The TV broadcast of Fumetsu no Anata e Season3 is set to begin in October 2025. This enduring story follows Fushi, an immortal being who observes the world over a long span of time, experiencing encounters and partings with people, as well as battling his arch-nemesis, the Knockers.
Following Season1 and 2, which were positioned as the “Past Life Arc,” Season3 finally delves into the “Present Day Arc.” Set hundreds of years after Season2, a new journey is about to unfold.
Kawashima Reiji-san, who voices Fushi, was eagerly awaiting Season3. He mentioned that there were new points he became conscious of in his acting, particularly the relatability unique to the Present Day Arc. Let’s look back on the path he has walked with Fushi, reflecting on Kawashima-san’s own journey as a voice actor.
[Interview & Text = Hashibiroko, Photography = Fujita Ayumi]
‘Fushi, you get it!’ – Moments of Relatability in the Present Day Arc
――Please tell us how you feel now that the TV broadcast of Fumetsu no Anata e Season3 is approaching.
This is a work that I hold very dear, so I’m incredibly happy to be able to portray its continuation in anime! While the theme of the series remains consistent, the Present Day Arc introduces new characters and cast members, so please look forward to it.
Season3 has a completely different atmosphere from what we’ve seen before, as Fushi arrives in a world that closely resembles our own. Many of you must be curious about how the story will unfold, aren’t you? When I saw the scene at the end of Season2 where Fushi was standing in a place like New York, I was genuinely surprised and thought, “Ehh!?”
――What was your impression of Fushi when he arrived in the present day?
When I saw Fushi smiling while drinking tapioca, I felt a strong connection, thinking, “Fushi, you totally get it! Tapioca is delicious!” (laughs). I was happy that Fushi took a liking to something I enjoy too.
It was also very striking how Fushi seemed to enjoy every single stimulation of the modern world. I mean, who would smile even on a crowded train?! But thinking back, I’ve also had experiences where I found joy in everything about a new place I visited for the first time. So, I completely understood his feeling.
――If you gained the freedom like Fushi in the opening of Season3, is there anything you’d like to do or places you’d like to visit?
There are so many! If I had to pick one, it would be the Uyuni Salt Flat. Anime often features backgrounds that resemble Uyuni, so I’d love to see it in person. Besides that, there are countless places I want to visit, like deserts and the Arctic; even if I conquered one place a year, I wouldn’t have enough time. I’m envious of Fushi’s ability to instantly travel to distant locations.
I have a strong desire to “know the unknown and experience what I haven’t yet felt.” That’s why I was so thrilled when I got to participate in an overseas event for Fumetsu no Anata e previously. Season1 began airing during the COVID-19 pandemic, so there was a period when it was difficult to gauge the real-time reactions of overseas fans. That’s why having the opportunity to feel the local excitement directly is something I truly appreciate.
――Your interest in the unknown and unexperienced feelings might be a commonality between you and Fushi.
Perhaps so. There’s a line from Maachi in Season1, Episode 5, which I consider one of Fumetsu‘s greatest quotes: “Becoming an adult means learning, doesn’t it?” I completely resonated with that, and it really struck a chord because it came from the innocent Maachi. That’s why I’ve made it an even greater priority to keep learning new things.
‘I’ve Never Seen Such Instructions’ – Surprising Direction During Voice Recording
――What points did you focus on when portraying Fushi in Season3?
In Season1 and 2, I approached the role by reverse-engineering Fushi’s growth. There were things Fushi gained with each episode—like words and emotions—so I had to ensure I didn’t go too far beyond that. I built up the performance while considering the overall balance.
On the other hand, in Season3, I’m focusing on what grown-up Fushi struggles with and how he resolves those issues. Rather than over-preparing, I’m trying to re-experience what the Fushi in front of me is feeling right now, bustling along with him.
――Could you share anything memorable from the voice recording sessions?
In Fumetsu, I’ve played various animals, but the direction for the turtle in Season3 was truly shocking. The script literally said, “This monologue, from here to here, should be delivered in a rap style.”
――Rap style?!
And what’s more, that instruction was written at the very top edge of the script. It was a spot where usually nothing is written, so I completely missed it. So, during the voice recording, when the Sound Director Takadera Takeshi-san said, “For this monologue, please do it in a rap-like manner,” that’s when I finally noticed. I had thought it was a monologue with pleasant rhymes, but I had totally overlooked the instruction. This is the first time in my career as a voice actor that I’ve received such an unusual script (laughs). I hope everyone can enjoy the unique fun of hearing those words transformed into sound in the anime.
――What are your impressions of the new characters introduced in Season3?
It was refreshing to see characters with a peaceful demeanor that was unimaginable in the Past Life Arc, and also people who weren’t burdened by a serious past. However, since this is Fumetsu, there are naturally still elements that cast a shadow. The contrast between the bright and heavy aspects will be even more prominent, so prepare for your heart to be intensely shaken by a rollercoaster of emotions!
In the recording studio, I was completely at Mizuha’s mercy. Even Takadera Takeshi-san said he found it difficult to empathize with Mizuha’s feelings. I was pretty scared of Mizuha at first too (laughs). Kusunoki Tomori-san’s performance as Mizuha also brought out a considerable amount of the character’s hidden darkness. Yet, she also seemed to carefully balance the character as a popular student who is liked by those around her, while still being a junior high school girl.
――Mizuha holds the key to Season3, doesn’t she?
That’s right. There are various changes within the story, and I found her to be quite a complex character even within Fumetsu. Kusunoki Tomori-san and I often discussed at the recording site, “Can you empathize with Mizuha?” or “What kind of actions are these?” It felt like the entire cast and crew were being swayed by Mizuha’s presence.
By Hashibiroko
