Animate Times Interview With Norio Sakurai

## Animate Times Part 1: Norio Sakurai Interview

Winter Anime "Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu" Second Season Serialized Interview Part 1: Original Work, Norio Sakurai Sensei | Episode 13 where Ichikawa discovers Yamada's conflict, and the impressions of those who only watch the anime are also of interest

The TV anime "Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu" second season has started broadcasting on TV Asahi nationwide, the "NUMAnimation" frame of 24 stations, BS Asahi, and CS TV Asahi Channel 1. Norio Sakurai Sensei, who is currently serializing "Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu" in "Manga Cross" (Akita Shoten), a work that has gathered popularity mainly on social media, has surpassed 4 million copies in cumulative comic book circulation.

Animate Times continues to deliver interviews with "Boku Yaba," following the first season. The guest for the opening of the second season is the original creator, Norio Sakurai. In December of last year, we had the opportunity to talk to her just before the "Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu" FAN FESTA 2023 ~karte12.5 We Gathered in Shibuya~ held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.

As there will be discussions related to the "future" of the original work in the latter part of the interview, for those who haven't read the original yet, please proceed with caution.

――Since the last time we talked was in late May of last year, let me ask again about the first season. How did Sakurai sensei perceive the impact of the first season's broadcast?

Norio Sakurai Sensei (hereinafter Sakurai): It's the same for the original work, but I felt that it was gradually gaining momentum. The excitement was even bigger than I had expected. Also, the announcement of the second season at the end of the first season was well-received by many, and that made me happy.

――When Sakurai sensei finished watching the animation of the first season, what thoughts did you have?

Sakurai: In the original work, the end of Volume 4 was also the end of the first season's final episode. It was a scene that didn't have a clear break in the original. The anime was able to leave a lingering feeling while closing it properly, and I thought that was really good. I felt that this contributed to the overall quality of the first season.

――At the end of Volume 4 of the original, there was a humorous comment about Moko's drug use (laughs). It seemed to have a different emotional aftertaste.

Sakurai: That's right. In the original, or rather, I often end things in a joking manner (laughs). I appreciate that they were able to create a good ending with a lingering feeling as a visual work.

――We are also interviewing the cast for the second season. Asai-san mentioned in your interview, Sakurai sensei, that she said, "It's an actor's honor," and she was extremely happy (※ to be published later). Besides Kobayashi, did you notice the charm of any other characters?

Sakurai: Well, I… I rediscovered the appeal of Adachi. Listening to Okamoto (Nobuhiko) who played Adachi, I felt that Adachi is actually a passionate person inside. That was a discovery for me. Despite the playful exterior, there is a serious side when it comes to facing people. I felt that through Okamoto-san's voice. After the recording of the first season, I was drawing the sports festival episode (included in Volume 8 of the original). I think that had an influence.

――In the discussion of the first season, it was mentioned that you wanted to emphasize the music. Regarding the music aspect of the second season, was there anything you conveyed?

Sakurai: We didn't specifically request anything again from our side, but… regarding the opening theme of the first season ("Shayou" by Yorushika), it was a song that expressed Ichikawa's inner feelings carefully. In the second season, since the relationship between the two becomes closer, I thought a lively and bright song that reflects Ichikawa enjoying school would be good. I remember conveying that.

――Actually, after hearing Atarayo-san's "Boku wa…," what impression did you have?

Sakurai: It has a refreshing feeling. The melody itself is bright and pop, but the lyrics express Ichikawa's deep inner feelings. Furthermore, there is a meticulous depiction of the inner emotions, similar to the first season, plus a youthful freshness. I think it has become a song with a really good vibe. I like it a lot. The more you listen, the better it feels.

――The ending theme continues with Kohanaramu-san for the second season. Please share your thoughts on "Koi shiteru jibun sura aiserun da."

Sakurai: After the story concludes once, it becomes a refreshing song suitable for the ending, making it feel like it will start to get exciting again from there. I feel it's a song that will make you look forward to the next one. I'm excited to be able to hear both songs live today.

――Today's FAN FESTA 2023 ~karte12.5 We Gathered in Shibuya~ seems to be amazing.

Sakurai: I couldn't attend the previous event (Preview Screening Event ~We Gathered for the First Time~), so I'm really looking forward to watching the live performance. The "Boku Yaba" reading play is a first attempt. I've seen the script in advance, but with the power of the voice actors, I'm sure it will turn out to be something wonderful. I'm looking forward to it.

――What impressions did you have after watching the opening episode of the second season, the 13th episode?

Sakurai: The 13th episode featured snowfall. I felt that the cold atmosphere linked to Ichikawa's anxiety and Yamada's concerns. The soundtrack was excellent, conveying the chill, and it really tightened my heart.

――How would you describe the atmosphere of the soundtrack?

Sakurai: The first season was fantastic, of course, but in the second season, there are musical tones that empathize with Yamada's emotions, not just Ichikawa. I truly thought it was wonderful.

――The 13th episode also gives a glimpse into Yamada's feelings about her job.

Sakurai: Yes, indeed. I look forward to gradually seeing Yamada's inner thoughts throughout the second season. And it seems that one theme is Ichikawa properly discovering and addressing Yamada's internal conflicts.

――In the 13th episode, Akita Kentarou, a souvenir from Ichikawa, makes an appearance. Akita Kentarou is cute.

Sakurai: Because Akita dogs are cute (laughs). Yamada also likes dogs, so it seemed fitting… I drew it straightforwardly (laughs).

――Ichikawa noticing the keyholder hanging in the tree was impressive.

Sakurai: I often see lost items like keyholders caught in trees or placed on digestive organs. I used that as a reference.

――By the way, was the setting of Akita Prefecture as Ichikawa's father's hometown inspired by your trip to Akita?

Sakurai: Ah, yes (laughs). I had vaguely thought that a snowy region might be nice for Ichikawa's hometown. Personally, I went on a trip to the vicinity of Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture and found it really nice, with a charming and quiet atmosphere. It's really snowy there… but once you go in a bit, there's just a quiet forest with nothing. Snowy regions are cold, but there's a comforting feeling in the silence and the deep mountains. So, having Ichikawa's father's hometown in Akita seemed fitting.

――Does going to snowy regions serve as a refreshment for you, Sakurai sensei?

Sakurai: Yes, it does. I go to hot springs in snowy regions every year. I personally like snowy regions. Snowy regions you occasionally visit have a special charm. ――Earlier, there was a discussion about your travels. Will you be going somewhere for the year-end?

Sakurai: This year, I plan to go to Aomori Prefecture. With this, I will conquer the Tohoku region.

――You really love snowy regions, don't you? Snow often appears in your works, including 'Boku Yaba'…

Sakurai: Now that you mention it, there are scenes with snow in not only 'Boku Yaba' but also 'Mitsudomoe.' Since I've been living in Saitama Prefecture all the time, snow has a special feeling. It's exciting when it occasionally falls and accumulates, but going out in it can be a bit tiresome (laughs). Including that, I like the sense of the extraordinary. Also, my father's hometown was a snowy region. I used to go there every winter as a child. Maybe that influence is there too.

――Speaking of which, you mentioned earlier that Ichikawa is somewhat similar to yourself. The idea of Ichikawa's father's side being from a snowy region might also be a reflection of yourself, perhaps?

Sakurai: Ah, that could be true. I wasn't consciously aware of that aspect.

――In your perspective, Mr. Sakurai, what are the aspects you want fans to look forward to in the anime from Episode 14 onwards?

Sakurai: The episode I liked the most in the original work was the graduation ceremony. I had the chance to check the storyboard for that episode, and it was really good. Usually, when I see storyboards, I don't explicitly express my thoughts like "it's really good." I don't think it's a good habit, but this time, I unusually conveyed that it was "really good."

――So, you were truly moved by it.

Sakurai: It was genuinely good. Even just the storyboard is excellent, so I'm eager to see the visuals soon. Especially the graduation ceremony, I think it's an episode that readers of the original work are looking forward to. I'm also excited to see their reactions. And, I'm curious about the impressions of those who only watch the anime.

――The spin-off "TwiYaba" of "Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu," which has been released on the official X (formerly Twitter), will be available on "Amazon Prime Video" from December 10. What was your impression when you received the story for "TwiYaba"?

Sakurai: I received the story quite some time ago. At first, I thought, "Will it be a short story?" But then they made it a 20-minute story, which surprised me. Moreover, they created a script with a proper connection, and I thought it was wonderful.

――Please tell us about the highlights of the anime "TwiYaba."

Sakurai: It has a comical and pleasantly light tone that is a bit different from the main story. I think even those who haven't seen the main story can enjoy it easily. It quickly conveys the kind of relationship the two have, so I would be happy if many people could watch it.

――If you want to see more, it's a luxury to be able to view it on your account, Mr. Sakurai.

Sakurai: Please do watch it.

――It feels like "TwiYaba" will further reveal the charm of Yamada. Do you have anything in mind when drawing "TwiYaba" regarding this?

Sakurai: Even for those who haven't seen the main story, I'm conscious of making the character's charm immediately understandable and enjoyable. I haven't thought deeply about it, but if I could clearly depict "This is how Yamada is," that would be great. I focus on making the relationship between Yamada and Ichikawa easy to understand.

――We are also looking forward to the developments in "TwiYaba" on X. If it's okay, since it's the end of the year during this interview, could you share your thoughts on 2023?

Sakurai: Well… this year was quite challenging with a lot of anime-related work, probably the toughest year. But I'm really happy that many people got to know my work. I hope next year even more people, including those from overseas and those who don't usually watch anime, get to know about it.

Editor Fukuda (hereinafter, Fukuda): Actually, after the first season aired, the manga's overseas translated versions increased. Especially in the European region. I think it might be the effect of the anime.

――It seems like next year, "Boku Yaba" will reach even more people with its charm.

――Within what you can share, could you also tell us about the future developments of the original work?

Sakurai: In the original work, the two are already in a relationship. But it's less about what will happen to Ichikawa and Yamada, and more about how Ichikawa will face himself. Since they're in their third year of junior high school and facing exams, the main focus will be on how he prepares himself mentally for the exams… I wonder what a relationship between junior high students is like? I'm also exploring this. I hope to enjoyably depict their relationship. On the other hand, not only Yamada and Ichikawa, but also the surrounding kids are growing up while preparing for the exams… I hope to depict that as well.

――Reading the latest chapters (Karte.133~134), I realized Moeko had her own conflicts. While I empathize with Moeko's feelings, personally, I felt like saying, "Don't bully Yamada!"

Fukuda: That chapter received a lot of reactions. Mr. Sakurai, you were also inclined to think that way, weren't you? I personally was like, "Moeko, say more!" (laughs).

Sakurai: At first, I was worried that Moeko's way of speaking might be too harsh. When I asked Fukuda-san, he said, "It's Yamada's fault."

Fukuda: (laughs)

――Decisively (laughs).

Sakurai: So I thought, "I see." In fights between friends, it's not about who's right or wrong, but about slight misalignments leading to an explosion. I've been careful not to make either side the villain.

――Especially for middle schoolers, trivial matters can lead to cracks, a delicate period.

Sakurai: Yes, that's right. For example, middle schoolers might feel hurt by the way something is said.

――You mentioned not making either side the villain, but in reality, we can understand Moeko's feelings. I think a point of your story is that it includes empathy for both sides.

Sakurai: That's right. I want to create moments where anyone can think, "I understand that." Like "There are people like this," or "This kind of thing happens too"… I hope to capture such human-like qualities.

［Article by Mari Sakasai］

Source: https://vxtwitter.com/animatetimes/status/1744365857105436892 GPT4 Translation