With the manga having first been released in 2020, Kaiju No. 8 has steadily grown in popularity over the past four years, and the highly anticipated anime adaptation was released just this year. With season one of the series wrapping up the week before Anime Expo 2024, everyone’s enthusiasm about the show was at its peak. This went for not only the fans, but also voice actors Masaya Fukunishi (voice of Kafka Hibino) and Asami Seto (voice of Mina Ashiro), who could barely contain their own excitement as they greeted the audience at Anime Expo.
Kaiju No. 8 was Fukunishi’s first lead role, and it’s certainly one he’s happily embraced. “I have been a fan of this series since the very first chapter was released,” he began. “I was so happy I thought the world was going to end the next day. Kafka was also my favorite character, so it was an honor. I cried and almost fainted when my agent called and shared the news [that I was casted].” While not as dramatic as Fukunishi, Seto was also shocked when she first landed her role. “When I auditioned, there were so many other amazing actresses, I didn’t think I had a chance,” she started. “But, I have a more negative personality than Fukunishi, so when I got the call, I simply didn’t believe it was real.”
Even when it came to recording scenes, both voice actors did so with a strong passion. When recording a particular scene that shows the chemistry between Mina and Kafka, Fukunishi was so engrossed in recording that he began to tear up. “The first time we recorded, it was vetoed by the director because I was getting too emotional,” he said. “I have such a passion and strong feelings towards my peers.” Adding on to this bit of information, Seto remembered the scene immediately as well. “I didn’t cry, but I did inherit his passion that I felt when he got emotional.”
Thinking back to the recording process and how they were both able to grow from each other’s work, the two agreed it was easier having others to record alongside them. “It might seem obvious, but getting to hear your partner’s performance and reply and react to it really does change the dynamic of your recording,” Seto began. “Mina and Kafka don’t talk often, [for example], so that scene was a rare glimpse into their true relationship.”
Using the last moments of their time, it was revealed that season two of Kaiju No. 8 was officially in production. Fukunishi ended the panel with a smile: “I am here [at AX2024] as a voice actor, yes, but first and foremost, I am a fan, just like you all,” he began. “In the future, I hope we can enjoy Kaiju No. 8’s newest projects together.”Â
