Interview – Yohei Azakami (NERU)

• First, please tell us what your impression was when you received the offer to appear in the project.

I was thrilled since I hadn't voiced a character so remarkably strong in years. I was excited to create an atmosphere like no other together with the keen worldview and Mochizuki-sensei's vivid, sharp, sophisticated illustrations. I'm glad that Gray Sheep as a content lets me connect with a worldview and a design that I find appealing.

 

• Please tell us what you think about the character you voice.

I was like, I really, really like him! Ahah. The gap between his adorable, cool appearance and venomous tongue went straight to my heart, ahah. I have to have his acrylic standee as soon as possible. I like Neru's design and attitude, and that is why I thought hard about how I could make him more attractive.

• Please tell us your impressions after recording the drama.

While recording, I contemplated how I could make Neru more attractive, and I was concerned that he would come across as a little frightening, but when his voice was posted on SNS, I was relieved to find out that many people enjoyed it.
Makoto-san finished recording before I did, so I had something to use as reference, but I had a feeling it would fit in nicely with the image of Neru that I had created, so I tackled it with confidence. As a result, when the drama part movies were uploaded on SNS, I was happy to hear how well the three characters fit into the puzzle. Someday, I'd like to record all at the same time.

• Please tell us your thoughts on recording the song.

Based on the work, I expected it to be a trendy song, but it shattered the illusion in a good way!

The general impression of the song is that it is a cheerful pop song, but the lyrics include some of BAD SKUNK's edginess, making it an assertive song. I was motivated to bring out his (Neru's) uniqueness because there are two other characters portrayed by talented singers, Makoto-san and Kuma-san. I thought a lot about how Neru might sing before performing. It was a lot of fun!