First of all, what are your thoughts now that recording has wrapped up?
It was very fun! The character I was tasked with, Tainaka, is such a freeloader!
That was a first for me, I think? Playing a freeloader, I mean. I don't know anyone in my life who lives like that or thinks like that, so it was really fun!
When people think of a freeloader, I believe they have a negative image, and while there might be some truth to that, Tainaka has his own policies and morals!
He doesn't cause problems for the person he's with, and he always makes a clean break. If the person he's staying with gets a boyfriend, he's out of there. He's surprisingly manly and straightforward. I think I was able to showcase the fulfilling aspects of his life as well.
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?
At first glance, Tainaka seemed rather elegant, and I was curious as to what kind of character he was.
As I read through the script, he became a freeloader so quickly that even I was caught by surprise. (Laughs)
However, as I continued reading, I began to understand his values, his way of life, and the past that shaped him. I became deeply sympathetic to him and was engrossed in his story. Moreover, he has a fundamental principle of not wanting to make others feel bad, which struck me as truly wonderful.
Looking at things that way, the change in my perspective about him from the beginning of the story to the end was quite significant. He's very serious in his own unique way.
What do you think is the primary appeal of your character, and what were you conscious of while recording them?
In the script, I noticed a lot of his dialogue ended in tildes. That lead me to believe there was a soft, fluffy, and calming nature to him. So while he initially presents himself that way, as the story progresses, he really develops and starts taking the lead and initiative. I aimed to strike a balance between these qualities when voicing him. Tainaka is 22 years old, but his persona was much cuter than I expected. However, I believe there's a deliberate nature to his cuteness. He's composed and gives the impression of trying to get along with everyone.
Perhaps you could say he's someone with a lot of experience in communicating with people? I kept that in mind while voicing his character.
Can you tell us about a scene that you particularly enjoyed or one that stood out to you?
What truly resonated with me was Nori's "healing." Nori possesses a genuine desire to serve and uplift others. If he can bring joy to someone, he will go to great lengths to make it happen. As you delve into the dramas, especially Nori's route, I hope they provide a sense of healing for you.
Moreover, with Nori, and likely with some of the other characters too, he's deeply traumatized. His trauma felt so genuine that at times, it seemed like anyone could react the way he does. The main character stands by him during his most vulnerable moments, and together, they navigate and overcome his challenges. I found that particularly touching.
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 love location-based games. I go to a lot of different places every day and walk everywhere, so I really like doing that kind of thing.
As for one I'd like, it would be great to have an app that can tell me about snacks!
Maybe you could put in your preferences, and it would immediately tell you about new snacks and products you might like.
It could tell you about snacks or sweets, all kinds of things. Cakes, cheap treats, snacks... there are so many releases it's hard to keep track of all the information!
Like limited editions. There are so many times when I get the information too late, and I can't get it! That's the worst! (Laughs)
Maybe you could do it with alcohol too, like whiskey. An app letting you instantly know about that kind of stuff would be great too.
I think that would be my dream app. What do you think? (Laughs)
Are there any characters in the game that you relate to?
I would have to say Mitsuki. He gets so easily scared in the drama CD! I'm bad with Japanese-style horror too, so I really sympathized with him there.
But maybe the bar master, Usui, too... Maybe it's not because I connected with him, but I admired him. He seemed very magnanimous, and I thought his ability to treat customers well was great. How can I put it? Maybe I just want to be like him!
Check out the drama CD "Seven Wonders" in the Limited Edition!
The game features various occupations: app developers, heirs to big companies, freeloaders, bartenders. Would you like to try any of them in particular?
Bartender. 100%. No competition.
If I were to have my own bar, I'd want the inside to have a kind of gothic horror vibe. I don't like Japanese horror, but I really like lavish things like Dracula. A lavish gothic horror vibe. That's the kind of bar I want. I used to work at a café where I wore a shirt and bow tie. One day, I'd like to run a café like that with similar attire. So maybe a café in the day and a bar at night. Please come, everyone!
Finally, do you have a message for the fans?
I'm pleased to play Nori in Sympathy Kiss. He truly is a remarkable character.
You may have some preconceived notions about freeloaders, but please give Nori's route a chance. If you recognize that he's not just a freeloader but is also supportive, it would make me very happy. There are a lot of other wonderful characters too. As you work through and solve problems to help support the cast in Sympathy Kiss, I hope it brings some healing to you as well.
Please enjoy it, everyone, and thank you once again!
Nori TainakaVA: KENN
Moreover, with Nori, and likely with some of the other characters too, he's deeply traumatized. His trauma felt so genuine that at times, it seemed like anyone could react the way he does. The main character stands by him during his most vulnerable moments, and together, they navigate and overcome his challenges. I found that particularly touching.
As for one I'd like, it would be great to have an app that can tell me about snacks! Maybe you could put in your preferences, and it would immediately tell you about new snacks and products you might like. It could tell you about snacks or sweets, all kinds of things. Cakes, cheap treats, snacks... there are so many releases it's hard to keep track of all the information! Like limited editions. There are so many times when I get the information too late, and I can't get it! That's the worst! (Laughs) Maybe you could do it with alcohol too, like whiskey. An app letting you instantly know about that kind of stuff would be great too. I think that would be my dream app. What do you think? (Laughs)
Check out the drama CD "Seven Wonders" in the Limited Edition!
If I were to have my own bar, I'd want the inside to have a kind of gothic horror vibe. I don't like Japanese horror, but I really like lavish things like Dracula. A lavish gothic horror vibe. That's the kind of bar I want. I used to work at a café where I wore a shirt and bow tie. One day, I'd like to run a café like that with similar attire. So maybe a café in the day and a bar at night. Please come, everyone!
You may have some preconceived notions about freeloaders, but please give Nori's route a chance. If you recognize that he's not just a freeloader but is also supportive, it would make me very happy. There are a lot of other wonderful characters too. As you work through and solve problems to help support the cast in Sympathy Kiss, I hope it brings some healing to you as well. Please enjoy it, everyone, and thank you once again!