――What was your first impression of the project?
IRINO: It’s a fantasy, so at the audition I thought there was a lot of difficult fantasy jargon. After that, the main cast got together for a table-read. I had already received the script, and I was moved by it, and was sure it would be very interesting!
――Were there any emotions you felt typical of Okada in the script?
IRINO: I’m not familiar with every project she has done, so I can’t say with much certainty… but the dialogue is very straightforward, and I was struck with how harsh it could be. It is a very Okada-like world.
――How did you feel about working under Okada’s first directorial work?
IRINO: It was an interesting thing to try. It’s a big decision to direct, and it’s a difficult job, but I really got the sense at the recording sessions that she was really doing her best to create something interesting.
――The movie hinges on the relationship between the long-living Maquia and the human Ariel.
IRINO: The fantasy aspect of the relationship between a human and a member of a race that lives a long time was depicted very realistically by Okada, so there were so many parts about the role I could relate to. There are some lines of dialogue that Ariel has about his relationship with Maquia, and two lines in particular sum up their entire relationship. I thought, this is unconditional love. I really hope a lot of people come see this movie.

Miyu Irino (junction management). Known for voice roles in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (Saji Crossroad), Anohana (Jinta Yadomi), Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (Akito Hyuga), The Garden of Words (Takao), A Silent Voice (Shoya Ishida), and more.