by A new character, Kaede, will appear in the 47th episode (broadcast on the 19th) of the popular anime “Pokemon” (TV Tokyo, aired every Friday from 6:55 p.m. Broadcast date and content may vary depending on region). To commemorate this, she interviewed Kotono Mitsuishi, who plays Kaede, and asked her about her memories of Pokemon. Rico, Roy, and Dot head to Cercle Town’s gym leader, Kaede, for Rico’s Terrastar training and basic test. However, Coral from the Explorers also barges in, and for some reason, it becomes a sweets-making showdown! The fate of Riko and Nyarote’s Terrastar training is depicted.
Mr. Mitsuishi is the TV anime special edition “Mewtwo! He has appeared in the TV anime “Pokemon” several times, including the role of Domino in “I’m here to stay.” Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to play the role of Kaede.
I have received several offers for the series so far, but I’m glad that the timing was finally right, and I was able to accept.
Mr. Mitsuishi, do you have any other memories or episodes with “Pokémon” besides the anime?
I enjoy playing games as a hobby, not a job, so I also play Pokemon. The first game I played was “Pokémon Red/Pokémon Green,” I had Bulbasaur as my partner. When I think of my favorite Pokémon, I think of Metamon, but I also like Kaede’s Kuma-chan, which is cute. I’m currently playing “Pokémon Sleep.”
Kaede makes her first appearance in episode 47. How did you develop her role?
Kaede speaks in a way that includes “-” at the end of her words, such as “Hello, I’m Kaede” and “Araara.” I wanted people who played the game to feel comfortable with Kaede’s lines and impressions, so I first went to the test, speaking in a relaxed and easy-going manner, just as the script suggested. However, it is necessary to make the “play” come true in the animation field, so I had discussions with the sound director and made adjustments.
How exactly did you make adjustments to make the play work?
We focused on Kaede’s “feelings” as a gym leader. Gym leaders work with children every day and encourage them through battles. So, instead of paying attention to the ending of the words, I acted with the stance of bringing out Riko’s good qualities and encouraging her to grow up to be a great person.
You emphasize the character’s feelings more than the words in the script.
Sometimes, the impression is different from the printed text of the game or script that has come out beforehand, but we have to make it in a way that makes people think that the characters and Pokemon genuinely exist in this world. Should not. Adults must think carefully and thoughtfully about creating programs that many children watch so they don’t become superficial works. “Pokemon” has staff members who have such strong feelings, so I feel it’s a charming place to work.
Once again, please tell us the highlights and noteworthy points of episode 47, where Kaede appears.
In episode 47, we will battle Riko-chan, and many children will empathize with her suffering. Please see how much energy Kaede was able to put into Riko-chan. There is also a scene where he interacts with Sandwich-chan, played by Ikue Otani, showing that he also had fun as an actor (lol). I hope you enjoy the “sweet” and “bitter” Kaede. So please look forward to the broadcast.
