The second season of the TV anime "The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten It," based on a popular light novel, will begin airing on TOKYO MX and other channels from April 3rd. This will be the first new season in approximately three years since the first season aired from January to March 2023. The story follows the love story between Fujimiya Shu and Shiina Mahiru, who happen to live next door to each other in an apartment building. The second season will depict the sweet and frustrating romance between the two, who started dating at the end of the first season. In the first season, Shu and Mahiru's relationship was frustrating at times, but how will it change now that they are a couple? We asked Taito Ban, who plays Shu, and Manaka Iwami, who plays Mahiru, to reflect on the first season and talk about the second season.
◇Continuing into Season 2 with the same passion
--This is your first new release in about three years.
Sakamoto-san announced it at an event after the first season aired...
It was two years ago, Mr. Iwami .
When Sakamoto-san was on the first season, the second season hadn't been decided yet, so the fact that it's a second season thanks to everyone's overwhelming response makes us very happy.
We received a great response from Iwami-san even while the show was airing, and I was secretly hoping there would be a second season. I could feel the depth of everyone's love for the show, so I was happy. Mahiru was incredibly popular as a character, so I did feel the pressure of that.
--There were various projects planned even after the first season aired.
It's great that we were able to go into season two with Sakamoto-san 's enthusiasm still intact. There was even a plan for a live-action adaptation on April Fool's Day. I wasn't offered a role, though (laughs). There were a lot of projects that we could enjoy together with the fans.
I really enjoyed the planning of the trip with Ms. Iwami , as she put a lot of thought into every detail. Besides the idol project, there was also a radio show. I participated in a cooking project, but I'm not very good at cooking... It's been three years since the last new project, but I've been involved in the production all this time.
Sakamoto-san has been playing the role for a long time, so it doesn't really feel like it's been that long since we last saw him.
◇The confession scene is linked to Mahiru's feelings.
--What was important to you while acting?
Mahiru Iwami is a serious girl, so I make sure to deliver each word clearly. It's less about throwing words and more about placing them in front of her. Her tone doesn't change drastically; she's the type to weave words within her own boundaries, and even when she's angry, she doesn't raise her voice. She prioritizes getting her point across. Before the first season started, I thought that since she's such a cute character, maybe I should make her voice cuter. She's an "angel," so I was trying to add more of a fluffy feel to her voice, but the sound director told me to "use your natural voice." So, I'm performing in the same tone I normally use when I speak.
Mr. Saka, I try to speak in a way that's true to myself. I think it would be possible to make it sound cooler or to make the flirting more obvious, but I wanted to make it feel a little frustrating. That was something Mr. Iwami helped bring out, and I just expressed what I felt and thought. We created it together.
--What was the most memorable scene from the first season?
Mr. Sakamoto, for me it's the scene in episode 7 where we confess our feelings to each other. It's a turning point in the story.
Iwami-san, I also found episode 7 particularly memorable. And the final scene of the last episode. It ends with a hug, and it's so pure and wonderful. Up until then, the hugs had meant comforting each other's wounds or showing understanding, but after they became lovers and she received Shu's straightforward confession, it was a hug that expressed love, and the fact that it ended there was wonderful, and I think it was a pure and beautiful scene that was typical of this work. It's not a predetermined expression, but a voice that comes across honestly, so it resonates, and Shu is not a character with ulterior motives, and the words that come out honestly are cool. The confession scene at the end of the first season was also a wonderful honest confession. He confessed for quite a long time though (laughs).
Mr. Sakamoto, it certainly was a long one (laughs).
I really resonated with Ms. Iwami's words , and it brought back so many memories. I felt happy myself, connecting with Mahiru's feelings.
--There were a lot of frustrating scenes in the first season, weren't there...?
I'm getting impatient with Iwami-san , but I have too many sweet memories of him.
There were times when Sakamoto-san felt that Shu-kun was oblivious, right? That's why Mahiru-chan was able to be a little bolder in her approach.
Yes, that happened , Mr. Iwami .
Perhaps that was the frustrating part for Sakamoto-san . Shu-kun had low self-esteem, but he changed after meeting Mahiru-chan.
◇Full of happy vibes!
--What changes have occurred in the second phase?
Ms. Iwami has changed so much; her direction has become brighter too. There are more comical scenes, and some scenes use chibi characters to make them look more pop, so from the beginning, we talked about making it "happier." It starts with the two of them already dating, so it's full of happy vibes.
Sakamoto-san is on fire right from the first episode, and the sweet parts are really sweet. Because it's become sweeter, the emotional moments are deeper, and I hope you enjoy the contrast.
The distance between the two characters in the story is getting closer. Their relationship was already established in the first episode, but I felt like their perspectives were broadening. New characters are also being introduced. However, their unique characteristics remain firmly in place.
Although the recording for the first season of Sakamoto's show took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the two of them were able to record together throughout the entire process.
It was mostly just a conversation between Iwami-san and me. In the second season, we all recorded together, so that was a change. There was a certain atmosphere that was established in the first season, so we continued to do that in some parts.
Sakamoto-san's voice recording sessions are progressing very quickly. That's partly because most of the dialogue is between the two of us.
◇The first season was also full of tension…
--What are your impressions of each other as actors?
I think Ms. Iwami is a very serious and passionate actor. She is very particular about her acting and is good at finding the good in those around her.
Mr. Sakamoto, that's a little embarrassing (laughs). Ms. Iwami is really good at bringing things out. She sincerely listens to what I say and responds accordingly. She really listens to my acting and understands it. She's amazing. Even before we worked together on this project, whenever I saw her on set, I thought she was an incredible senior, even though I'm older than her. That's why I felt nervous during the first season.
Is that so, Mr. Iwami !?
Mr. Sakamoto, I felt pressured about whether I could keep up with such an amazing actor as Mr. Iwami. Though, I was just feeling that pressure on my own.
-- What pressure are you feeling in the second season?
Mr. Saka, that wasn't the case. I knew you would accept it, and I was reminded of how wonderful you are.
The second season is said to be "sweet and thrilling," but what kind of exciting developments await us? Please keep an eye on Shu and Mahiru. (Manami Anima/MANTANWEB)
