my past self. Instead, I draw on those feelings while keeping in mind that I'm now in my 30s and my voice has matured. When I want to express Yamada's high school student-like qualities or convey a sense of being younger, I find that I need to add some elements of my past voice. I feel like I can't really bring out the Yamada-like qualities without subtly adding something to my current voice.

 ***──What is the difference between your voice from the past and your voice now?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** The basic key is a little lower, the voice has become thicker, the resonance has increased, and the overall tone of the voice has become heavier.

When I have the opportunity to listen to my past voice when I re-record roles I played as a child, it sounds completely different when I listen to it through the studio speakers. I have to imitate that voice (laughs).

 ***──It seems difficult to imitate your own voice...***
*Koki Uchiyama:'* It's tough (laughs). It's a strange job to fight against your past self like that. When I listen to it again, I sometimes think, *I want to add some elements of my old voice to this character.*

The lack of technique brings an interesting and youthful aspect, and there is also a strength that comes from the material itself. As you build your career, you gain more experience, but your body changes, so I think you can only do your best with your current body.

 ***──In this work, many unique characters appear, but who is your favorite character, without giving any spoilers?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** She appears in the middle of the story, but I like *Yukari Tsubaki*. She is a classmate of the main character and has interactions with Yamada. She's a great character with some drama.
**Koki Uchiyama:** Tsubaki (Yukari) is my favorite, although she appears in the middle of the story. She is a classmate of the main character, Yamada, and their interactions are depicted well in the drama. I thought she was a great character with depth.

### What was the "certain" culture shock you received from this work?

 ***──The work also shows Yamada and Akane engrossed in games, but did you have anything you were obsessed with when you were in high school?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** (Recalling) I remember being busy just getting through daily life in high school, and the days passed by quickly.

However, since my commute was long, I listened to music, radio, and podcasts, and read books to accumulate knowledge. At that time, I didn't have much money, so I listened to a lot of music on rental CDs.

 ***── Yamada's high school life gradually becomes a focus in the story. Can you share any of your own memories of school events?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** We did a haunted house for our class presentation at the school festival. In another year when tapioca was booming, we served tapioca drinks. We did something clichéd every year.

 ***──In that haunted house, I think there were roles such as being a ghost, what role did you have?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I had a niche job. Even in a haunted house, we had to include an element of learning, so I was in charge of making a booklet that summarized the origins of the appearing ghosts.

 ***──It's a school that is eager to learn. By the way, have you had any experience playing online games?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I don't play much. Even when reading the script, there were some gaming jargon and other unfamiliar words, so I studied pronunciation and intonation by looking up the meaning of words on YouTube, watching explanatory videos, asking my co-stars, and complementing various things while acting.

There are scenes in the work where a group of people who met in the game go out to eat together, and that was a culture shock (laughs). I learned from this work that by cooperating with each other in the game, relationships can deepen.

It's rare to have the opportunity to make friends without knowing their profession or age, so I admire it.

 ***──You mentioned that you don't play online games much, but do you have any favorite game genres?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I have always liked simple games like Tetris and sports games. I like to focus on solving puzzles, so I don't have much knowledge of the latest games.

 ***──You can also play Tetris in online matches.***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I've done that before, but there was no interaction with other players (laughs).

### What is the relationship between (Yamada and) Akane and the "gradual change over time" and the change that happened "before one realized it"?

 ***──Do you have any particularly memorable experiences from recording sessions?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** When we recorded the final episode, I was surprised to see that the lobby of the studio was filled with messages collected from fans through a collaboration project with Ikebukuro Sunshine City!

Reading everyone's thoughts and seeing their expectations for the anime made me feel warm inside.

 ***──What are your impressions of working with Minase, who plays the role of Akane?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I worked with Minase for the first time on 'The Anthem of the Heart' (a theatrical anime released in 2015), and she was still a teenager at the time. We've met each other on other jobs since then, but when we worked together recently, I thought she had really grown up (laughs).

This time, Akane is older than Yamada, even though she's in high school and he's in college. Akane's charm is that she's a bit airheaded, but in this work, I could see Minase's expression of adult-like maturity that was different from before.

Also, while Akane speaks a lot, Yamada has a lot of one-liners and is often helped by Akane, so I apologize for the large gap in the amount of dialogue between Minase and me (laughs).

 ***──What is your impression of seeing Yamada and Akane actually moving in the teaser PV?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I think it's wonderful that the original artwork is moving as it is. There are many interesting points, such as small jokes that show the staff's playfulness. I'm looking forward to seeing unique anime features that will be included in each episode, and I'm excited to watch it as a viewer myself.

 ***──There are also many expressions that are characteristic of the original work, aren't there?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Also, as something unique to this work, the avatar characters in the game are drawn very cutely, so I'm looking forward to seeing them.

 ***──When Akane is deformed or becomes an avatar, she gives a comedic impression, but what about Yamada? Was there anything you paid particular attention to when portraying him?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Yamada also occasionally makes cute faces, but at the beginning of the recording, I was directed to express a different feeling from usual with a "a little lower (tension)". The latter half has a relatively wide range, but at the beginning, it's important not to show emotions outwardly.

Especially in the first half, there were few lines, and there were many scenes where I had to speak quietly. I was directed to "not join in with Akane's loquaciousness" and "to act as if not opening up one's heart."

 ***──So you played the role quite restrained. Did you consciously think about the distance between Yamada and Akane from "not opening your heart" to becoming closer?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I think the gradual and subtle changes were important. It's not about sudden and drastic changes in emotions, but a gradual shift in feelings.

As the story progresses, the relationship between the characters changes, and Yamada also shows more emotions and his tone becomes softer, but there isn't a big change as if the character has transformed.

 ***──At first glance, it seems like Akane is leading the romance, but it's a bit of a strange relationship where Yamada leads where Akane is missing, and the romance develops.***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Akane contacts Yamada more often, but there are also times when Yamada supports Akane, so it may be a unique relationship between the two of them.

There were many heartwarming scenes during the dubbing, and it was fun, so I hope that viewers will enjoy watching and following along each time.
#### Interview with MyNavi Teens

The massively popular romantic comedy series Loving Yamada at Lv999! with over 2 million copies in circulation is finally being adapted into a TV anime! The Teens' members interview Akito Yamada's voice actor, Koki Uchiyama.

 ***──This popular work, which has gained high support on the manga app "GANMA!", is being adapted into an anime. How did you feel when you were chosen to play the role of Akihito Yamada?***
'*Koki Uchiyama':* I was extremely honored. I heard on set that Yamada's character was very popular, so I also felt pressure to make him a good character.

 ***──What did you think after reading the original work?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** It was interesting. The art style is catchy and enjoyable to watch, and I think it's a work with a satisfying read, including the story. The fact that the story unfolds along two axes: real-life interactions and online game interactions, is also characteristic, and I felt that the character setting as a professional gamer is very modern.

 ***──When playing the role of Yamada, was there anything you were conscious of?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I based my approach on the fact that he is a high school student and on the character design. He's blunt, but not a bad or aggressive type of character. I interpreted him as a character who doesn't care about others' opinions and played him that way.

 ***──As the story progresses, Yamada starts to show a more affectionate side towards Akane. Did you change your performance based on the distance between Yamada and Akane?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Yamada doesn't have a clear point where his feelings change, so I didn't make any obvious changes in his voice. However, I would be happy if people could feel the changes through his expressions, actions, and nuances in his dialogue.

 ***──What do you think is the biggest charm of playing Yamada this time?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I thought the most appealing thing was that he doesn't pretend to be someone he's not. He remains true to himself without trying to appear cooler than he is, and I think that's great.

 ***──The readers of MyNavi Teens are mainly junior and senior high school girls, and many of them are not familiar with online games. Do you think they can still enjoy this work?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** I also haven't had much experience with online games, but I think this is an incredibly interesting work, so it's totally okay. Please don't worry. When I encountered gaming terms that I didn't know during the recording, I researched them one by one to create the character, so I think it's a show that everyone who is not interested in games should definitely watch.

### Interview Gallery

#### Interview with Emmary

The original work *Loving Yamada at Lv999!* (written by Mashiro) is currently serialized on the manga app "GANMA!" and won the Grand Prize in the 6th TSUTAYA Comic Awards selected by everyone in June 2022. It's a popular work that has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 2 million copies (including both print and electronic versions) published by KADOKAWA, and it's now airing as a TV anime *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* from April 1, 2023 (Saturday), which is the most powerful love comedy manga series.

So, this time, we interviewed Koki Uchiyama-san, who played Akito Yamada, a high school student and professional gamer! There is also an Emmary reader giveaway, so be sure to check it out until the end ♡

 ***──Please tell us your impressions of reading the original work.***
*“I thought the art was very catchy and the story was enjoyable for anyone regardless of gender. Sometimes when I'm preparing for work, I read the original work while considering what kind of atmosphere fits the character's voice, but in this case, I simply enjoyed reading the manga.”*

 ***──Please tell us what you found attractive about Yamada when you read the manga.***
*“Of course, his appearance is attractive, but what I like about him is that he doesn't act in a way to make himself look cool or like a good person. I appreciate his natural and unpolished manner. I think his honesty and lack of deceit is his charm.”*

 ***──Did you have anything in mind for your role in this production?***
*“Since it is an animation, I tried to mix the elements of the character's design and personality while still feeling like a high school student.”*

 ***──Are there any differences between you and Yamada?***
*“There is an age difference. Also, although I don't care much about how I'm perceived in public, when I'm working, I think I'm a little more composed and less natural than my true self. So I admire Yamada's natural and dry demeanor, where he doesn't seem to care how he is perceived.”*

 ***──Can you tell us about any similarities you felt?***
*“When I was in high school, I prioritized my 'uniqueness' and lived freely, regardless of what others thought of me.”*

 ***──Please tell us about any similarities you felt.***
*“When I was in high school, I prioritized my own style and lived freely regardless of what others thought of me.”*

 ***──Please tell us the recommended points of Yamada!***
*“There's a possibility that he might seem cold at first, but as you get to know him better, you can see different sides of Yamada. He's a character with a lot of gentle sides, so I hope those parts will be seen as attractive.”*

 ***──If you were to rate yourself on a scale of Yamada's potential love interests, what level do you think you would be and why?***
*“That's difficult (laughs). If 999 is the max, I think I'm around level 2 (laughs).”*

 ***──The characters in the work are shown enjoying online games, but do you play games in your daily life?***
*“Not very often... so when I didn't understand the game terms in the script, I searched on the internet and watched explanatory videos about games to learn intonation and reflect it in my performance.”*

 ***──What kind of high school student were you?***
*“I think I was a high school student who didn't care about other people's opinions like Yamada. I wasn't interested in fashion and my bedhead was always there. I went to a school where I could wear my own clothes, so I had to choose my clothes every day, but I didn't really feel like dressing up, so I just wore the clothes my parents bought for me. It was really casual (laughs).”*

 ***──What is something that you think students should do while they are still in school?***
*“I think it's important to pursue hobbies and fields that you're interested in. Once you start working for a living, your free time will gradually decrease, so pursuing what you love can naturally increase your knowledge and experiences. I think this can also lead to strengths for your future self.”*

 ***──Can you give some advice to students who aspire to become voice actors?***
*“Voice acting is a job where a lot of things are determined by your natural voice quality, but expressive skills in delivering lines are also absolutely necessary. Therefore, it's important to have an interest in various works.”*

Thank you very much for the wonderful conversation, Koki Uchiyama!

### Inori Minase

#### Interview with Repotama

College student Akane Kinoshita experiences a sudden heartbreak when her boyfriend Takuma confesses that he has feelings for someone else. Seeking solace, she immerses herself in the online game "Forest Of Savior" (commonly known as "FOS") and unexpectedly encounters her guildmate Yamada. Their paths cross once again in a dramatic (or so it seems) reunion during an offline event, and thus, the story begins to unfold.

The popular manga by Mashiro is set to be adapted into a TV anime starting from April 2023! We had the opportunity to interview Inori Minase, who voices the heroine Akane, about the highlights of the series and her own experiences with "online games" that she also loves.

 ***──Please share your impressions after reading the original work.***
**Inori Minase:** It was a *net game that I started for my ex-boyfriend, but then I ended up being cheated on in the game...* The introduction was like, *"Is it already game over?"* So, I became curious about how the story would unfold from there and how it would connect to the title.

 ***──Can you share your impressions when you were chosen for the role of Akane?***
**Inori Minase:** When I received the audition offer, I honestly thought, "I wonder if my voice tone suits her." But as I continued reading the original work, I realized that she's not a conventional heroine and she has many comedic aspects. So, I thought, "I might be able to portray a wide range of emotions in a comical way," and approached the audition with that in mind.

When I got the role, the first thing that caught my attention was, "Who will be playing the role of Yamada?" Because Akane and Yamada go hand in hand. When I heard it was Koki Uchiyama, I thought, "It must have been a unanimous decision," but at the same time, I became anxious about whether my portrayal of Akane would be alright... (laughs)

She's a "college student who recently got dumped and is working hard at her part-time job," living the stereotypical university life. I couldn't help but think, "What does an ordinary college student really look like...?" I went around asking fans of the original work what kind of voice they imagined for Akane, and I wanted to make it my reference book (laughs).

 ***──Do you play online games yourself, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** I'm not particularly skilled, but I often play FPS games like "Apex" and "PUBG" (which are a general term for games where you control a character and fight using weapons, magic, etc. from the character's perspective). It was easier for me to incorporate the acting since they had a world view that wasn't too far from my own living environment. By the way, when I play games, I often use voice chat to communicate with others, so I don't really engage in text-based exchanges like in "FOS."

 ***──What did you keep in mind while playing the role of Akane?***
**Inori Minase:** I had my own interpretation that "I should make Yamada stand out." I strongly felt that I wanted everyone to hear his voice and see him a lot. So, I made sure not to emphasize the feeling of "I am the heroine."

 ***──What kind of person is Akane to you, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** Akane is someone who is very honest with her emotions, and I feel that her clear display of emotions adds to her human-like qualities. Personally, I tend to keep things inside and find it difficult to show myself to people I meet for the first time, so I admire the fact that Akane fully embraces her lows and highs, allowing herself to fully experience those emotions.

 ***──How do you switch gears when you're feeling down or stressed out in your work, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** Since I can't rely on drinking like Akane does (laughs), I make sure to eat a good meal and get quality sleep to relax. I also talk to my family and share my thoughts with them. Additionally, I reach out to my friends from my school days or those who work in completely different fields, and when I open up about my concerns, they often respond with, "Wait, you're worried about that!? I'm dealing with something much worse..." It becomes a way for us to support each other, and it serves as a good way to take a breather as well.

 ***──Regarding the voice recording sessions, were there any memorable directions that stood out to you?***
**Inori Minase:** In the first episode's voice recording, there weren't many retakes, but for the scenes with a comedic touch, I received the direction to "act without being influenced by the visuals." I tended to naturally perform in a more exaggerated style, being influenced by the visuals, so throughout the entire series, I made sure not to go beyond the framework of being a "normal college student" in my performance. It was quite challenging, but it allowed me to learn new approaches and overall, it was a valuable experience.

 ***──What was the recording environment like during the voice recording sessions?***
**Inori Minase:** I had the opportunity to record together with the main guild members' cast, including Uchiyama-san (Yamada), each time. We recorded in a studio with two booths. I was alone in a smaller booth while multiple people were in the larger booth, and we proceeded with recording simultaneously. It was a bit lonely being alone in the booth, and it was a unique setup, but it was great to be able to have real-time interactions with Yamada and the others.

 ***──How did you differentiate between the real world (Akane) and the game world (Akane) in your performance?***
**Inori Minase:** In the script, the Akane character in the game world was written as "Akane," so initially, I played the character with a focus on the game world. Then, I received direction to perform in a similar way to the real world, and in the end, I was told to find a balance between the two... (laughs) I experimented with my performance and was glad to receive approval.

 ***──In the C-part, the episodes mainly focus on the events within the online game. What did you pay attention to in your performance?***
**Inori Minase:** Since there are many comedic elements and episodes with punchlines, I was able to perform freely and openly. However, if I overdid it, the director would step in for corrections, so I made sure not to be too influenced by the visuals and stayed mindful of that, as I mentioned earlier.

 ***──Do you find men like Yamada attractive, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** Since I don't know what they're thinking most of the time, they become intriguing subjects. However, I don't have the confidence to initiate conversations like Akane, so I would probably be more of an "observer who finds comfort in their presence" (laughs). If Yamada actually existed, I imagine there would never be a shortage of topics to talk about.

 ***──Minase-san, like Yamada, you also managed to balance school and work (Yamada with e-sports). What were the challenges you faced?***
**Inori Minase:** Although I made my debut as a middle school student, I wasn't as busy at that time, so I prioritized my school life. I didn't have a strong desire to juggle academics and work. Instead, I cherished the friendships I had with the friends I used to play with. Even as I entered the industry and started working, I had a strong desire to stay connected with acquaintances who knew the old me.

 ***──What do you think is Yamada's charm from your perspective, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** If I say it like this, it might sound cliché, but first and foremost, it's his "good looks" (laughs). Even if he appears unsociable, there's something about him that compensates for it, making him charming. He fulfills everyone's ideals and becomes a presence that can make them come true. Including the aspect of not realizing his own charm, I think he's an amazing person.

 ***──In this series, there are characters who enjoy games as a different gender. Do you have the "confidence" to engage in such gameplay, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** When it comes to choosing weapons and armor, I tend to prioritize their performance over their appearance. As a result, my characters often end up looking quite muscular, and when I play games with others for the first time, they sometimes say, "Is that you, Inori-chan?" (laughs) With my robust playstyle, I have the confidence that people won't realize I'm a woman.

 ***──What is your ideal avatar, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** It's actually depicted in the C-part of the first episode, but recent games allow for very detailed character customization. Just the other day, I tried to recreate my favorite celebrity in a certain game and spent several hours in the character edit mode. I got so exhausted from that alone that I ended up starting the actual gameplay the next day (laughs).

 ***──Speaking of which, there seems to be an affinity between online games and the recent trend of "metaverse." Are you interested in the concept of "metaverse," Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** I had the opportunity to learn about it through a program in the past, but I must admit that I didn't quite grasp it yet... At that time, I felt like "Wow, this kind of era has arrived." I'm curious to see how it will evolve in the future.

 ***──Has Minase-san ever participated in an "offline meeting"?***
**Inori Minase:** It wasn't an offline meeting, but before I started this job, I went to "Comic Market" with some friends. I remember everything I saw was fresh and it was a great stimulation for me. If I hadn't had that experience, I might not have aimed to become a voice actor in a way, so it could be considered a turning point event for me.

 ***──Finally, please give a message.***
**Inori Minase:** For Akane, it started from rock bottom, and at first, she had a negative feeling like "Online games, really...?" But by meeting Yamada and other guild members in real life, her perspective changes to a positive one, realizing that "such a wonderful world was waiting." I found it interesting that even Akane's ex-boyfriend, "Takuma," who introduced her to the game, is not portrayed as a villain.

I would be happy if you could pay attention not only to the love story of Akane and Yamada but also to the individual relationships and dynamics of the characters!

### Interview Gallery

#### Interview with Animate Times

"Because it's Akane, Yamada can be made to turn around. Akane's strengths come into play!" - What does Minase-san think about "Level 999 Love"? Interview with Inori Minase, voice actress of Akane Kinoshita in the anime *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999*.

The highly popular work, which has achieved the unchanging top spot in rankings and surpassed a cumulative circulation of 2 million copies, has finally been adapted into a TV anime! Based on the manga "Yamada-kun and the Level 999 Love" by Mashiro-sensei, currently serialized on the manga app "GANMA!" since March 2019, the TV anime adaptation began airing in April 2023 on TOKYO MX and other networks.

In Episode 6, titled ***"I personally would prefer a love comedy ending,”*** an incident occurs where Akane's computer breaks down. Yamada visits Akane's room with Runa to repair it. The romantic comedy plan devised by Eita ends in failure, but Akane and Runa seem to have become slightly closer.

In this article, we bring you an interview with Inori Minase, who plays the role of Akane Kinoshita. She talks about the difficulties of portraying a "normal college girl" and how she approached the role with the mindset of being a "talkative extra" despite being the heroine.

Furthermore, Inori Minase also shares her thoughts on Akane's charm, which she herself admires, as well as the upcoming heart-fluttering moments.

The difficulty of portraying a "normal college girl" is as follows

 ***──What were your impressions when you read the original work and the script?***
**Inori Minase:** It was a story that began with the introduction of being cheated on and dumped in the online game that Akane started for Takuma, so I was very interested in how "Level 999 Love" would unfold.

When Akane meets Yamada and the guild members, her impression of the game changes for the better. Even when I was reading the original work, I felt that it was wonderful how Takuma was not portrayed as a villain.

Not only the love story between Akane and Yamada, but also the depiction of each character's relationships, I think everyone will come to love them.

 ***──How did you feel when you were cast to play Akane?***
**Inori Minase:** When I decided to take on the role of Akane, I looked at the reference materials from the original work and thought, "Can I handle her voice quality and the range of her emotions?" Since Akane also has a comedic side to her, I thought, "Maybe I can play her in a comical way," and recorded my audition tape with that in mind.

When I found out that I got the role, I felt joy, but at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder about Yamada-kun. Akane and Yamada-kun are both main characters, and they complement each other, so I was curious about who would be playing Yamada-kun.

When I learned that Yamada would be voiced by Koki Uchiyama, I thought, "Exactly!" It was the voice that came to mind when I was reading the original work, so I believe the fans felt the same way. But at the same time, I thought, "Oh no, am I okay as Akane?"

I was so anxious that I wanted to ask people who read the original work, "What kind of voice do you think Akane has?" (laughs) She's a college student who works part-time and gets dumped by her boyfriend... "What does it mean to be a normal college girl?"

So, until we started recording the voiceover sessions, I lacked confidence, and I had this overwhelming feeling of "What should I do, really!"

 ***──I thought Akane was cheerful and adorable, and she didn't show any signs of the anxiety you mentioned earlier. By the way, how would you describe Akane as a character from your perspective?***
**Inori Minase:** Akane is a character who is honest with her emotions, allowing her joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness to be openly expressed. She has a human-like quality that I found very admirable. Personally, I tend to portray a calm demeanor... I'm not good at revealing myself to people I meet for the first time.

The wide range of emotions Akane experiences, from being deeply down to being incredibly high-spirited, is a level of emotional intensity that I don't have in my real life. She has a natural ability to fluctuate her energy levels without being off-putting, and her personality is refreshing. I think she is loved by many people because of that.

Although Akane herself is unaware of her own good qualities, I believe that people are drawn to her precisely because of that. When Akane is in her natural state, she becomes an enchanting and admirable college student.

 ***──What did you keep in mind while portraying Akane?***
**Inori Minase:** Above all, I wanted to highlight Yamada-kun. As the title suggests, Loving Yamada at Lv999, I wanted viewers to see and hear a lot from Yamada. So, I approached the role of Akane not as the heroine, but more like a talkative side character.

The story begins with the scene where Akane gets dumped, and I wanted it to feel like a natural introduction, making it seem like "Akane has been living like this all along."

I tried to convey the essence of "the usual Akane," who continues to live with that kind of energy, so I think it's just right to speak with a relaxed and natural tone, without putting too much pressure on it.

 ***──In this series, the story unfolds in both the real world and the game world. How did you differentiate between portraying Akane's real-life appearance and her avatar appearance?***
**Inori Minase:** In the game world, Akane is referred to as "Akane" even in the script, so initially, it was more focused on the character's portrayal.

Later on, when I recorded with a direction to make it about halfway between the real world and the game world, I thought, "This is really difficult! What should I do?" But when I voiced it like that, I received feedback saying, "It's a good middle ground."

There will be more scenes in the game world in the future, and it was challenging to have Akane deliver monologues while in her "Akane" state. I hope you enjoy the pleasant middle ground voice portrayal.

 ***──The C-part of the anime has many humorous elements. Were you given a certain level of freedom during the recording?***
**Inori Minase:** Yes, that's right. Since the C-part often has a comedic tone and serves as the punchline of each episode, I was able to perform freely. However, there were times when I received embarrassing comments like, "Are you trying to make us laugh too much?" (laughs). But even without making people laugh, the script itself is funny.

 ***──Earlier, you mentioned feeling the difficulty of portraying a "normal college girl." How was it actually performing the role?***
**Inori Minase:** During the recording for the first episode *("This is why I can't stand gamer guys!!")*, I was often told not to make the acting too comedic during funny scenes.

It was challenging to maintain a level of energy that didn't exceed the boundaries of a "normal college girl" while subtracting exaggerated acting. However, I learned that in comedy, leaving the visuals to the animation and not overdoing it with the voice creates a more natural appearance. It was a new approach to comedy for me.

 ***──When I hear about gags that don't distort voices, it feels strange, doesn't it?***
**Inori Minase:** That's right! It becomes such a normal response that I start to worry if it really works as a gag. But when I watch it on air, it actually works perfectly.

The director, who organizes the recorded material neatly and turns it into an anime format, is truly amazing. I learned a lot from that.

Yamada, who fulfills everyone's ideals, is completely unfair.
 ***──At first, Akane was dragging her heartbreak along, but in the middle of the sixth episode, she seems to be letting go.***
**Inori Minase:** In the middle of the series, logging into the online game becomes Akane's daily routine, and compared to the first episode, the presence of Yamada and the guild members, as well as the game itself, becomes more prominent.

Akane becomes aware of Yamada's emotions and gets excited. Whether it's a romantic interest or not hasn't been explicitly addressed yet, but personally, I find it heartwarming to see Akane starting to be intrigued by Yamada.

Yamada, too, gradually shows hints of emotions beneath his cool exterior, and I can feel their relationship getting closer through the online game.

 ***──Amidst the gradually growing sense of closeness, what changes have occurred in your portrayal?***
**Inori Minase:** I have made an effort to speak more clearly and deliver performances that are more emotionally honest. Initially, as Akane was still carrying the baggage of her heartbreak, her monologues were mostly gloomy and filled with lingering feelings for Takuma. However, now there are more positive monologues expressing her excitement and joy of being able to meet everyone.

But it's not just about putting on a superficial façade of cheerfulness and brightness. Since Akane genuinely enjoys each day, I have always been conscious of portraying her with a bright and positive outlook.

 ***──Expressing the difference between the brightness that doesn't burden others and the genuine bright feelings seems challenging. How was it in reality?***
**Inori Minase:** I'm aided by the expressions and lines from the original work, but when portraying the brightness that doesn't burden others, I try to speak quickly and create a self-contained atmosphere, giving off an impression of putting on a facade. When she's truly bright, it's more like being playful and teasing.

 ***──The scene where she drinks alcohol and returns the folding umbrella to Yamada Episode 2:* ("It's almost time for the boss to spawn, so...") *is just perfect, isn't it?***
**Inori Minase:** I think that's how Akane naturally expresses her high energy and positive emotions. The object of her affectionate teasing gradually shifts from Animate Times-chan to Runa-chan and Yamada.

I felt that Akane was liberated without worrying about others when I was doing the voice recording, so I'm portraying her as an even more lovable and charming silly college girl.

 ***──As a turning point, an incident orchestrated by Runa occurs in Episode 5...***
**Inori Minase:** It's quite frightening when someone unexpectedly comes into the bathroom, isn't it? For Akane, who still has a mix of the internet and reality, to experience something like that...

Runa tries to hand her medicine with good intentions, but everything ends up backfiring in that episode (laughs). It was a butler-like voice but had a creepy vibe, and the back-and-forth dialogue was really entertaining. I hope people watch it over and over again.

 ***──After hearing about it, I feel even more inclined to rewatch it (laughs).***
**Inori Minase:** It has a great comedic misunderstanding vibe. Even though no one intended it (laughs).

 ***──While there are both scary and funny moments, Yamada gradually becomes attracted to Akane after reconciling with Runa. Once again, what do you think makes Akane so appealing to those around her?***
**Inori Minase:** Since Akane maintains the same level of energy with everyone, I think everyone would say the same thing if you asked them what they like about Akane. In a world where people often put on a facade and worry about others' opinions, it's quite impressive that she doesn't change her attitude depending on the person.

Moreover, she has the ability to sincerely ask when she doesn't understand something, which makes me want to be more like her. Akane sees herself as just an ordinary college student, but she's actually quite wonderful, isn't she?

 ***──Regarding Yamada, who has caught Akane's attention, what do you think makes him attractive?***
**Inori Minase:** I would say his good looks... There's nothing quite like being cool and handsome, right? (laughs) If Yamada didn't have that sense of cleanliness to match his blunt and cool demeanor, I don't think he would be as likable.

With his divinely chosen appearance, good looks, and a few flaws in his personality that can be compensated for, he has additional points that set him apart. It's not often you come across a guy like him. From not realizing his own combat power (good looks) to fulfilling everyone's ideals, Yamada is just unfair in every way.

 ***──Do you also find men like Yamada attractive, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** Yamada is a boy who speaks very few words, making you wonder what he's thinking. But since I don't have the confidence to engage in conversations with someone like Akane does, I think I would appreciate him as someone to admire and be healed by, thinking, "Wow, he's handsome."

If I were in this world, it's highly likely that I would have a hard time communicating with Yamada and end up going separate ways (laughs).

I think if there were a guy like him, there would be no shortage of conversations about Yamada, and perhaps I might find myself joining in with the girls saying, "Yamada-kun is cool."

Even with a physical distance, I felt that "Yamada was there" in the voice recording studio.
 ***──What was the atmosphere like during the voice recording sessions?***
**Inori Minase:** I recorded together with Yamada every week, and we were able to record with the guild members as well, especially when Tsubaki Yukari-chan (voiced by Rio Tsuchiya) made her appearance in the latter half of the series.

The studio had two voice recording booths, and I was in a small booth by myself. However, when recording the interactions with Yamada and Runa-chan, they would open the door so that we could be in the same space.

We didn't have the opportunity to act together with Uchiyama-san side by side, so it became a special voice recording experience. However, listening to his voice through the headphones, I felt like "Yamada was there." Although there was a physical distance, in terms of acting, I was thrilled to be able to record in such close proximity.

 ***──I also asked Uchiyama-san, but what were your impressions of working together?***
**Inori Minase:** I can kind of imagine Uchiyama-san's response. "You've grown up," right?

 ***──Exactly! (laughs)***
**Inori Minase:** Right? He often says that to me. We worked together when I was around 20 years old, and Uchiyama-san hasn't changed in terms of aura, appearance, or voice. It made me feel like he doesn't show the passage of time, and I felt that while doing the voice recording.

Also, I feel that it has become easier to communicate with Uchiyama-san compared to back then. In my early twenties, I was so focused on myself that I didn't have much room to be interested in others, so there weren't many conversations outside of the voice recording.

This time, we were able to talk quite a bit, so even now, I'm still following behind him, but I'm happy to think that I was able to get closer to him and become friends with him, like getting closer to a senior.

 ***──By the way, what kind of conversations did you have?***
**Inori Minase:** Since it was a studio with a dog, we had casual conversations like, "I want to have a dog." Because I get along well with Onishi-san and Kaku-san (short for Ai Kakuma's name), who play the roles of Momo-chan and Runa-chan, we were sometimes told, "You three are really close." It was more like when we gathered in the lobby, the chatting would naturally begin.

Since Kaku-san and Uchiyama-san are around the same age, I would hear stories from their school days, and I felt joy in being able to have really ordinary conversations.

 ***──Looking back on the time of their first collaboration, Uchiyama-san nostalgically reflects on how this time Minase-san is playing an older role, and it makes them feel the passage of time.***
**Inori Minase:** Since the generation gap was reversed in our roles, it was quite challenging to capture the maturity within youth. I was conscious of not losing the sense of age when I got too carried away, and considering that it's a performance for one cour, I recorded the PV with the mindset of "creating the role within a reasonable range."

I still felt that Yamada sounded older, but Uchiyama-san and the staff mentioned, "You sounded mature," so I realized that I wasn't heading in the wrong direction. During the dubbing, I performed while hoping to improve and refine the character.

If it were someone I had just met for the first time, I wouldn't express my anxieties, but because it was Uchiyama-san, I told them, "I'm nervous" (laughs). Uchiyama-san reassured me, saying, "You'll be fine," and remarked, "Inori-chan is playing the older character," which was amusing.

When I actually performed, I felt like I was able to create my own version of Akane-chan, so it was a good experience for me.

 ***──There is a scene where Akane and Momo-chan have a conversation through eye contact, but do you also have moments of eye contact with Onishi-san and Kaku-san, who are your close friends?***
**Inori Minase:** Yes, it happens. Not in this particular project, but in silent dubbing sessions, as the performance unfolds and something funny happens, there's that common experience of making eye contact with someone and having a conversation like "That's funny, right?" inside our heads.

Since I'm also close with Onishi-san in private, I think we were able to create a genuine sense of atmosphere.

 ***──It seems like it would be even more enjoyable to work with close friends.***
**Inori Minase:** On the contrary, I sometimes wonder if it's okay to not feel like we're working at all (laughs). It was a space where I didn't feel the sense of "I'm working" and thought, "Is it really this fun and good!?"

Being surrounded by actors and staff members whom I've been close with since my debut, hearing them say things like "Inori, you've become more mature" or "It's refreshing to see you play a college student role" made me incredibly happy.

While there was a sense of embarrassment, it was an honor to work together and there was a strong sense of trust, allowing us to rely on each other. So, I didn't have any concerns or worries in that regard.

 ***──Yamada is a high school student professional gamer, and Minase-san has been involved in voice acting since their student days. Have you experienced any difficulties in balancing work and school?***
**Inori Minase:** I had already made my debut, but in my case, it wasn't until after graduating from high school that work started coming my way. School life was my main focus, and I would do work about once or twice a week, so instead of balancing both, I was more like, "Is this the right path for me?" and I was troubled by that at the time.

Although I had made my debut, the amount of work I had wasn't stable, and I would feel anxious when talking to classmates as if I were floating in the air.

At that time, I strongly felt the desire to cherish my school friends. I thought that even though I would make more friends in the industry from now on, my friends from my student days who knew the real me might decrease, so I wanted to stay connected with them even as adults.

Even when I had plans with friends and work or auditions came up, I would not only apologize but also offer alternative dates or rush to meet them after finishing work. I thought that if I just brushed it off with "It's work," it could strain the relationship. So, I valued communication.

 ***──It seems that you also value your friends like Akane does. When you feel down, Akane drinks alcohol, but how do you bounce back, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** I don't turn to drinking like Akane does, but I enjoy a good meal, take a relaxing bath, and get a good night's sleep to reset myself. I also seek support from my family and friends by talking to them.

I intentionally share my feelings when I'm feeling down with friends from my student days or friends from different industries.

Even when I hear my friends going through difficult times and they say, "Is that all? I have it tough at work," it's a reminder that they're willing to listen to my problems. We can support each other, so talking to people from different industries is a way for me to take a break and unwind.

"I like bulky large weapons."
 ***──Do you play online games, Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** I'm not particularly skilled, but I do play FPS games where I can play from my own perspective. I create avatars and events in the real world don't feel too distant to me, so it's easy for me to incorporate them into my acting.

 ***──What genres of games do you enjoy?***
**Inori Minase:** I enjoy games like Monster Hunter, which involve hunting, as well as games like Apex Legends.

 ***──Among them, what are you currently most hooked on?***
**Inori Minase:** Right now, it's probably "Apex." There are a lot of hardcore players, and I didn't have the courage to start playing alone, so I started playing with my voice actor friends. We go like "hee hee" while running away when encountering enemies, and we pick up good armor from the death boxes that others have eliminated... (laughs).

I'm still not familiar with it, and I want to accumulate experience points, so I prioritize staying alive without fighting.

 ***──Sasaki Eita, played by Natsuki Hanae, uses a female avatar in the game, but if Minase-san were to change genders in the game, do you think people would not notice?***
**Inori Minase:** Well, I'm not so sure. In the world of the game, I actually like using bulky, large weapons like hammers. I focus on acquiring sets that make me stronger, rather than caring about appearances. So I often end up looking rough compared to others.

When I meet someone for the first time (in the game), they sometimes get surprised and say, "Is this Inori-chan!?" (laughs). I have confidence that I won't be easily recognized based on appearance!

Since my playstyle is tough, you might not sense femininity in me. I didn't consciously design (the game avatar) to resemble myself, and in order not to be underestimated, I might have naturally appeared more boyish (laughs).

 ***──(laughs) Do you watch Let's Play videos or anything like that?***
**Inori Minase:** I watch them a lot. Since I'm not very familiar with games, I started playing them after being inspired by Let's Play videos.

 ***──It seems like you're quite busy...***
It might give the impression that I'm really busy, but I do have plenty of time to play games! I'm planning to finish early today too. I try to maintain a regular lifestyle. Although I can't stick to the "how many hours a day" rule when I become an adult... Please don't imitate children, though (laughs).

Pay attention to the love triangle surrounding Yamada!
 ***──Inoue-san mentioned a "heart-pounding development from the middle onwards," but could you please tell us what heart-pounding moments we can look forward to in the future, according to Minase-san?***
**Inori Minase:** At the moment, it seems like Akane is starting to become a bit conscious! However, the key lies in understanding Yamada's feelings, why Yamada becomes interested in Akane, and why Yamada starts communicating with her. Akane's strengths will come into play because she can catch Yamada's attention!

In the latter half, more characters will be introduced, making things even livelier. Personally, I can also empathize with the emotions that Tsubaki-chan carries.

There's a story awaiting Tsubaki-chan's growth, and there will be some unexpected turns in the love triangle surrounding Yamada, which we haven't seen before. I would be delighted if you could pay attention to it.

 ***──In a previous comment, you mentioned "Lv999 love... What kind of love is it!?" Now that you've finished recording, how do you feel about Yamada and Akane's "Lv999 love"?***
**Inori Minase:** What kind of love was it, I wonder? It's definitely a love that goes beyond the boundaries of what I had imagined, a love that is not something everyone can reach, like "Lv999."

There are many things I want to discuss again after watching the final episode, but perhaps it's when you can sense an invisible wave? Atmosphere? That's when it becomes "Lv999." There were plenty of special events as well, but in the end, it gives you that feeling!

### Koki Uchiyama and Inori Minase

#### Interview with AnimeAnime Japan

We bring you a dialogue interview with Inori Minase (Akane Kinoshita) and Koki Uchiyama (Akito Yamada) from the Spring anime My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999. The manga, which won the 6th TSUTAYA Comic Grand Prix, began airing on Saturdays at 24:30 from April 1, 2023.

Based on the original manga series published on the "GANMA!" app, the story revolves around Akane Kinoshita, a college student who falls into unexpected heartbreak, and Akito Yamada, a high school gamer, and their "invincible" love.

In this interview, we talked to Inori Minase, who plays Akane Kinoshita, and Koki Uchiyama, who plays Akito Yamada, about the appeal of the series and the unexpected things they've mastered until they reach Lv999.

[Interview & Writing: M.TOKU, Photography: Kuranosuke Yoshino]

### Even in the game, Yamada is Yamada.

 ***──Please tell us your impression when you read the original work.***
'**Inori Minase:** The character I play, Akane, starts playing an online game because of the guy she was dating. The story starts from the bottom for her when he dumps her for someone else. However, when Akane logs back into the game to relieve her stress, she meets various players including Yamada. Because she didn't give up on the game, she found new encounters. While reading it, I thought that if you move with interest in anything, there is a possibility that the path will open up for you.

**Koki Uchiyama:** The artwork is very catchy, and various events happen from the beginning, so I felt that the story is progressing at a good pace and it's very easy to read. I'm looking forward to what kind of visual expression each scene will become when it's animated.

 ***──Please introduce again the characters you play.***
**Inori Minase:** Akane is a college student who lives alone and spends her busy days attending classes and working part-time. At first, she had no interest in games, but as she gets more involved with gaming, she discovers her own way of enjoying it. Through the game, she meets a cool boy named Yamada, and she starts to show a different side of herself than when she was dating Takuma (voiced by Furukawa). I think she is a girl with many charms.

**Koki Uchiyama:** Akito Yamada is a high school student who is also a professional gamer. He is very skilled at games and is a famous person in the gaming industry. He has a cool personality and may seem unfriendly to some people. However, he shows a different side to his friends. Please look forward to seeing his gap in personality as the story progresses.

 ***──In the past, someone might have said, "A pro gamer? And a high school student?" but now it's not necessarily an "unbelievable story," is it?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** That's right. When I read the original work, I imagined that there are people like that, and I thought it was a very modern setting.

 ***──Next, please tell us about your impressions of the characters you both play.***
**Inori Minase:** I felt that Yamada is the type of person who sticks to his own convictions without worrying about being different from those around him. When I was around Yamada's age, I tried to blend in with those around me or not stand out too much, so I admire his ability to clearly express his opinions. His communication style can come across as blunt because he goes for the most direct approach, but there is also a sense of security in the fact that he doesn't have a hidden agenda. I'm drawn to his personality because I believe he is truthful in what he says.

' ***──His personality doesn't change much between real life and online, does it?***
**Inori Minase:"' That's right. While online gaming allows you to become the person you want to be, Yamada is still Yamada even in the game.**

**Koki Uchiyama:** I thought Akane-san is a really nice person. She's bright, positive, and a strong woman who tries to stand up even in sad situations. She's the kind of character that makes you wish you had a friend like her.

 ***──In the early part of the show, we also see her fail at drinking alcohol.***
**Koki Uchiyama:** If we look at it positively, it's a point where we can make fun of her. If it was intentionally staged, it would be a bit dirty, but it feels like that's just the kind of person Akane is. Overall, I found her to be a likable character.

 ***──You have worked together in several works before, but what impressions did you have of each other's acting after performing together in this work?***
**Inori Minase:** Playing a cool and quiet character leaves little room for deception. In addition, Yamada consistently maintained the same tension and distance throughout the story. Of course, as the story progresses, the distance between Akane-chan and Yamada gradually narrows, and a different side of Yamada becomes visible, but there was a direction to "not overdo it." I thought I had to speak calmly and carefully next to him. Seeing him do it without shaking, I thought he was truly stable, and that's why Kouki Uchiyama is exceptional.

**Inori Minase:** No, no, I don't have any stability... But thank you. Inori-chan... she's become an adult (laughs).

**Inori Minase:** It's been quite a while since I became an adult (laughs).

**Koki Uchiyama:** Although we've worked together in various productions, I was still in my teens when we first worked together, so my impression of her was completely fixed from that time. I thought she had already perfected her acting skills since then, but I realized that she has steadily acquired more technical skills and has grown even more. And in this work, she expressed herself in a way that overturned my image of Minase-san, so I thought she's an amazing person.

**Inori Minase:** Thank you.

**Koki Uchiyama:** I felt that she had gone through various experiences and also felt the passage of time.

 ***──Did you enjoy the back and forth banter?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** It was enjoyable because Akane-san showed various expressions, and I felt the breadth of Minase-san's range of acting. For example, she changed her way of speaking a little when she became an avatar compared to how she spoke in real life. When she was an avatar, a cute game character-like atmosphere came out, and I thought she was truly skilled. ...Are we just going to keep praising each other endlessly? (laughs)

**Inori Minase:** Ah, it's such a great set (laughs).

### Who has been raising jellyfish on the app for five years...which one is it?!

 ***──This work is centered around the keyword of online gaming, but do both of you play games regularly?***
**Inori Minase:** Actually, just the day before this interview, I started playing "Apex Legends"!

**Koki Uchiyama:** Is that game difficult?

**Inori Minase:** It's insanely difficult. You can play it on platforms like PlayStation and computers, but we played it for about 2-3 hours while connecting with friends through voice chat, like in this work. Skilled players like Yamada led us and helped us raise our rank.

**Koki Uchiyama:** There's a ranking system?

**Inori Minase:** Yes, when your rank goes up, you can play on more fields. I followed along when they said "let's get to level 20 for now!" It was so much fun. Uchiyama-san, you should try it too!

**Koki Uchiyama:** Wait, do you play it on PlayStation?

**Inori Minase:** No, I just said I can play it, haha! It's like I'm talking to an old man who doesn't know anything about games.

**Koki Uchiyama:** But, it's difficult right? Even I gave up on "Jellyfish" (a game).

 ***──Uhh, jellyfish?***
**Inori Minase:** I was playing an app where I raise jellyfish. And then, Uchiyama-san was looking at me with narrowed eyes, like "what's that?"...

**Koki Uchiyama:** No, I was just wondering who else was playing it.

**Inori Minase:** It's not about who else is playing it! There are tons of users who find it soothing!! I told you to take care of them properly, give them food, and change the water once a week or they'll die...

**Koko Uchiyama:** I installed it and raised them for a while, but I ended up giving up.

**Inori Minase:** T-That's terrible! You have to take care of them properly!

**Koki Uchiyama:** Inori-chan's jellyfish is huge, by the way. It's surprising.

**Inori Minase:** My jellyfish is so big that it could break the aquarium. I've been raising it for about five years.

**Koki Uchiyama:** I can't believe it...

**Inori Minase:** Well, looks like you didn't get into it. Let's play Apex next time!

**Koki Uchiyama:** I'll look it up when I get home. There were a lot of words that I didn't understand in the game, so I did some research.

**Inori Minase:** Like "drops", right?

**Koko Uchiyama:** Yeah. And I heard a lot of words I've never heard before, like "boss respawn time", so I've been watching game explanation videos on YouTube to study the accent and intonation.

 ***──How about your gaming situation, Uchiyama-san?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** The other day, I started playing "Pokemon" (Pocket Monsters), but I've already given up... I try buying and starting various games, but I usually end up giving up. Even so, I've always liked simple puzzle games and sports games. I still play "Tetris" occasionally. Maybe I just like games where I can mindlessly move my fingers. Speaking of which, when I lived with my family, my younger brother used to play a game like "FOS" that appears in the story, and he would occupy the computer all the time. I thought it was something you could get hooked on at the time.

**Inori Minase:** Didn't you ever want to play too?

**Koki Uchiyama:** I just felt like saying, "Don't monopolize the computer."

**Inori Minase:** Hmm, I want to get you hooked on something (laughs).

**Koki Uchiyama:** I might get hooked on "Apex." But, it's getting increasingly difficult to remember the detailed rules and settings every year.

**Inori Minase:** It's okay. You can practice at the shooting range first...

**Koki Uchiyama:** Huh, I have to practice?

**Inori Minase:** ...cause it seems like it's already hopeless (laughs).

 ***──In this article, let's gather game recommendations that would suit Uchiyama-san (laughs).***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Thank you very much!

 ***──This work has the title Lv999, but have either of you mastered anything to that extent?***
**Koki Uchiyama:** Speaking of games, I have won first place in "TETRIS 99", which allows 99 people to play online simultaneously.

**Inori Minase:** Amazing!

**Koki Uchiyama:** However, once you win first place, you can challenge a high-level mode. The other 99 players there were just extraordinary. I couldn't keep up at all. But the rush of adrenaline when I won first place was amazing. I can't forget the feeling of "I'm going to win" at that moment.

**Inori Minase:** That's it, that feeling! If you have that feeling, you'll get addicted to games.

**Koko Uchiyama:** Inori-chan has mastered jellyfish, right?

**Inori Minase:** I don't really have the awareness of "mastering" them. It's more like we coexist together. If we're talking about mastering something, I'd say it's theme parks. When I had an annual passport to a certain dreamland, I really mastered it.

**Koko Uchiyama:** Mastered it?

**Inori Minase:** Yes. For example, I remember the names of the cast members and know their shifts.

**Koko Uchiyama:** Ah, I see. Like the people who appear in the attractions or explain things.

**Inori Minase:** Yes, that's right. And also the staff at the restaurants!

**Koki Uchiyama:** Huh!? Oh, dangerous people...? (He's talking about remembering faces when you're in danger or around dangerous people)

**Inori Minase:** They're not dangerous, haha! It's safe because it's inside the park. But I went so often that I became close with them, and they would greet me with things like "Welcome back" or "How was school?" without me even realizing it. When I had the annual passport, it was a place that was really close to me.

**Koki Uchiyama:** That can be considered mastering it.

 ***──Lastly, please tell us your favorite points of this work.***
**Inori Minase:** "Niwaka" is often used in a negative sense, but because Akane was a "niwaka," she was able to deepen her relationships with Yamada and others. I thought this work was a positive story that suggests that if you have interest, people around you may help you and you may have wonderful encounters. I think it's a work that encourages people to challenge new things, so please check it out.

**Koki Uchiyama:** Personally, I found it fresh that the interactions between the real world and the game world progressed in parallel. They don't attend the same school, and even though they have different ages, they interact through games, become friends, and the development where they decide to meet in person was something I haven't experienced in my life. I was watching the story with a somewhat envious perspective. There are many heart-pounding moments, but I also felt that the process of nurturing friendship with everyone through games was wonderful, so that's also a highlight.

## Reference

 "Director Morio Asaka's Interview with AnimeRecorder". *AnimeRecorder*.
 "DEDE Mouse and Mito from Clammbon interview with Lisani". *Lisani Website*.
 "Koki Uchiyama's Interview with Mantan Web". *Mantan Web*.
 "Koki Uchiyama's Interview with Animate Times". *Animate Times*.
5. ↑ 1st page of interview's answer
6. ↑ 2nd page of the interview's answer
 "Koki Uchiyama's Interview with MyNavi Teens". *MyNavi Teens*.
 "Koki Uchiyama's Interview with Emmary". *Emmary, Team Cinderella*.
 "Inori Minase's Interview with Repotama". *Repotama Website*.
 "Inori Minase's Interview with Animate Times". *Animate Times*.
11. ↑ にわか (にわか, niwaka) is a Japanese slang word that means “a newbie” in a disapproving way. It is often used to criticise pretentious people who behave as if they have copious knowledge and experience about something, even though they've known it for a very short period of time. But this isn't the case on Akane, shes just literally newbie overall.