First of all, what are your thoughts now that recording has wrapped up?
I certainly talked a lot!
There were many business terms that I'm not accustomed to using, so I approached the recording with some apprehension. However, it turned out to be quite enjoyable, and I feel I've gained a lot from the experience.
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?
Initially, I perceived Kobase as a stern boss.
Yet as his storyline unfolded, endearing aspects of his character emerged, transforming him into a much gentler figure. Still, at his core, he's somewhat intimidating. I wouldn't want to cross him! It might be beneficial to have a friend like him. Given my penchant for silly antics, someone who would firmly steer me in the right direction would be invaluable. Essentially, a figure to keep me in check!
I often find myself overanalyzing situations. Having a decisive individual like Kobase around would undoubtedly streamline decision making for me.
What do you think is the primary appeal of your character, and what were you conscious of while recording them?
Kobase's personality harbors some striking contrasts!
At first glance, he might seem like a straightforward, earnest boss, but he conceals significant facets of his persona.
In my portrayal, I aimed to let players discern these shifts organically.
Factors like his background, vulnerabilities, his demeanor after a few drinks, his authoritative side, and the elements of himself he chooses to shield—I endeavored to let these layers unfurl naturally.
Can you tell us about a scene that you particularly enjoyed or one that stood out to you?
Highlights... Well, I'd say the story is filled with lessons about how to be a good member of society. (Laughs)
Expanding on that, I would say there are parts of this game where there are words you can use, or ways you can treat people, that will help things go smoothly for you in real life.
There were scenes with lessons like "don't accept the blame for something that's not your fault," or "if you're not wrong, stand your ground." When I saw those points, I thought, hey, those are good ideals to live by.
I think there's a lot of good information here for people new to the workforce that tend to be timid. It's a way to pull the curtain back on what office culture and life is like.
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'd say the one I use most in my life is an accent dictionary. It's very convenient.
I'm really glad I live in the time I do. I'm glad I don't have to carry around multiple big dictionaries with me everywhere I go.
I just have this tiny little thing in my pocket that lets me look something up quickly if I don't understand it. If I don't understand something in one dictionary, I can check another. It's also great for reading people's messy handwritten kanji!
That said, there are a lot of times I struggle to read my character's name. This time, for example, I accidentally thought "Kobase" was read as "Kobashi." I even made a note saying it was "Kobashi"! Turns out the note itself was mistaken from the beginning. (Laughs) It was super embarrassing when I said it wrong the first time.
But you know, once you've got something memorized in your head, it's hard to fix it right away. I must have said "Kobashi" countless times, all because I remembered the wrong name!
Oh, there's also this animal-raising app that I quite like. I've been raising ants for about 200 days now. The ants' nest gets bigger, but that's really all that happens. Secretly, I think the little tap, tapping I do is kind of pointless. (Laughs)
But as your level grows, you can raise a queen ant, which is fun.
In terms of an app I want? How about one that will decide what I'm going to eat that day! Maybe they already have one of those! (Laughs)
"Today you have to eat this. If you eat this, you'll be happy." Something like that. Both from a feng shui and health perspective, something that tells you what to eat so you wouldn't have to stress out about it would be great.
Maybe you could put what you ate for lunch yesterday, and it will tell you what you should eat for lunch tomorrow... Something like that?
I eat ramen all the time, so it would probably just tell me to hit the salad bar.
It would be cool if you could find a way to gamify it too. It might tell you, "you have to eat X in location Y." It would tell you the general area you have to go and find that food.
Also, apps collect a lot of data about what places you normally visit, right? In that case, it might be able to say like "you haven't visited this part of town recently, right?" or "hey, you've never been to this place!" An application that recommends things to do would be pretty cool.
Whenever I have time between my appointments, I often take walks. It would be great if there were an app that could track where I walk and fill in a map of areas I've passed through. That would be nice!
Are there any characters in the game that you relate to?
I don't really relate to him, but I'd like to relate to Tainaka.
The guy's great at being a freeloader. He just seems like he's made of cashmere.
That's not like me at all, but maybe it's something I can aspire to.
At the very least, maybe I could seem like I'm made of "wool." But cashmere is the best; it's soft, light, and doesn't itch.
The game features various occupations: app developers, heirs to big companies, freeloaders, bartenders. Would you like to try any of them in particular?
I wouldn't mind being the heir to some big company.
People like that are probably trained, groomed, and educated in things that I've never been schooled in. It would be interesting to learn what they learn, you know?
Like, they probably go to nursery school in suits, or at the very least, shorts and a blazer.
And then I'd want to call for my butler, whether male or female. (Laughs) And eventually, when I got older, I would want them to refer to me as "master." (Laughs)
If I had money and power like that, maybe there's a lot I could do that I can't do now.
Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
Sympathy Kiss is a lot of fun. (Laughs)
It's a mature love story that is sure to please.
If you're looking for office love in a game, this is the one, and I truly hope you enjoy it.
Are you interested in office romance? Have you ever had one? I'd definitely recommend this title to working people.
Please give this game a shot and enjoy it!
Yoji KobaseVA: Kazuyuki Okitsu
There were many business terms that I'm not accustomed to using, so I approached the recording with some apprehension. However, it turned out to be quite enjoyable, and I feel I've gained a lot from the experience.
Yet as his storyline unfolded, endearing aspects of his character emerged, transforming him into a much gentler figure. Still, at his core, he's somewhat intimidating. I wouldn't want to cross him! It might be beneficial to have a friend like him. Given my penchant for silly antics, someone who would firmly steer me in the right direction would be invaluable. Essentially, a figure to keep me in check! I often find myself overanalyzing situations. Having a decisive individual like Kobase around would undoubtedly streamline decision making for me.
At first glance, he might seem like a straightforward, earnest boss, but he conceals significant facets of his persona. In my portrayal, I aimed to let players discern these shifts organically. Factors like his background, vulnerabilities, his demeanor after a few drinks, his authoritative side, and the elements of himself he chooses to shield—I endeavored to let these layers unfurl naturally.
Oh, there's also this animal-raising app that I quite like. I've been raising ants for about 200 days now. The ants' nest gets bigger, but that's really all that happens. Secretly, I think the little tap, tapping I do is kind of pointless. (Laughs) But as your level grows, you can raise a queen ant, which is fun.
In terms of an app I want? How about one that will decide what I'm going to eat that day! Maybe they already have one of those! (Laughs) "Today you have to eat this. If you eat this, you'll be happy." Something like that. Both from a feng shui and health perspective, something that tells you what to eat so you wouldn't have to stress out about it would be great. Maybe you could put what you ate for lunch yesterday, and it will tell you what you should eat for lunch tomorrow... Something like that? I eat ramen all the time, so it would probably just tell me to hit the salad bar. It would be cool if you could find a way to gamify it too. It might tell you, "you have to eat X in location Y." It would tell you the general area you have to go and find that food. Also, apps collect a lot of data about what places you normally visit, right? In that case, it might be able to say like "you haven't visited this part of town recently, right?" or "hey, you've never been to this place!" An application that recommends things to do would be pretty cool.
Whenever I have time between my appointments, I often take walks. It would be great if there were an app that could track where I walk and fill in a map of areas I've passed through. That would be nice!
People like that are probably trained, groomed, and educated in things that I've never been schooled in. It would be interesting to learn what they learn, you know? Like, they probably go to nursery school in suits, or at the very least, shorts and a blazer. And then I'd want to call for my butler, whether male or female. (Laughs) And eventually, when I got older, I would want them to refer to me as "master." (Laughs) If I had money and power like that, maybe there's a lot I could do that I can't do now.
It's a mature love story that is sure to please.
If you're looking for office love in a game, this is the one, and I truly hope you enjoy it. Are you interested in office romance? Have you ever had one? I'd definitely recommend this title to working people. Please give this game a shot and enjoy it!