Q:How did you feel when you found out you had been cast in Anne Shirley?

I loved the world of Anne of Green Gables when I was little, so ever since the audition I kept thinking, “I want to play Anne!” When I found out I would be, I felt, “I can’t believe this is actually happening! Am I dreaming?” I was happier than words can express! But at the same time, this is an incredible title, with a long history behind it, so I felt a lot of uncertainty and pressure too.
To borrow an expression from Anne, “Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about?” Those words have been an incredible encouragement to me. I’m so excited to see all the sights that I’m going to see through Anne from here on!

Q:What were your impressions after recording the first episode?

Up until recording began, I felt like the tension was going to crush me, but then once things got going I was just desperately thinking how I should say Anne’s words, and that outweighed all the tension and uneasiness... It took a really long time for us to record, but it also felt like everything went by in an instant. Anyway, the drawings were amazing, and the people, and the natural scenery. I was surprised by how wonderful it all was, and it really moved me. I may have been feeling relieved when it was over, because I went home that day and ate lots of sweet things.

Q:What was it like in the recording studio?

Everyone was very warm. They were so kind, and I felt like they were constantly indulging me.
Aya Nakamura, who plays Marilla, and Yasunori Matsumoto, who plays Mathew, were both incredibly warm, and always watched over me with kind eyes. Yume Miyamoto, who plays (Diana, was just as kind and wonderful as the Diana from the novel. Because we’re so close in age, I was able to ask her for advice about all sorts of things and we enjoyed chatting. She’s helped me out. Naoya Miyase, who plays Gilbert, pays close attention to all sorts of things, like the intonation of words and the video. He teaches me many things I wouldn’t have realized myself.
Because everyone on the recording staff works to create a fun environment, I’m able to always act my hardest, and I’m really grateful for that!

Q:What would you like to say to the viewers?

I’m going to put all my heart into portraying Anne Shirley’s emotions. I hope you’ll enjoy them together with the wonderful visuals and music!