Source: Comic Natalie (Nov 10, 2018) – Interview by Taichi Kasutani, Photos by Tatsuya Irie

Have you ever been swept away by the captivating world of the Monogatari anime series? If you’re a fan like me, you must be excited to know that a new chapter, Zoku Owarimonogatari, has hit the theaters! Based on the beloved novels by NISIOISIN, this latest installment has surprised fans by choosing the big screen as its platform. In this exclusive interview with Hiroshi Kamiya, the talented voice behind protagonist Koyomi Araragi, we dive deep into the joys of having more sequels, the brilliance of NISIOISIN, and unforgettable memories from the past nine years.

“I was startled by NISIOISIN-sensei’s talent.”

When asked about his feelings on reprising the role of Koyomi Araragi after the previous entry, Hiroshi Kamiya expressed his gratitude. Unlike many other shows that have uncertain futures, the Monogatari series always feels like it will continue as long as NISIOISIN-sensei keeps writing. This sense of security allows Hiroshi to focus on the excitement of bringing the next part to life. He considers himself fortunate to be a part of such a unique series.

The surprising return of Zoku Owarimonogatari

Fans were caught off guard when it was announced that Zoku Owarimonogatari would receive theatrical event screenings. It was unexpected, considering that the previous sequels were distributed through special broadcasts and mobile apps. Comic Natalie prepared an exclusive three-part feature to commemorate the premiere of this long-awaited movie.

A captivating journey through the mirror world

Zoku Owarimonogatari introduces a unique gimmick from the novels – rendering some scenes in reverse text. While Hiroshi hasn’t seen the final product, he mentions that the chapter numbers from the novel will be displayed onscreen, starting with a certain scene. The mirror world brings many visually stunning moments, which fans will surely appreciate.

Animated visuals that surpass imagination

Some scenes from the novels are naturally expressed better through animated visuals, like the one where Koyomi puts on a girls’ uniform. Hiroshi recounts how the animation exceeded his imagination, especially with the contradiction of Koyomi’s dialogue and appearance. The synergy between the visuals and the dialogue showcases NISIOISIN-sensei’s incredible talent for writing compelling scenes.

Memorable interactions in Zoku Owarimonogatari

Zoku Owarimonogatari reunites fans with beloved characters from the series’ history. When asked about his most memorable interaction, Hiroshi shares his excitement about the first encounter with Toé Gaen. Their meaningful conversations and the fact that Toé Gaen is voiced by Michiko Neya made this interaction stand out.

The growth of Koyomi Araragi

After the events of Owarimonogatari, Koyomi Araragi has finally grown into someone willing to stand up for himself. Although his core value of self-sacrifice remains, he becomes more self-serving in Zoku Owarimonogatari. Hiroshi believes that Koyomi’s character has evolved, but he still shares the same essence as ever.

The optimal length for a satisfying adaptation

Zoku Owarimonogatari covers the entire novel, consisting of six TV episodes combined into a single movie with a runtime of around 150 minutes. Hiroshi believes this is the perfect length for a dense adaptation. Director Shinbo and his team carefully determined that this was the best way to bring NISIOISIN’s story to life while satisfying the fans who have been following the series for years.

The unique experience of theatrical screenings

Hiroshi expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to have the Monogatari series shown in theaters. While theaters may not be as mainstream today, they provide an environment where viewers can fully immerse themselves in the movie. Just like Kizumonogatari, Zoku Owarimonogatari has been transformed into a cinematic experience, ensuring that the fans will enjoy not only the film but also the pleasure of watching it in a theater.

A decade of Monogatari

In 2020, the Monogatari anime series will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. When asked about any changes in his portrayal of Koyomi Araragi, Hiroshi reveals that his acting method has remained consistent. He aims to please the fans and make them recognize his voice as the definitive portrayal of Koyomi. Over the years, Koyomi’s character has become ingrained in the minds of both Hiroshi and the audience, creating a unique connection.

Unforgettable memories

Reflecting on the past nine years, Hiroshi shares that the story arcs in Nisemonogatari had the biggest impact on him. These arcs delved into Koyomi’s relationship with his sisters, Karen and Tsukihi, bringing a new emotional complexity to the series. Additionally, he fondly remembers Nekomonogatari Black, which premiered during the last two hours of New Year’s Eve, transforming the Monogatari series into something truly extraordinary.

As we eagerly await the release of Zoku Owarimonogatari in theaters, Hiroshi Kamiya’s words assure us that this movie will satisfy all the fans who have been following this remarkable series from the beginning. So, get ready for a thrilling and visually stunning experience that will transport you back into the mesmerizing world of Monogatari.

About Hiroshi Kamiya

Hiroshi Kamiya, born on January 28 in Chiba Prefecture, is a versatile voice actor, narrator, and music artist. With numerous awards under his belt, including Best Voice Actor at the Tokyo International Anime Fair and the Tokyo Anime Awards, Hiroshi has captivated audiences with his performances. Notable roles include Takashi Natsume (Natsume’s Book of Friends), Levi (Attack on Titan), Saiki Kusuo (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.), and Ryohei Haizaki (Inazuma Eleven Ares).

Article written by Fecomic brand