Director: Toshiyuki Kato
What are the highlights of this OVA?
This is the first time that a spin-off of Rohan Kishibe, one of the most popular characters in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, has been adapted to video. Normally, Rohan battles other Stand users, but this time around he fights beings that are beyond human knowledge. I hope the audience will enjoy how he copes with these situations, including his unique expressions that you would never find in the TV series.
In the TV anime, certain scenes featured Rohan as the main character. What did you do differently from those in the anime adaptation of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan?
To begin with, the palette and design of the background art is different from the TV series. This change was made in order to make the most of the original work's horror flavor. Lurking just behind the reality of the scenery is a bizarre world indeed. The change is intended to clearly express the feeling that you could step straight into such a world with the slightest push.
The character designs of this OVA have been completely overhauled compared to the TV series. What was your first impression when you saw Mr. Ishimoto's interpretation of Rohan Kishibe?
It looked great! I was impressed. I believe the original work, At a Confessional, was first published 20 years ago, but it's a long-lasting work within the JoJo series, and has continued to the present day. So Rohan's appearance is slightly different in each title, and I think it captured the current image of Rohan.
Since they appear in this work, please tell us about the strengths of Kyoka Izumi and Ikkyu, and what you paid special attention to when directing them.
I think Izumi is an endearing character in terms of her looks and behavior. She doesn't exactly respect Rohan, but she is tightly connected to him through her job. I want to be careful to not make her seem like just a noisy woman. Since Ikkyu is directly connected to the backbone of the story, I was careful to give him a mysterious element and appearance. He calls to mind the image of a fukusuke doll, and his mannerisms are reminiscent of a cunning butler. I took that into consideration during the production of the video.
I heard that the video began production without a script, and that you drew the storyboard yourself. Is there any particular reason for taking that approach?
Although we started production with a "storyboard," I moreso thought of it as a "scenario." By doing things that way, I was able to objectively grasp the structure of the original work and the way the story was conveyed, which was useful in determining what aspects to emphasize in the production of the video.
There's also a new opening. It's very elaborate.
The OVA was originally going to just be a special bonus video for those who purchased all of the volumes, but Warner Bros. kindly allowed us to create new theme music for the opening. I wanted the song to have a nostalgic and unsettling feel, like the classic Twilight Zone or Twin Peaks. A wonderful song that evokes the content of the video was created, and I think the visuals are mature enough to match it.
Finally, please send out a message to the fans who are looking forward to Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan.
Thank you for purchasing all of the Blu-rays and DVDs. This entry in the Thus Spoke series was created from the perspective of Rohan Kishibe. We have tried to bring out the atmosphere of the original work in the characters' faces and appearances. A fanservice scene has also been added at the end. We hope you enjoy the new adventure that Rohan unfolds.
Rohan Kishibe: Takahiro Sakurai
It's been a while since you did dubbing for JoJo, but how was it? How did you feel about playing Rohan Kishibe again, and what was the dubbing studio like?
I think it was hard for those around me to tell, but I was secretly very excited! I was so excited and happy to be able to record for JoJo again. I was so focused that I recorded the whole thing in one go, and I wanted to savor it even more.
This time, the character design is a little different from Part 4's TV anime series. Was there anything you were conscious of when you played the character?
For me, the most valuable thing was probably being able to experience the difference between the two. There is a wide gap between Diamond is Unbreakable and Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan, but I leaped over it in an instant. I changed no part of my acting. Rohan has not changed.
Please tell us about the highlights of Millionaire Village.
I like the introduction. There's definitely the feeling that something is going to happen in the opening scene between Rohan and Kyoka Izumi, and I can't get enough of it. Please enjoy the thrill of the mystery and excitement.
Finally, do you have a message for the fans who are looking forward to Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan?
This is a high-quality animation that will not betray your expectations. Rohan Kishibe will guide you into a thrilling world. Please watch it.
Kyoka Izumi: Mai Nakahara
How did you feel about participating in the dubbing of JoJo?
I participated in the dubbing process without much prior knowledge, so I was shocked by JoJo's unique worldview and dialogue. That said, I really enjoyed the dubbing sessions, and the senior members even gave me lectures on JoJo on the spot!
What attracted you to the character of Kyoka Izumi and what did you pay attention to in your performance?
I think her charm lies in the fact that she is innocent, natural, and has strength in her ignorance. So I was careful not to seem "intentional" in any regard when I voiced her.
What are some of the highlights of Millionaire Village?
There are only a few characters in the video, so every character comes to life. I hope you enjoy the conversations and perspectives of these bizarre people with different vectors.
Finally, please send out a message to the fans who are looking forward to Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan.
I have the feeling that the staff, the cast, and all of the viewers are quite passionate about this work. Please enjoy it!
Ikkyu: Kaori Mizuhashi
How did you feel participating in the dubbing process for JoJo?
It was interesting to see the studio become a bit of a JoJo space. I thought there was a unique tension in the studio, but in a good way.
What attracted you to the character of Ikkyu and what were you careful to incorporate when voicing him?
The sound director told me to try and give the character a suspicious vibe in general, so I tried my best to make him come across that way. If I knew about an actual kid like that, I would watch my back, ha ha.
What are some of the highlights of Millionaire Village?
There are so many things to see, but I personally like the setting of a mysterious village deep in the mountains. The introduction is like a mystery novel, and it's very exciting.
Lastly, please send out a message to the fans who are looking forward to Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan.
I think it's a wonderful story that is quite different from the main series, but still gives a glimpse into that world. I hope that both those who have been waiting for the video adaptation and those who are experiencing it for the first time will enjoy it.[Translated by HudgynS]