First of all, what are your thoughts now that recording has wrapped up?
My initial reaction is, wow, we sure recorded a lot! (Laughs)
I know a lot of the folks we worked with on this project, but I recorded by myself, so I'm curious to see what it's going to be like when it's all put together!
I had a really good time with the project, and it would be great if we could all get together afterward and celebrate with an event or something!
Can you tell us about your impressions of the script when you first read it, and if your impression changed at all after playing the role?
The script really felt like it was grounded in reality. I found myself thinking, "I wonder if something like this has ever actually happened somewhere before..."
That said, I've never really worked in an environment like that before, so I don't have a concrete idea of what it's like to work in an office.
What do people do in an office all day? I can't even imagine half the time! But I think because the story is so grounded, people will have an easy time connecting with the story and characters. I have a feeling that a lot of office workers play these titles, and they might say, "ahhh, yeah, I totally get that!" during many parts of the game.
When it comes to Saotome, he sure has a direct way of communicating! (Laughs)
I'm not great with people, so part of me wishes I could be more like him, but I'm not sure if that would make people like me more or less.
Saotome is very good at breaking down other people's walls and getting close to them, so I was quite jealous of him while acting out his lines.
Still, Saotome takes a lot of pride in his work, which can sometimes make him hard to deal with.
He's good at socializing with people but maybe not the best communicator at work.
What do you think is the primary appeal of your character, and what were you conscious of while recording them?
Well, I think he has a natural charm and talent for drawing people to him.
I believe he's very good at appealing to both players of the game and also the characters who live in the world alongside him.
A lot of people care so much about what other people think that they struggle to jump into close relationships. I think Saotome, on the other hand, has the courage to take that leap and get involved with other people.
Sure, he can go overboard and be crass at times, but I still think his ability to attract others is his best feature.
In terms of something I was conscious about, well, since the conversations are all like daily chats, I tried my best to maintain that feeling.
Yes, there are moments when he's very emotional, but in scenes with typical daily conversation, I aimed to keep the style as close to how I speak in my usual everyday life as possible.
Can you tell us about a scene that you particularly enjoyed or one that stood out to you?
Yes, I'm sure it will vary by route, but for me, it was the office romance! (Laughs)
It seems like it's something everyone dreams of.
It also feels realistic, but then again, maybe not.
Honestly, I'm not really sure! (Laughs)
But I have the impression that people working in offices often entertain these kinds of office romances.
It's like... It feels genuine, yet it lets you experience something that you might not be able to in real life. It's truly special.
It's something that feels plausible in our world, but if it actually happened, you'd be so embarrassed. You get to experience situations you might wish would happen in reality.
The story of this game revolves around an "information app." Can you tell us about some of the apps you often use, or an app you wish existed?
I'm not really one to keep up with the latest smartphone trends.
The main app I rely on is the navigation app in my car. Honestly, without my map app, I'm lost; it's practically always on when I drive.
I don't play games on my phone much.
I don't use news apps either. Where do I get my information? (Laughs)
Regarding an app I wish existed... I'm constantly checking my navigation app while driving, which drains my battery quickly.
If I charge my phone overnight, it's okay, but I often forget, wake up in the morning, and find myself heading out with just 5% battery! (Laughs)
That's always nerve-wracking. So, an app that could charge my phone automatically would be amazing.
Just say, "I've got no battery!" and then boop! It charges your phone for you. That'd be fantastic!
Are there any characters in the game that you relate to?
All the characters in this story are pretty cool. There's a significant gap between them and me, but... Maybe I relate the most to Minato? Yeah, I'd say that's accurate. He's somewhat distant with everyone, but if you engage him, he'll respond.
Though, I'm not as hesitant to converse as he is! (Laughs)
However, I might have a bit of a barrier with others and need some time to warm up.
Beyond that, I wouldn't say I closely resemble any other characters! (Laughs)
I definitely wouldn't aspire to be a freeloader if I could avoid it!
The game features various occupations: app developers, heirs to big companies, freeloaders, bartenders. Would you like to try any of them in particular?
Hmmm... Which one... A CEO, maybe? Actually, no, that would probably be too demanding.
I'd probably have to mingle with clients constantly!
So, maybe a freeloader? (Laughs) I know I just mentioned I wouldn't want that, but given these choices, that's probably my pick.
I don't really believe an office environment is for me. I doubt I'd fit in well in a formal setting.
If I could just stay home, that might work out. I'm pretty skilled with household chores, after all! (Laughs)
Not that I want to be a freeloader! (Laughs) I'll have to make sure I never become one!
Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
As we approach the game's launch, I've yet to listen to all the other routes, but I'm really looking forward to them!
As I mentioned at the start of this interview, the narratives in this game are incredibly grounded. I think you'll find a connection between the game's world and your own daily experiences. I believe that this relatability will draw you deeply into the story. I hope you enjoy every moment with the game and explore all the routes! Thank you, everyone!
Mitsuki SaotomeVA: Gakuto Kajiwara
I know a lot of the folks we worked with on this project, but I recorded by myself, so I'm curious to see what it's going to be like when it's all put together! I had a really good time with the project, and it would be great if we could all get together afterward and celebrate with an event or something!
When it comes to Saotome, he sure has a direct way of communicating! (Laughs)
I'm not great with people, so part of me wishes I could be more like him, but I'm not sure if that would make people like me more or less. Saotome is very good at breaking down other people's walls and getting close to them, so I was quite jealous of him while acting out his lines. Still, Saotome takes a lot of pride in his work, which can sometimes make him hard to deal with. He's good at socializing with people but maybe not the best communicator at work.
In terms of something I was conscious about, well, since the conversations are all like daily chats, I tried my best to maintain that feeling. Yes, there are moments when he's very emotional, but in scenes with typical daily conversation, I aimed to keep the style as close to how I speak in my usual everyday life as possible.
It seems like it's something everyone dreams of. It also feels realistic, but then again, maybe not. Honestly, I'm not really sure! (Laughs) But I have the impression that people working in offices often entertain these kinds of office romances. It's like... It feels genuine, yet it lets you experience something that you might not be able to in real life. It's truly special. It's something that feels plausible in our world, but if it actually happened, you'd be so embarrassed. You get to experience situations you might wish would happen in reality.
The main app I rely on is the navigation app in my car. Honestly, without my map app, I'm lost; it's practically always on when I drive. I don't play games on my phone much. I don't use news apps either. Where do I get my information? (Laughs) Regarding an app I wish existed... I'm constantly checking my navigation app while driving, which drains my battery quickly. If I charge my phone overnight, it's okay, but I often forget, wake up in the morning, and find myself heading out with just 5% battery! (Laughs) That's always nerve-wracking. So, an app that could charge my phone automatically would be amazing. Just say, "I've got no battery!" and then boop! It charges your phone for you. That'd be fantastic!