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My Deer Friend Nokotan Voice Actor Interview

Date: 2024 July 07 11:01

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Madcap school comedy anime My Deer Friend Nokotan hits streaming services today. It's already caused a stir on social media with many fans hooked on the concept of a former delinquent school girl making friends with deer turned human.

The anime will be available on multiple streaming services including Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime.

Being intrigued about the anime adaption, we decided to get in touch with the Japanese Voice actors of the show to ask them more about it. So here's our interview with Megumi Han who plays Noko Shikanoko "Nokotan" and Saki Fujita who plays Torako Koshi "Koshitan".

Otaku News would like to thank Megumi Han and Saki Fujita for being available for interview and giving such awesome answers to all our questions. The anime will be available on multiple streaming services including Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime. The manga will be available in English from Seven Seas Entertainment.

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An interview with Megumi Han

Megumi Han

You've played a wide variety of main and supporting roles in anime. How's Nokotan different from other characters you've played?

Well, she's a deer, all the time. Can't mistake her for anything else, since her name is-Noko Shikanoko-a deer! Call her Nokotan. It's her deer life that makes her so captivating. She's just living free and wild, no rules to hold her back.

Do you have a favourite scene in the anime?

Every scene is a gem!!! Dive into this meticulously crafted world from corner to corner and enjoy the ride!!!

My favourite character is of course Nokotan, but besides her, Koshitan is also so adorable. First of all, the story wouldn't have begun without the encounter with Koshitan. Without her, nothing would happen. If "My Deer Friend" is Nokotan, from her point of view, Koshitan is that "My Dear Friend."

During recording, I always aimed to make Oshioshio-sensei laugh as much as possible since Oshioshio-sensei was always there at the studio. I felt like winning every time I managed to crack Oshioshio-sensei up. However, I got too serious with it and ended up flubbing my lines and spreading this bad habit to everyone. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for that. It's true what they say about too much of a good thing. I deeply regret it.

Was there anything that was hard to perform?

The key was to just go with the flow...But hey, let's be real, acting without thinking is a tall order! Just kidding. I mean, there were moments where I had to nail it as a voice actor, and switching up the vibes required some careful consideration. And then, it was all about finding that balance between sticking to the script and letting loose with the performance.

How do you think anime fans will react to the show?

I think fans may react with confusion, joy, fear, tears, excitement, or various other emotions. But that's perfectly fine. It's good. Feel freely, since there's no right answer.

Have you got a message for viewers who are about to watch the show?

Given the pre-release buzz, it's heartwarming to realize that deers are loved by people around the world. "My Deer Friend" is always here to welcome you. Feel free to watch it whenever you like, feel however you want, and share it as you please. May Koshitan and friends be the nourishment for your heart.


An interview with Saki Fujita

Saki Fujita

You played a wide variety of anime voice roles, how's Koshitan different from other characters you've played?

Koshitan, president of the student council, is like the epitome of excellence and beauty at Hino Minami High School. Meanwhile, she's all about striving to maintain her "model student" image while hiding her past as a former delinquent.

Apart from her delinquent past, she's just your average JK who adores all things cute, totally grounded.

So, when Nokotan enters her life, it's like her whole world gets upside down.

When there's no one to play the fool, she keeps on the solo-retorting, faces tough situations, and battles alone. No matter what, Koshitan shines.

That's what makes Koshitan so impressive! Though saying that might just stress her out even more! (laughs)

I'm having a blast playing her, so I'm really grateful to have met Koshitan.

Do you have a favorite scene in the anime?

I'd say all of them! But that won't answer the question. If I had to pick one, Koshitan's singing scene in episode 3 is a must-see moment! Oh, and fans should definitely keep an eye out for the deers in the background whenever they appear.

My favorite episode, which is also in the original manga, has to be the Deer Life Game. I also love the shrine episode. I have a soft spot for Mitsusan, the grandma who worships deer.

Kikuko Inoue, who voices her, would listen to our recordings while laughing during her own tests. It's such a confidence boost to have a senior voice actor laughing along with us, imagining that the viewers might be laughing too! I'm giving it my all with the support of such a kind senior!

Is it difficult voicing a reformed delinquent?

Koshitan thinks it would be the end of the world if her former delinquent identity were exposed, but that is not something you can hide easily, so she always keeps her battle mode on.

How do you think anime fans will react to the show?

I hope fans find the combination of art, animation, sound, and direction engaging and think, "this is hilarious! I love it!" Even if they don't understand the nuanced Japanese dialogue, I think they'll still find it funny.

As for Koshitan, I'm not sure...

In the world of "My Deer Friend," where deer and supernatural phenomena are readily accepted, Koshitan only has the viewers on her side. So, I truly hope everyone will support, love, and cherish Koshitan from the bottom of my heart.

Have you got a message for viewers who are about to watch the show?

I believe this anime can convey its message even to those who don't understand Japanese, so I'm incredibly happy to receive support from people all around the world.

To those who watched the PV, please consider watching the full series, and even if you haven't seen it yet, I hope you'll tune in to the broadcast and help spread the word about the deer worldwide! Thank you so much for your support! Let's go, deer power!



Otaku News would like to thank Megumi Han and Saki Fujita for being available for interview and giving such awesome answers to all our questions. The anime will be available on multiple streaming services including Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime. The manga will be available in English from Seven Seas Entertainment.

Source: Otaku News
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