Rumiko Takahashi and Yui Aragaki Reunite after 14 Years for Their First Ranma 1/2 Conversation, Sharing Untold Live Action Stories including a 25 Centimeter Haircut and Childhood Fan Works

Martial Arts Arcs and Technique Names

――Sensei, what are your favorite episodes in Ranma 1/2?

Aragaki:
I want to hear this.

Takahashi:
I wanted to do martial arts, so I cannot name a single title because it spans multiple chapters, but I love the set of episodes where Ranma gets taken down a peg and becomes weak, then develops the ultimate technique Hiryū Shōten Ha. I also like the Herb arc. I enjoyed both drawing the technique sequences and creating the names and mechanisms for the techniques.

Aragaki:
I love them too. The technique names are incredible. They are all very cool, and the naming sense that you would give that name to that move is the best. I also love the scenes that explain the mechanisms.

Takahashi:
Thank you. If you do it straight it is not fun. The heart of manga can be things like thinking how you would make this movement happen, or showing a disliked photo to make someone move and have them chase it and draw a spiral.

Aragaki:
I love the Shishi Hōkō Dan, lowering your ki.

Takahashi:
It is really silly.

――There are many Chinese elements. Was there a reason?

Takahashi:
I have never traveled to mainland China, but I once visited a place with a Chinese flavor where I was moved by the strangeness of the Tiger Balm Garden. Also Chinese decorations are cute, and the clothes are cute and fun to dress characters in.

The New Anime and the Voices that Define Ranma 1 2

――With the new anime after about thirty years, many of the voice cast returned. How did you feel?

Takahashi:
I am very happy. Hearing the voice actors talk about their love for the work fills me with gratitude. Kappei Yamaguchi, who plays Ranma, also appeared in Kiki’s Delivery Service the year the first anime aired, but I think Ranma was announced first. I am happy that Ranma made that voice known to the world.

――He also appeared in Inuyasha

Takahashi:
Yes. I requested him with the sense of by all means.

――The long careers of the voice actors helped make the new adaptation possible

Takahashi:
Truly so. Even with the new Ranma 1 2 nothing felt changed. Despite the years, nothing felt dated and there was a sense of reassurance.

――Aragaki san, how did you like the latest series?

Aragaki:

When I heard the line we kept you waiting in the first promotional video, I teared up. Time stopped. When the broadcast began there were so many moments that felt like that is the panel from the manga, and I felt the respect. The battle scenes had a lot of power and were very enjoyable, and they made me want to reread the manga.

――Season 2 is about to begin. What do you look forward to?

Aragaki:
There are many beloved episodes coming up, so I am excited to see how they will be depicted in the Reiwa era and what the world will feel like on screen. I am happy as a fan that many voice actors are returning. I hope to enjoy the unchanging strengths and the freshness together as an expression of now. People are talking about whether it will go all the way to the original ending. The longer I can watch, the happier I will be.

Takahashi:
Before Season 1 I worried about compliance. Urusei Yatsura had parts that no longer fit now, and Ranma 1 2 even more so has undressing and hitting and harsh words. I worried whether it would be okay, but they skillfully adjusted or carefully removed expressions that might not suit the times while still letting the characters throw punches and kicks, to the point I barely noticed while watching. Since it is MAPPA, the movement is wonderfully good, and I am looking forward to Season 2.

Source : ORICON NEWS