Oshi No Ko took the internet by storm with its global premiere of the first episode. The 90-minute debut quickly climbed to the first spot on MAL anime ranking, much to everyone’s surprise. In a seemingly calculated move, the author of Oshi no Ko announced a new manga series immediately after the worldwide release. Following the anime’s successful premiere, Ai’s voice actress shared insights in an interview, revealing that she initially wanted to voice a different character from the series.
Anime Trending recently had the chance to chat with Rie Takahashi, the voice behind Ai Hoshino, delving into questions that fans have been eager to have answered. Here is a quick summary of the interview.
Rie Takahashi About Oshi no Ko Manga
When asked if she was familiar with Oshi no Ko before the anime, Rie Takahashi replied that she was more than just familiar with the series. A friend recommended this series to her, as she knew about Rie’s taste (Rie Takahashi likes manga series that talk about the showbiz industry). According to the voice actress, as soon as she saw the cover of the first volume of Oshi no Ko, which features Ai as an idol, she was sure that this manga was about the showbiz industry.
As soon as she started reading it, she was surprised at how addicting it was. She later explained the series in a few words. She explained that this series is about how performers try their best daily to perform better in the entertainment industry. And this aspect of the series kept giving the voice actress the power to try her best in the voice-acting industry, and she kept up with the manga after reading it.
Rie Takahashi’s Audition for a Role in Oshi no Ko
The voice actress was questioned about any necessary preparations prior to auditioning. Rie Takahashi elaborated on the process of securing a voice acting role for a series. To obtain a part in an anime, one must record their voice and submit it to the relevant series’ anime staff for evaluation.
This method, referred to as “tape auditions,” involves capturing the voice recording on a tape. Once the auditionee’s voice is selected, they advance to the subsequent phase, which entails visiting the studio for a live audition, during which their voice is assessed directly by the staff.
Lines Rie Takahashi was picked to perform.
When inquired if she had the freedom to select any lines to perform during the tape auditions, Rie Takahashi negated the notion. She explained that the staff of the particular anime series select specific lines for each character they want to have voiced. Rie then shared the line she submitted during the tape audition: “Lies are an outstanding kind of love.” This particular line is spoken during a dialogue between Ai and Gorou on the hospital rooftop in the premiere episode.
Rie Takahashi Wanted To Voice Another Character
When questioned if Rie had initially aimed to portray Ai Hoshino, she revealed that she submitted her tape for two roles in the series (due to her ambitious nature!), specifically for Akane and Ai. She expressed her admiration for Akane-chan, a character set to appear in future episodes of Oshi no Ko. Thus, she sought to play Akane from the series’ cast and attempted to embody Akane-san. However, she was unsuccessful in securing that role.
Determined to participate in the Oshi no Ko cast, Rie endeavored to obtain any role within the series, eager to experience voicing at least one character in this remarkable show. Ultimately, she was able to secure the role of Ai Hoshino in the second round of auditions, and she dedicated herself to delivering the best possible performance for Ai (which she indeed accomplished).
Rie Takahashi and Other Voice Actors
Rie Takahashi was asked about her relationship with the voice actor of Gotou, Kent Ito. She said she has an excellent relationship with Kent Ito, as both belong to the same talent agency (81 Produce). Kent Ito is her senior, and she often has regular conversations with him.
When she found out that Kent Ito also got selected as a voice actor for Oshi no Ko, she was surprised, and both gave each other their best of luck. Rie also commented that being in an anime with such a talented voice actor gives her the confidence to try her best for the character she is voicing.
Rie Takahashi’s Timid Humour
When asked what advice she would give to her character, Ai Hoshino, as a person who is also working in the entertainment industry, she got surprised and said that Ai is perfect as she is. When asked if she was saying this because she is a fan of Ai, Rie said that all of the other performers of B-Komachi (the idol group Ai Hoshino is a part of) are perfect, and she has nothing to say to them as they are perfect as is.
Rie did comment that Ai should work on her memorizing names a bit more and if she had a chance to meet with Ai Hoshino, she would tell Ai to be herself as this is how she shines the most.
Rie Takahashi’s on recent Twitter post about Taking A Shower
Rie Takahashi posted on Twitter that her fans should bathe before attending her concert. She was asked what Hoshino Ai would do before a concert and would she say such a thing as advising fans to bathe. Rie Takahashi said that Ai Hoshino would not be bothered by this as she is the leader-like personality of the idol group. She would most likely say, “Look out for those around you and help each other out when necessary”, as a central figure to the crowd.
She later compared Ai to a beacon of light to the crowd and said that she would only speak of things necessary to perform her job as an idol. She explained Ai’s behaviour in a scenario-based situation. She explained that if, in a concert, the front people are being pushed by the people in the back, Ai would advise the back spectators to step back to maintain a peaceful ambience. She later explained a line of the opening song of Oshi no Ko (performed by YOASOBI). The opening line, “I can’t allow you to be anything but radiant,” emphasizes that Ai has to keep shining for her fans.
Rie Takahashi’s Most Memorable Moment During Oshi no Ko Anime Voice Acting
When Rie was asked to tell us about some highlights from the scenes of Oshi no Ko, which she has voiced so far, she told us about the birthday scene that appears at the end of Episode 1. She said that the birthday scene was recorded before Ai died in the anime, so she wasn’t as emotional during the scene. And because this scene was recorded before anything, she was able to perform her best during the rest of the voice acting of the anime (as she was motivated to give Ai her best ending possible).
In the end, she advised fans to watch the scenes after the opening theme in the first episode (as most people don’t watch the anime opening/ending and skip on some great scenes).
Rie Takahashi’s Final Comments
Rie Takahashi was asked to give her final thoughts to the fans living in Japan and those living worldwide. She said that she is looking forward to the anime in the future (as her role ended after Episode 1 because of her character’s death) and gave the fans an update that the merchandise of Oshi no Ko will also be released near the future.
She further commented, “I really would like to support ‘Oshi no Ko’ as my oshi”. The “oshi” in this text means “push”. In idol culture, fans use this word for someone they like. So, Rie Takahashi says she would love to support the “Oshi no Ko” series as someone who likes the anime series. And she advised other people to do the same as well. She ended the interview by saying, “Thank You Very Much!”
Oshi No Ko Synopsis
“Oshi no Ko” follows the story of Ai Hoshina, a famous idol everyone loves. One day, she has to visit the hospital because she is pregnant, and at the hospital, she is attended by Doctor Gorou Amemiya, a massive fan of Ai. He promises Ai a successful delivery, but due to an unexpected person, the doctor dies, and when he wakes up, he realizes that he is now a newborn baby Ai. How will this eccentric process progress!?
About Rie Takahashi
Rie has gained recognition as a prominent voice actress, lending her talent to various beloved characters over the years. Her noteworthy performances include Emilia from Re: Zero, Sumi from Rent a Girlfriend, Megumin in KonoSuba, Takagai in Teasing Master Takagi San, and Yuzuriha from Hell’s Paradise.
What are your thoughts on this? Did Rie Takahashi perform excellently as Hoshino Ai in the Oshi no Ko anime series? Give us your opinion in the comments below.
Source: AnimeTrending
