Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon: Sara Matsumoto, Mikako Komatsu and Azusa Tadokoro Interview - What future developments are the three looking forward to? "I want to see some parent-child interactions!"

Translated by: Harley Acres

January 23, 2021
Pash! Plus

The original TV anime series Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, which tells the story of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's daughters from Inuyasha, is currently airing to rave reviews on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV every Saturday from 5:30 p.m. This series features a new story with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's daughters as the main characters. The main characters are Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha, three girls of mixed demon and human descent. The series depicts these three "half-demon princesses" rampaging freely through the modern world and the Sengoku period.

We interviewed Sara Matsumoto, who plays Sesshomaru's daughter Towa Higurashi; Mikako Komatsu, who plays Setsuna; and Azusa Tadokoro, who plays Inuyasha and Kagome's daughter Moroha! Among the surprising facts revealed each week, we asked them about the most memorable one, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from their auditions. The three, who boast of being "big fans of Inuyasha," spoke at length about their favorite characters and what they hope to see in future developments.

Interview with Sara Matsumoto, Mikako Komatsu and Azusa Tadokoro!

When it was announced that a story about Inuyasha's daughters would be made, it became a hot topic on social media. I'm sure everyone was surprised as well.

Matsumoto-san: I was really surprised. I watched Inuyasha as a child, so the fact that the characters would have children was a shock to me at first. My first thought was, "How were they born?" Since the work has strong fantasy elements, it was such a shock to me that I started to imagine strange ways for people to be born... (laughs).

Tadokoro-san: I watched the anime when I was little, and I knew it ended in a beautiful way, so I was surprised to find out there was a new story, but I was also very happy to be able to watch the continuation of my favorite work again. While I could imagine a child being Inuyasha and Kagome's, I was shocked to find out that they were also Sesshomaru's. I was like, "Whose child is this!?" (laughs). Before auditioning, I looked over the character designs carefully (laughs). I remember being deeply moved by Moroha's appearance, as she inherited those traits of Inuyasha and Kagome.

Komatsu-san: When I heard about the audition, the title was Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, so I thought, "That sounds like an Inuyasha title," but I was truly surprised to find out that it was a work that legitimately continued the "Inuyasha world." It described it as a story about children carrying on to the next generation, and what's more, it was Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's daughters! I had also read Inuyasha, so I felt a sense of nostalgia, but at the same time, I was excited to see a new world of Inuyasha being born.

Many characters from Inuyasha also appear in this series. What was it like on set?

Matsumoto-san: Given the current situation, we're recording with a small number of people, but since the three Yashahime interact with each other the most, they often end up together. They're also particular about the order of recording, and because acting is a "live" thing, they try to have us record with people we interact with as much as possible.

Komatsu-san: Moroha often acts alone, so there were times when we didn't meet at all (laughs).

Tadokoro-san: That's true (wry smile). We can't meet unless we're interacting... At one point, I was often recording with Jyubei (played by: Tsuyoshi Koyama).

Komatsu-san: We only record with a small number of people at once, but since the Yashahime interact with most of the characters, we're able to act together with the voice actors of guest characters. I talk with them during recordings, and they often say, "My child is looking forward to the broadcast of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon. There are other people besides us who have been influenced by the Inuyasha series, and even though we had very little time we were able to talk about our love for the series, so I think there was a lot of communication between the cast members.

Tadokoro-san: I feel like I've been included in the "Inuyasha family," and I'm very happy about that.

What was the most memorable scene for you to act in?

Matsumoto-san: Episode 14 was the turning point in the story. It was the episode in which we found out who the culprit was behind the forest fire that Towa and Setsuna got caught up in when they were little. Despite the fact that the culprit who separated Towa and Setsuna was actually there, I still sympathized with the enemy...

Komatsu-san: It was passionate, wasn't it!

Matsumoto-san: It was heartbreaking, yet ephemerally beautiful. There was a scene in which the culprit, a character named Homura, burns himself with his own flames, and it really touched me during the recording. I could understand why Towa was unable to move in the face of what was happening right in front of her. I still remember the feeling of Setsuna calling me back, saying, "Pull yourself together!" And just when I thought Homura was the culprit, it turned out the real culprit was the one who ordered Homura to burn down the forest! And their father was nearby... I was left confused, wondering, "What's he trying to do!?" There were a lot of shocking moments, so it left a particularly strong impression on me.

Tadokoro-san: More than any specific episode, what really stuck with me as uniquely Inuyasha was how they'd explain the situation while performing techniques, even when surprised or in a crisis (laughs).

Matsumoto-san: That might be true for Moroha!

Komatsu-san: Moroha explains a lot, doesn't she? (laughs)

Tadokoro-san: Even though she's surprised, she still explains things clearly. Come to think of it, there were a lot of scenes like this in Inuyasha. The enemies also explain things, and sometimes they wait for you to attack (laughs).

Komatsu-san: They're so kind (laughs).

Tadokoro-san: That said, I had to maintain the momentum of the battle scenes and express the emotional surprise, so it was quite difficult technically. But my seniors have done it before, so I felt I had to properly express those elements, so I'm doing my best, even though it's a struggle. Looking back at Inuyasha again, Miroku was often in that position (laughs).

Komatsu-san: Miroku, you're right, he had a lot of explanation (laughs). What made the biggest impression on me was the episode on the new moon (episode 12), which I thought was "an episode that any half-demon would have." I also liked episode 13, where Miroku also appeared, depicting his relationship with his son, Hisui. I was glad that Miroku's message, "I'm not just holed up in the mountains," was properly conveyed to Hisui (laughs). I've fallen in love with Miroku all over again!

In each episode, various mysteries are revealed little by little, but what was the most surprising thing?

All: It's difficult! I'm surprised every time!

Tadokoro-san: For me, it was the part in episode 15 when Zero tells Homura to "burn down that forest and be done with it," and even though Sesshomaru heard it, he just leaves without saying anything. It made me worry, thinking, "Maybe he doesn't love his children..." even though I didn't truly think that was the case.

Matsumoto-san: If you only see that part, you can't help but think that.

Tadokoro-san: I was also surprised by what happened after that.

Matsumoto-san: That's the part where they put Inuyasha and Kagome inside the black pearl, right? That part really moved me, I was like, "Dad..." Well, maybe it wasn't so much moving as it was more "understanding." It made me think, "Sesshomaru wouldn't do something like that without thinking it through."

Komatsu-san: Sesshomaru just doesn't say important things.

Matsumoto-san: I realized he's just not good at talking.

Komatsu-san: The thing that surprised me the most actually happened after that. I can't say it because it would be a spoiler, but... Riku's true identity is... mumble mumble.

Matsumoto-san: We just happened to hear it too (laughs).

Komatsu-san: It wasn't something we were supposed to hear (laughs). We really weren't told what would happen next until we received the script.

Matsumoto-san: As for the story about Riku, I happened to hear the keyword and was surprised, thinking "Oh, so that's what happened!?", so I think viewers will probably be quite surprised as well. Stay tuned (laughs)!

Komatsu-san: There were some hints at it when Riku first appeared, though...

Matsumoto-san: I think those with good intuition are probably thinking "Huh?"

Komatsu-san: And, as I mentioned about memorable scenes, what has Miroku been up to up until now?

Matsumoto-san: Me too! I was also surprised at how well he'd aged.

Tadokoro-san: He aged really well, didn't he? (laughs) It was really cool. I was always curious about what he'd been doing after the Wind Tunnel disappeared. Matsumoto-san: I knew from Inuyasha that Miroku and Sango had a child, but his upbringing and their interactions with the child weren't depicted, so I was always curious about that. But when I saw his communication with his son, and he was one of my favorite characters, I was so moved and thought, "Be a great father!" It was so touching to see how Miroku hasn't changed even after becoming a father.

Tadokoro-san: Isn't the conversation between Kagome and Sango, the other mothers, also great? It's like a conversation between mom friends (laughs). I was really touched by how considerate Sango was to Kagome, saying, "The baby's due soon, isn't it? Watch your step." As the one who plays Moroha, episode 16 is a must-watch!

Komatsu-san: Up until that point, there hadn't been an episode that focused so much on Moroha's past.

Tadokoro-san: This episode also explains why Moroha makes so much money. She was once asked, "What do you do with all that money?", but she dodged the question.

There are a lot of episodes worth checking out (laughs).

Matsumoto-san: Episodes 14, 15, and 16 are really intense! (laughs)

Tadokoro-san: That's true!

Komatsu-san: There's a lot of information.

Matsumoto-san said earlier that she likes Miroku-sama, but could you tell us who your favorite characters are?

Tadokoro-san: I love Kohaku and Sesshomaru. Seeing Kohaku's sad life, where he's suffered terribly and sacrificed himself, made me want to make him happy. I also love Akiko Yajima-san's acting, and the sense of tragedy that emanated from her voice really made me want to protect Kohaku. Now he's grown up and has successfully taken over the exterminator business...for some reason, I'm proud of him (laughs). He's become a fine man...

Matsumoto-san: I just love Miroku and Naraku! At first, I was shocked by Naraku, thinking, "There's such a twisted kind of love!" It all started with a sudden spark in his heart for Kikyo, but I never imagined it would develop like that... The feelings that sprouted from a small trigger became more powerful than anything else for Naraku, and drove him to take those actions. It's strange to say I "learned" that this is also a form of "love" (laughs). As for Miroku, I just think he's cool. Having someone like him in a group is really helpful. For example, I like the fact that he's not the student council president, but the vice president. He's the unsung hero who works behind the scenes with the person who gets to run the most wild. I also love the contrast with how he becomes rude once he gets to know everyone better.

Komatsu-san: I was influenced by Kagome, but my favorite is Kagura. Though she was a member of the Naraku faction, her heart was so unstable that I wondered, "Was she really born from Naraku?" and she had a somewhat human quality. I think beings born from Naraku are born from something that Naraku originally possessed, and I think Kagura possessed a faint "human heart" that existed within Naraku. I really empathized with her when she became free by turning into wind at the end. I'll never forget the scene where she died with Sesshomaru by her side. Somewhere in her heart, she was drawn to Sesshomaru, relied on him, and loved that relationship. She was simply precious... I wanted to be like Kagome, but it was Kagura's way of life that captivated me.

What do you three think are the appealing aspects of Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha?

Matsumoto-san: Unlike Setsuna and Moroha, Towa grew up in the modern day, where there are no life-threatening conflicts, so when it comes to living in the Sengoku period, there are scenes where she is told she is "too weak." I thought Towa was the type of character who would brush off such comments by saying "That's not true!" But when Setsuna or Moroha point it out to her, she accepts the fact and tries to improve. It's this softness at heart that shows that she was raised by Sota's family (Sota Higurashi: Kagome's younger brother), and I can sense her mother's blood in her.



Komatsu-san: Setsuna is the complete opposite of Towa. Having grown up in the Sengoku period, she remains calm even in battle scenes. I also feel that her way of speaking and thinking are strongly influenced by Sesshomaru. However, she was also raised by the exterminators, so she is also very compassionate. I think that is the most direct difference between her and Sesshomaru. She's only 14, so I think she's a girl who can clearly express the turmoil of her true self. While she fights calmly, she also witnesses Towa's way of doing things and living and is flexible enough to accept it, thinking, "I see, there are other ways of thinking about it." She never says it aloud, though (laughs). The script says "...", but I try to act with the idea that she is mulling over those scenes in her own way. There are also occasional comedy scenes, and she's surprisingly enjoying them (laughs). She's surprisingly easygoing. I wonder if it's the influence of growing up among people?



Tadokoro-san: Moroha seems a little foolish at first glance (laughs). But she also has an innocent side that makes her act before thinking, and having survived the Warring States period alone, she is skilled in fighting. She also has an unexpected contrast to the three Yashahime in that she is the one who is most strategic and gives the most orders, making her a character you can't take your eyes off of. Her expressions and emotions change so frequently that it's hard for me to keep up. But that's what makes her so appealing, and I never get bored of watching her. She has the nobility, shrewdness, and adult-like qualities that come from having survived the Warring States period alone, but she also has the innocence that only a child can have, and I think she's a really adorable girl.

You mentioned earlier that the three of you often record together. What were your impressions of each other's acting, and were there any parts that inspired you to change your acting?

Matsumoto-san: The only materials I was given for the audition were character designs by Rumiko Takahashi-sensei (the original author of Inuyasha) and a simple relationship chart, so I had no idea what the characters would sound like when animated. Then, when recording began and I heard the two of you voice Setsuna and Moroha and your acting, I thought, "I see!" and it all clicked. You two are really good at grasping the characters, and I remember thinking, "I have to make sure I don't cause them any trouble...!" Tadokoro/Komatsu-san: No, no, no, no! Thank you!

Matsumoto-san: No, no, no (laughs). It's really hard to keep up, and I still learn so much from you two with each episode.

Tadokoro-san: I'm happy. Actually, when I auditioned, I also auditioned for the roles of the two other characters besides Moroha. But to be honest, I couldn't imagine what their voices would sound like. When we actually recorded together, I thought, "This is it!" Towa is a difficult character, she's struggling because she grew up in the modern era and then finds herself thrust into the Sengoku period. I thought Sara-san's straightforward acting, which exudes her personality, was the perfect fit to make you want to side with Towa.

Matsumoto-san: Wow! I'm so happy...

Tadokoro-san: Komatsu-san's Setsuna also really brings out Sesshomaru. As a woman, I think it's incredibly difficult to capture (Ken) Narita-san's acting. I auditioned for the role myself, so I know how difficult it is, but Komatsu-san exudes that strength while also expressing the cuteness of a 14-year-old. I think it's Komatsu-san's skill that really brings out Setsuna's versatility.

Komatsu-san: Ahhh (embarrassed, hides face).

Everyone: (laughs)

Tadokoro-san: That's why I feel like I have to keep up with them. I'm always regretting things. I go home feeling depressed.

Matsumoto/Komatsu-san: No, no, no, no.

Komatsu-san: I think what Koroazu-chan (Tadokoro-san's nickname) said, "Your personality comes out in your character," is absolutely true. ^[1] Towa looks sharp and boyish in pictures, but she's actually very friendly. I think that flexibility is probably due in part to being raised by the Higurashi family. Sara-chan is also really friendly, flat-footed, and has no barriers between herself and others. She can get along with anyone. When I see Towa's lines in the script, I tend to think, “This is such a pain,” but I think that's because her endearingly clingy nature rubs off on me too.

Moroha is truly a character who inherited the blood of Inuyasha and Kagome, and Koroazu-chan plays her in a straightforward manner, perfectly combining Inuyasha's roughness and Kagome's inner strength. Also, Koroazu-chan's airheaded side and playful absent-mindedness are matched with Moroha's, making her even cuter. Even when she gets irritated, Setsuna is able to accept it with her own unique style. This is the Koroazu magic (laughs)!

What happens if you apply Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha's relationship dynamics to the three of them?

All: It fits us perfectly! (laugh)

Komatsu-san: It feels pretty much the same. Maybe it's their roles? For example, Sara-chan is a great mood setter, friendly, and fearless—in a sense, she's the vanguard leader. I think she's very similar to Towa in terms of her position. Moroha is a lively, energetic character, and she's inherited the blood of Inuyasha and Kagome, but within Yashahime, she's the balancer. She's very sensitive to the atmosphere, and has a territory where she won't go beyond. For example, she won't talk about how she makes money. I think the fact that she's not completely open from the start is similar to Koroazu-chan.

Matsumoto-san: I know! That's why it makes you want to know more. Like, "Show me more!" (laughs)

What do Komatsu-san and Setsuna have in common?

Komatsu-san: Setsuna is a girl who can properly express her opinions at important times. She makes calm decisions and knows when to say something and when not to, but I also feel like I'm the one making the judgement and deciding when to keep quiet. Even in scenes where it seems like she's not listening to what others are saying, Setsuna is probably listening. But she deliberately doesn't say anything. She has the option to "not answer." Being silent doesn't mean she's not listening or doesn't want to answer, but rather that she's taking a moment to think things over. I think I can really relate to that.

Matsumoto-san: I think Setsuna is the "axis" of the three Yashahime, but even among the three of us, there's a sense that "we couldn't do without Mikako-san." When we're in trouble, we often glance over at Mikako-san (laughs).

Tadokoro-san: Mikako-san is always calm and keeps a close eye on everyone, so we rely on her when we're in trouble. When the three of us go shopping, I sometimes ask her, "Am I buying too much?" and if she says yes, I put it back on the shelf (laughs). I leave that kind of judgment up to her, and I end up relying on her.

Komatsu-san: Surprisingly, she doesn't really think about it at all (laughs).

What do you three think is the appeal of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon?

Matsumoto-san: Mikako-san mentioned earlier that one of her co-stars said, "My child is looking forward to it," so I think that for those who enjoyed Inuyasha, this will be a work that parents and children can enjoy together. Some characters continue from Inuyasha, and various things are intertwined in various places. I think it will be interesting to think about it, unravel it in your own way, and compare it to the story later. Inuyasha had quite a lot of romance elements, so... I wonder who will end up with whom in Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon? It might be fun to enjoy watching and fantasizing like that (laughs).

Tadokoro-san: We're doing theories too (laughs). We, the cast, aren't told much about what's going to happen next, so we get excited about it on our own. For those who enjoyed Inuyasha, I'm sure you're curious about what kind of lives your favorite characters led. You can find out about that in Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, so I think that's a big part of its appeal. Also, like Inuyasha, all the characters are beautiful. I instantly fell in love with Kirinmaru (laughs). The villains are also very unique, and I find myself wanting to know more about them. That's why I find myself wanting to see what happens next. There are so many mysteries that you can't miss it, and I think the charm of the story is that you get so immersed in its world.

Komatsu-san: For those of us who grew up watching Inuyasha, the idea of ​​an "Inuyasha World" without Inuyasha feels strange. The daughters are the main characters, and in a sense the story revolves around solving the mystery of why they've never met their parents. Inuyasha also had elements of resentment with Kikyo and romance with Kagome, but this time a major element is the girls learning about their parentage, and I think that's what makes it so appealing. Also, the hints at the presence of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru and the others at key points are addictive.

Matsumoto-san: The way they're introduced is clever, isn't it?

Komatsu-san: That's right! Like when only their feet are visible (laughs). That's an element that traditional fans will love.

Thank you. So, could you three tell us what you're looking forward to in the future developments of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon?

Matsumoto-san: If we're talking about what we're looking forward to, we'd love to see the fathers do something together. It would be great if the Yashahime came to their rescue when they were in trouble.

Komatsu-san: I'd like to see a conversation between father and daughters.

Matsumoto-san: I'm so nervous...

Tadokoro/Komatsu-san: That's true! I'm so nervous!

Komatsu-san: My imagination is running wild, wondering what they'll talk about, what they'll say to me, etc.

Matsumoto-san: I wonder what they'll call each other when they actually meet? There was an episode where Kagome called Moroha "Moroha," but... If Sesshomaru-sama called me "Towa," I might get a nosebleed (laughs).

Tadokoro/Komatsu-san: (laughs)

Komatsu-san: In her conversation with the Tree of Ages, Setsuna says, "I don't know anyone named Sesshomaru!" (laughs). I bet even when she meets her father, she'll say something like, "Are you Sesshomaru?" But I'd love for him to call her "Setsuna" (laughs). All: We'd love to see the parent-child interaction (laughs).

Thank you very much!

(Interview and text by Kaori Yoneda)

Broadcast Information:

Broadcasts Saturdays at 5:30 PM on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV networks.
*Excluding some areas

Director: Teruo Sato
Series Composition: Katsuyuki Sumizawa
Main Character Design: Rumiko Takahashi
Animation Character Design: Yoshihito Hishinuma
Music: Kaoru Wada
Art Director: Shigemi Ikeda and Yukiko Maruyama
Color Design: Miyuki Sato
Director of Photography: Shigemi Ogawa
Editing: Kazuhiro Arai
Sound Director: Yasushi Nagura
Animation Production: Sunrise
Production: Sunrise, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV

Main Cast:

Towa Higurashi: Sara Matsumoto
Setsuna: Mikako Komatsu
Moroha: Azusa Tadokoro

• Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Sunrise Official Website
  
• Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Official Twitter (@hanyo_yashahime)

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Footnotes

• [1] "Koroazu" (ころあず) is Azusa Tadakoro's nickname.Inuyasha: The Final Act.
• [2] Some sections of this interview are also included in the Animage Plus, Animage Times and Mantan Web interviews from the same month, as if a pool reporter handled this interview and shared it with a number of outlets that each ran it with small tweaks and edits.

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