How did you end up becoming a voice actor for FGO?
I started out voicing Fujimaru Ritsuka, the protagonist of FGO in a drama CD before I was given the roles of Arjuna and Dantes. I've been a long-time fan of TYPE-MOON works though, so I was ecstatic when I was given the opportunity.
What do you think is the appeal behind Arjuna?
I wonder if it's because Arjuna has a story where you can see the deeper side of him. He's honest and a bit clumsy, and it's strange to say this because he's a hero, but I find that he's charming and seems like a good person. Yet at the same time even though he's a hero, he feels human emotions like anguish and resentment, and so if you dig deeper into his character, you can sympathize with him. I think these are some of the points that make Arjuna so appealing to others. On the other hand, I wonder if we end up thinking that he has worries that we humans can't even fathom because even Arjuna sees himself as a hero. On top of his future potential moving forward, he seems like a very promising character.
What do you think is the appeal behind Dantes?
He's really cool, don't you think? Particularly in the Fate series, in different works the Servant is summoned and experiences all kinds of things, and sometimes the Servant even undergoes character development. But for Dantes, I wonder if he's only able to be summoned in the FGO universe, because in other alternate universes, there isn't really any event that would trigger his summoning, and it's very easy for him to become partners with the protagonist of FGO. Plus he's a fantastic partner with super cool lines.
Of all the Servants that you've voiced, which lines left the biggest impression on you?
There's a line from the TV CM for Arjuna that I recorded before the game. "My only wish is for eternal solitude." (3:30) There's also another line where he says, "You saw me!", but seeing this line I thought, "Ah, he wants to be alone." He's richer than anyone else, he's called the "Blessed Hero", but the fact that he expressed he wanted to be alone touched me. So of course I was curious, and it got me to thinking what kind of person he was. It was this very line that got me curious about him.
For Dantes, my favourite line is, "You called me!" (4:09) It feels like I'm calling for an anti-hero when I say that. Anyways, Dantes is really cool. Arjuna is cool too, but he's a Servant that to me personally gives off a charming vibe.
Who are your favourite Servants besides the ones you have voiced?
I like them all though (laughs). Of course, Saber, Artoria, she was the first. The newer characters as well, they all have their appealing qualities, but even among them...leaving them aside, my personal favourite is...Tamamo no Mae. Also known by her more intimate nickname, Casko. She's cute, isn't she? Seeing Tamamo-chan-sama burst into laughter is quite adorable, but she feels like an exception to me. My strongest impression of her is as the Caster Tamamo no Mae in Fate Extra. But Lancer Tamamo no Mae, in other words, Tamamo-chan-sama, feels like an FGO-exclusive character, so while I usually like Tamamo no Mae...it's Tamamo-chan-sama that I can't hold back for. She's adorable! I love her! Mikon!
Why do you think FGO receives so much love from fans?
I'm sure there are lots of reasons, but I feel that the biggest reason is because the creators love FGO. The creators and everyone associated with it love FGO and enjoy it, so it makes me wonder if everyone gives it their love and has fun with it as a result.
Please say a word for the FGO fans of Korea.
Congratulations on FGO being released in Korea! I'm very happy that the people of Korea can enjoy the game I love so much. Have fun with it with all your heart, and if you're interested, please check out the other works in the Fate series or TYPE-MOON works. If you learn more about the other works, you will enjoy FGO more as well, and it becomes a never-ending loop. Everyone, please dive deep into FGO!