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“Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula”, an anime film co-produced by Saudi Manga Production and Toei Animation, will be released in Japan on June 25, 2021. We have received an interview with Furuya Tooru, who plays the main character Aws.

“Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula” is a story set on the ancient Arabian Peninsula, where the main character Aws and the people of Mecca stand up against the invader Abraha. It is an entertaining film full of human drama and action, depicting how they carve out their future with the power of faith in themselves and their friends.

Furuya-san, who played the main character Aws, commented, “I was very surprised to learn that this film was a Saudi-Japanese co-production, and I thought it was proof that Japanese animation is loved all over the world. The fact that this film came to fruition was an emotional event for me”.

When Furuya-san, who is also known for his roles as Amuro Rei in “Mobile Suit Gundam” and Amuro Tooru in “Detective Conan”, was asked about the similarities between the heroes he has played and Aws, replied, “There are not many characters who are capable and overwhelmingly strong from the start. They face difficulties by summoning up the courage in their hearts, and by adding some power to it, they are able to defeat powerful enemies. In the end, it is the strength of the heart that matters. That’s what Aws has in common with the heroes I have played,” he said.

Furuya-san also said that when he played Aws, he was conscious of “not being too strong and wanting to be like a normal human being”.
He also mentioned “the scene where I apply the eye shadow that Hind gave me” was a memorable scene and said, “This movie has many moving scenes including the climax.

“Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula” will open on June 25 at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo and Umeda Burg 7 in Osaka.

[Furuya Tooru]
–What was your impression when you found out that the film was a collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan?

I was very surprised, and I thought it was a proof that Japanese animation is loved all over the world. The fact that this film came to fruition itself was a very moving event for me. Moreover, I was very honored to be able to play the main character of such a work that will remain in the history of anime.

–What kind of character did you think Aws was?

I thought that he was a character with a lot of depth, because he has a sinful past and has lived a turbulent life.

–Is there anything in common between the heroes you’ve played and AWs?

Many of the heroes I’ve played don’t start out as highly capable and overwhelmingly strong. They face difficulties by summoning the courage in their hearts, and when some power is added to that, they are able to defeat powerful enemies. In the end, it is the strength of the heart that matters. That’s what Aws has in common with the heroes I have played.

–Is there anything you were conscious of when you were playing Aws?

I wanted him to be a normal person, not too strong, but someone who can show his power because he has beliefs in his heart. I was conscious of the fact that no matter how many times he is defeated, he never gives up and gets back up. This is the scene that I thought was the coolest as a man, so I wanted to play it carefully.

–Is there a scene that left a deep impression on you?

The scene where he applies the eyeshadow that Hind gave him. When Aws shows his determination in this way, it inspires his allies to fight. It was very moving because I could feel the bond between him and Hind. This movie has many moving scenes, including the climax.

–What kind of attitude do you have toward the character you are playing?

First of all, it is important to truly understand the film and the role. After reading the script and understanding the world view, the character’s position and feelings, I write them down in detail in the margins of the script and put them in my mind. The next step is to practice on my own while watching the video and try to move my body and voice a little like the character on the screen. The more I move, the more the nuances of the dialogue will change from when I say it standing up, and the more realistic it will become. After simulating my role in this way, I try to trust the sensitivity that arises in my heart and play the role on stage.

“Journey: A Tale of Miracles and Battles on the Ancient Arabian Peninsula”

(C) 2021 Manga Productions