Main Cast Interview 2 - Koichi Yamadera (Ryoga)

Translation by: Harley Acres

Nicknamed "the man of seven voices," Yamadera-san has played many roles. However, he said he was extremely scared to play Ryoga Hibiki again after thirty-two years. We spoke to him about the unique appeal of Ranma 1/2 as a fighting romantic comedy, and also about what it was like on the set of this completely new version of the anime.

Every recording session is a new challenge. "It's wonderful!"

That was the first thing that came to Yamadera-san's mind when he heard about the plans to make a completely new animated version of Ranma 1/2. He had only been a voice actor for about five years when he took part in the 1989 version of the series as Ryoga Hibiki.

"Ranma 1/2 has had a really big presence in my career. A lot of people got to know me through my role as Ryoga. It's no exaggeration to say that it has given me all the strength I'd need later on."

Ryoga was a former classmate of the main character, Ranma Saotome, and the two rival one other in hand-to-hand combat. He is an important character who falls in love with Akane Tendo and becomes Ranma's rival in love as well. However...

"When I heard about the opportunity to continue to play the role of Ryoga, I thought, 'This is going to be a big deal.' I'm extremely happy to be able to be added to the cast of my beloved Ranma 1/2 once again. But to be honest, I even thought that the role of Ryoga might not be possible for me at this point in my life." ^[1]

Yamadera-san says the difficulties of playing Ryoga again don't just lie in technical aspects such as the change in his voice quality and acting.

"I've gained a lot as a voice actor through experience. But on the other hand, I've also lost some things. And I think I've probably acquired some unnecessary things. I wondered how that would affect me when playing a young character like Ryoga... It was an unknown for me."

The first day of recording finally arrived. Ryoga appears in episode 4.

In fact, I'm more desperate this time than I was in the '89 version. -Yamadera

"It was nerve-wracking! Really, it was scary! I kept checking with the other cast members, 'Am I okay? Am I properly Ryoga?' The Guide and P-chan were fine. I was confident about them. But Ryoga, I was really scared." Yamadera-san also voices P-chan, the black pig which Ryoga transforms into, and the Jusenkyo Guide, who is the cause of Ranma and Ryoga's transformations.

"Even as the recording progresses, I never feel at ease. It's a desperate attempt every time, a new challenge every time."

Frankly, I'm surprised that Yamadera-san, known as "the man of seven voices," is so anxious.

"In our job, our track record doesn't matter. It's all about how the viewers react to the voice we use here and now. If anything, I'm even more desperate this time than I was in the 1989 version. I'm scared to even mention it. I can't help but feel anxious. It's been a long time since I've been scared of anything. I sincerely hope that everyone will accept it."

However, the recording studio is fun.

"Every time we do Ranma 1/2 again, it's such a reward! I talk about it with all the cast members. We've worked hard so far, so let's keep working hard! We encourage each other. New cast members have joined us, and just like in the 1989 version, it has a family-like atmosphere." ^[2] Yamadera-san continues, "Everyone is so enthusiastic. Me too. It's so amazing that it makes me laugh. I'm not going to lose to the younger generation! (laughs) I'm exhausted after the recording. So, afterwards, I enjoy going out for drinks. When we're there, we praise each other for our hard work and encourage each other."

The contrast between the noisy surroundings and the pure love is heartwarming

I'd also like to ask Yamadera-san about the appeal of this completely new animated series.

"The 1989 version was a masterpiece, but this version, directed by Konosuke Uda, has beautifully updated the imagery and tempo to bring it into modern times. ^[3] I particularly like how it follows the storyline of the original manga more closely."

Why is that, do you think?

"After all, Rumiko Takahashi-sensei's original work is the best. When adapting older works into anime, it's normal to rearrange the content to a more modern style. But Ranma is the opposite. That just goes to show how Rumiko-sensei's manga is absolutely fascinating and timeless."

What does Yamadera-san think makes it so fascinating?

"Ranma 1/2 is full of comedy, fighting, romance, and all sorts of other charming things. And even among Rumiko-sensei's works, which are all masterpieces, I don't think there is any other work with as many unique characters as Ranma 1/2. All the characters are totally out there (laughs)."



This also enhances its appeal as a romantic comedy.

"Surrounded by such crazy people, Ranma and Akane's love is completely pure. A lively world and a pure love. I think it's this contrast that makes it even more heart-pounding."

What's more, Ranma and Akane's relationship isn't just frustrating.

"Ranma's transformation makes their romance special. Is it because he turns into (female) Ranma that they can count on each other? If Ranma wasn't a transforming character, would their romance have been different? There are so many possibilities. All the characters are crazy (laughs)."

This also adds to the charm of the series as a romantic comedy.

"Deep inside, Ryoga is pure, innocent and shy. He is also forever devoted to Akane. That is why I want to play him with care. As I myself have gotten older, Ryoga's straightforwardness must not become a 'pretend' straightforwardness. Not just for Ryoga, but for any role, it mustn't seem like I'm forcing myself to play the character. Now that I've gained experience, I have to be careful not to come across as 'acting like I'm straightforward.'"

Playing P-chan is also extremely fun. Akane doesn't realize that Ryoga has transformed, and dotes on him as the black piglet P-chan. "I don't really think about it logically, but when I'm P-chan, I become P-chan, come to think of it. My personality doesn't change completely. Deep down, Ryoga is still there. I play P-chan with Ranma in the same way as Ryoga, like, "You bastard!" But with Akane, I'm not Ryoga, I become P-chan. As P-chan, I call out "Bwee bwee" to Akane. I'm just realizing this for the first time as I'm talking about it now."

Finally, we asked him about his thoughts on the all-new anime.

"I'm very happy that my beloved Ranma 1/2 will be watched by all the people who have been supporting me for such a long time, and the younger generation too. I hope that many people will enjoy it. I'd also like to express my sincere gratitude to Rumiko-sensei, who created the wonderful character Ryoga, to the staff of the 1989 version who selected me for this role that I love, and to the staff of this current version who have given me the good fortune to continue in the role."

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Footnotes

• [1] In their interview in this same issue of DaVinci, Kappei Yamaguchi and Noriko Hidaka discussed Koichi Yamadera's nervousness about returning to the role of Ryoga.
• [2] Ayane Sakura, the voice of Kodachi in the 2024 adaptation, is one such new actor working on the series. She shared her own feelings of nervousness an interview.
• [3] Konosuke Uda was also interviewed in this issue of DaVinci. You can read his interview here.

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