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The industry’s first original voice actor regular program “Seiyu to Yoruasobi (lit.: Nightlife with Voice Actors)”, which is currently being distributed on the Anime CH of the new future TV “ABEMA” , celebrated its fourth anniversary on April 2, 2021.

Anime! Anime! conducted interviews with the voice actors in charge of each day of the week to celebrate the 4th anniversary and the start of the new season. We asked them about their journey with “Seiyu to Yoruasobi” and their enthusiasm for the fourth year.

This time, we interviewed Shimono Hiro, the MC for Tuesday. As he enters his third year as the MC of “Seiyu to Yoruasobi”, we asked him what he thinks is the significance of the program’s existence. We asked him about the behind-the-scenes evolution of the program.
[Interview and text by Mori Tomoyuki, photography by Ayumi Fujita].

–How did you feel when you first heard that you would be continuing as the MC for “Seiyu to Yoruasobi 2021”?

Shimono: I’ve been the MC for 2019 and 2020, and the number of viewers who watch the show has been increasing, and I have the impression that the show is evolving at a very fast pace.
Because the show continues to evolve, I was hoping that I would be able to do it again in 2021, so when I was asked to do it, I really thought, “Yes! So when I got the offer, I was really excited.

–Are there any memorable episodes in 2020?

Shimono: I wrote a letter to Maaya-chan (Uchida Maaya) on her birthday, and she really cried over it. I didn’t mean to create such an atmosphere, so I was very surprised.
But I was happy that she seemed to have enjoyed it. We also tried to dress up in costumes for Halloween, and every episode left a lasting impression on me.

Also, I have one thing to say to the staff. The sets and props have a handmade feel to them, but sometimes they are very messy (lol). I would like them to test the props beforehand to see if they can be used properly in the project. But I can tell that they are working very hard on it.
As for this studio, I feel like it’s half a vacation home. I think I’m getting used to it.

–Is there anything you would like to tell your partner, Uchida-san?

Shimono: I’d like her to be free to do what she’s been doing for the past two years, and I’ve learned that when Maaya-chan is enjoying the show itself, things usually go in an interesting direction. At the moment, I’m fighting with her and the staff, but I’m also watching over everyone.
It’s a show, and if you call it work, it’s work, but my own feeling is that it’s a “night out”, and I approach each recording session with a sense of “fun”. In my mind, Maaya-chan and the staff are my “friends who I play with at night”. I’m sure the viewers enjoy this atmosphere, and I’m sure I’ll continue to enjoy this program myself.

–What kind of day of the week do you want to make it in the future?

Shimono: We’ve been told that “Tuesdays are for healing,” so we’d like to keep that in mind as we deliver the show to those who have been watching and those who will be watching in the future. We don’t have a clear theme of “healing,” but we hope to continue to do the same projects, corners, and games that we’ve always done so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

–Shimono-san, do you have any “healing” activities of your own?

Shitano: I take a bath after the late night live broadcast of “Seiyu to Yoruasobi”. I feel like, “Another day is over! I feel so refreshed.

–Are there any projects that you would like to try in 2021?

Shitano: The studio is fun, but I’d like to go out. I’d like to take a walk at night, even if it’s just around the studio.
I also enjoy playing card games and board games, so I would like to learn more about various games.

–There are many analog games that you may not be aware of.

Shitano: Yes, there are. That’s exactly what I did with “Ciao Ciao.” I think I played it with a different purpose than the original game. But it was a lot of fun, and I’d like to find a way to play it that is unique to “Seiyu to Yoruasobi”.

–Is there anyone you would like to invite as a guest in the future?

Shimono: I’d like to have KICK☆, a comedian who is a semi-regular on the show, and Kiyono Shigeki, an announcer who has been doing the play-by-play for us, come back. I also have a relationship with Aiba Masaki, so I’d like to see that happen someday.

–Is there a day of the week you would like to go out and play?

Shitano: Monday is the one I wish I could go to all the time. Also, I’ve been interested in Thursdays since before I became an MC. Also, I have no idea how “Connect” will turn out, but I’m curious to see what it will be like when I get there. It’s like a challenge.
Every time I watch the live broadcast on Tuesdays, it switches to “Connect” right after it ends, and about half the time they talk about poop (lol). I’m curious to know what’s going on.

–The motif of this program is “playing at night,” but conversely, do you have a morning routine?

Shitano: In terms of food routines, I eat fruit every day. I feel that if I don’t eat it, I won’t be in good shape.
I choose the kinds of fruits I want to eat the day before and eat them in various ways, but I especially like apples and citrus fruits, which I have been eating lately. I often have breakfast after eating the fruit and leaving a little time to relax. Fruits contain fructose, so it is not good to eat too much, but I think it is necessary to eat fruits in moderation.

–Since it’s a new season, is there anything you would like to try in 2021?

Shimono: I’ve been wanting to climb Mt. Fuji. It’s been closed for a long time and there’s no maintenance, so it may be difficult this year, but I’ll be patient.

I also want to have a barbecue during “Seiyu to Yoruasobi”. I think it would be difficult to have a barbecue at the studio, so I’d like to have it in the large space in front of the studio entrance. Or at the parking lot.

–There was also a veranda on the floor above.

Shimono: Oh, there is a veranda? (Turning to the staff) Why were you hiding it? (lol). Why didn’t you tell us there was one!

–Sounds like something to look forward to. Lastly, do you have a message for the fans?

Shimono: I’m sure there were a lot of people who were wondering what the new season would be like because of the mean staff, but we wanted to say something quickly. Nothing has changed.
I will continue to work together with Maaya to create the show. We would like to continue to have fun at night with you, so we hope you will support us and enjoy the show.