Brandon Fletcher
Crunchyroll’s announcement of the anime adaptation of Daemons of the Shadow Realm instantly made it a must-watch for fans. How could it not be? This project features the collaboration of Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa and the renowned animation studio Bones Film, known for their work on Gachiakuta. In professional wrestling terms, this partnership is akin to the Mega Powers of animation joining forces to redefine the industry. With the first cour completed and the second cour currently airing, the series has undoubtedly met the high expectations of its enthusiastic fanbase.
It appears that Arakawa and Bones Film, now working with our new leads Yuru and Asa, remain an unbeatable animation duo, just as they were when they redefined anime with the Elric Brothers in the early 2000s.
Recently, io9 had the opportunity to speak with Kensho Ono and Yume Miyamoto, the Japanese voice actors for Yuru and Asa. They shared insights on the unexpected twist in the show’s premiere episode, their approach to portraying the complex relationship between the estranged siblings, and the weight of living up to the esteemed legacy of their production studio and Arakawa as the stars of this exciting new anime.
Isaiah Colbert, io9: The first episode features a stunning twist that reveals the story is set in modern times rather than a historical context. Were you as surprised as the audience when you first learned about this?
Kensho Ono: I had the same reaction as many fans when I first encountered that twist. Due to my role, I read the manga before voicing in the anime. I believe fans had similar feelings about this revelation. Before the anime launched, during a promotional tour, many media outlets inquired about the genre of the anime. I had to be careful with my responses because I knew that this twist would be a significant spoiler. It was challenging to discuss the anime without directly addressing the fact that it’s not a period piece.
Yume Miyamoto: With the manga featuring characters from different eras, I was also taken aback by the adaptation. The sound design was particularly intriguing, as we hear sounds of people harvesting with sickles alongside gunfire and airplanes. The seamless blending of these soundscapes was surprisingly effective, creating a unique atmosphere that differed from expectations.
io9: The relationship between Yuru and Asa is crucial to the anime’s emotional depth and themes of connection. When performing their scenes, what elements of their sibling dynamic did you emphasize to convey their warmth, tension, and shared past?
Miyamoto: (Laughs) A lot of it came from observing Kensho’s performance as Yuru. I aimed to capture his rhythm and emotions in my portrayal of Asa, which helped bridge the gap in their relationship.
Ono: Yuru’s upbringing in a village gave him a strong sense of family ties. meeting Asa turned that perspective upside down, making it hard for him to accept her as a sister. Over the course of the series, we witness Yuru’s development as he struggles to adjust to this new reality. Asa, on the other hand, is much quicker to embrace their sibling bond, constantly trying to connect with Yuru. This dynamic showcases different sides of their characters; Yuru, typically calm and composed, reveals a more vulnerable adolescent side when interacting with Asa.
io9: Among the daemons introduced in the anime, which one resonates with you the most, and why?
Ono: Out of all the daemons, Tenaga-Ashinaga (Long-Arm and Long-Leg) stands out for me. They embody pure malevolence, which I didn’t think was possible for a character. The two actors voicing them bring a tremendous amount of energy and intensity to their performances, making it a worthy challenge for my character to confront.
Miyamoto: As Asa, I naturally think of Yin and Yang. This duo illustrates that daemons possess hearts, not merely existing as tools for others. During our battles, we convey that message to the audience. That was my initial reaction to Yin and Yang-chan.
io9: Daemons of the Shadow Realm signifies a significant reunion of creative talents, bringing together Bones and Hiromu Arakawa. What does it feel like to be part of a project that has sparked so much enthusiasm and appears destined to be another hit? Do you feel any pressure as the leads?
Ono: During the recording of the first episode, many industry professionals were present, more than I’ve seen for other projects. This indicates the high caliber of talent involved. For me, rather than feeling pressure, it’s thrilling to work on a project crafted by Arakawa-sensei.
Miyamoto: What he said about the initial recording day is accurate. In projects like this, actors with similar ages and vocal tones typically audition together. There’s a guessing game about who might land a role, which heightened interest among my peers. Before the official cast announcement, many were eager to know about my experiences on set. This curiosity reflects the significance of this project.
In the recording sessions, I often tell them that the performances from the talented cast are exceptional. There’s so much to look forward to, and I assure them that this project will be remarkable.
io9: Reflecting on the first season, do you have a favorite quirk of your character or a memorable scene from the recording sessions that stands out?
Ono: One scene that resonates with me is when Asa places her hand on Yuru’s back. This moment is pivotal for Yuru as he begins to accept that he has a little sister. Given his circumstances, it’s challenging for him to discern reality. this interaction marks the start of a meaningful relationship that he can trust, making it a significant moment for Yuru.
Miyamoto: For me, it’s the scene in episode seven where my character dies to gain greater strength to support my brother. This moment represents a turning point for Asa, symbolizing her determination to move forward without looking back. We truly witness Asa’s resolve.
Whenever I need to reconnect with my character, I rewatch episode seven to remind myself of Asa’s determination. She faces challenges with that same fierce resolve.
Daemons of the Shadow Realm is available for streaming on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
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Daniel Mercer
