Special Interview with Yuriha’s VA Yurika Kubo x Clacia’s VA Masumi Tazawa!
From the popular anime magazine “Megami Magazine” comes “Megami’s Voice,” an interview series where beloved voice actors from reader-favorite anime talk about their works and roles. The January 2026 issue features a special talk with Yurika Kubo (voice of Yuriha) and Masumi Tazawa (voice of Clacia) from the TV anime My Companions Were Too Weak, So I Devoted Myself to Support Magic: The Banished Court Mage Aims to Become the Strongest. This article presents a long-form interview, including parts not featured in the magazine.
A Story With the Fun of a Youth Drama
— What was your first impression when you encountered the work My Companions Were Too Weak, So I Devoted Myself to Support Magic: The Banished Court Mage Aims to Become the Strongest (hereafter Support Magic)?
Kubo: I read the manga adaptation when I received the audition offer. First, I thought, “Wow, this title is long!” (laughs). Also, since the title said “My Companions Were Too Weak,” I thought it meant Yuriha and the others in protagonist Alex’s party were weak. But as I read on, I realized it was about Alex’s former party, and that he gets banished and later joins up with Yuriha and the others, which made sense. Actually, it was my first time encountering a “banishment story,” so it felt fresh.
Tazawa: I also read the manga before the audition. Even though it’s a “banishment story,” I thought it was new how everyone in “The Lasting Period” is strong. I felt a side of friendship in how they all aim to become the strongest together, and I also thought it was a work that could get you fired up.
Kubo: I thought these kinds of stories were about finding or making companions. But Alex already has companions from the start, and they deepen their friendship from there. During their adventures, they stimulate each other to grow, and I really felt that was very “youthful.”
Tazawa: The part where Alex works hard to regain his blank period as an adventurer is also something you don’t see much in fantasy works, so I found it very interesting.
— What impression did you have when you first saw the character you were in charge of?
Kubo: I thought Yuriha was “the heroine” in terms of her position and role. She’s not a girl who gives off a sense of hidden depths, so I tried to perform her straightforwardly, just as I felt and thought.
Tazawa: Clacia had a calm and cool image, but she’s unexpectedly deeply emotional. That also became clearer as I read the script, which allowed me to deepen my understanding and perform better.
— Speaking of Clacia, from episode 1, she was perceived as a scary character at the guild reception desk, right?
Tazawa: That’s right. Especially at first, her intimidating atmosphere was featured, so I thought she might be a harsh person.
Kubo: But she’s not unapproachable, and she can read the mood. She’s beautiful in both appearance and actions, and she can sense that Yuriha wants to get along with Alex. She also gets rowdy with Honest, and she seems like the type I’d most want to be friends with. Somehow, I think she’d look after you while complaining, and she seems easy to be honest with.
Tazawa: From my perspective, Yuriha is really cute. Her movements, expressions, voice—everything is cute. She’s also petite compared to the other three in “The Lasting Period,” and her clothes are baggy, giving her a small-animal vibe. She also gets drunk easily, and I watch her thinking she’s the epitome of cuteness.
— Yuriha’s impression hasn’t changed much since her appearance, right?
Kubo: That’s right. If I had to say, when she’s alone with Alex, she becomes even more maidenly. However, Alex is quite dense, so their relationship just doesn’t progress.
— When playing Yuriha and Clacia, what kind of character building did you do?
Tazawa: At first, the staff told me, “Please value her coolness” and “Please don’t make her too adult.” While Clacia’s age isn’t stated in the anime, early on I had a strong awareness that her mental age was above Alex and the others, so my performance became too mature. But since everyone in “The Lasting Period” is on equal footing, I tried to perform so that her sense of age wouldn’t feel distant from the other members.
Kubo: Yuriha can drink alcohol, but she’s petite and sometimes uses “boku” (a masculine first-person pronoun), so I was told, “make her cute above all.” However, she has an overwhelming heroine vibe, and I thought if I made her performance too cute, it might feel contrived. My natural voice is already on the higher side, so if I crafted it too much, it would become contrived and might seem out of place within “The Lasting Period.” So, I thought of a performance that was more about high tension and brightness than cuteness. But with the direction of “make her cute,” I was performing quite timidly at first. However, when it started to fit well, I was then told, “She’s too cute!” (laughs). I don’t think I changed much, but I was pointed out when my tension rose and my key got higher. I felt it was a method of not deliberately widening the character’s range too much and not making it too realistic. For example, even when chanting magic, I was told, “Don’t thicken your voice,” so I felt I was asked for expression within the character’s range.
Tazawa: In the flashback scenes where we play Clacia and the others’ student days, we were asked to perform quite youthfully, right?
Kubo: If I changed my voice too much, it would deviate from the character, so I focused on tension and gave a peppy performance.
Tazawa: For Clacia, on the other hand, I wasn’t told much about tension. Rather, I was always given directions about the sense of age. Even when fighting with Honest, if I put too much edge in my voice, I was told, “Maybe her age is coming across as too old.”
Kubo: As actors, we think, “Since we have the chance, we want to show various range,” and we tend to overdo it. The atmosphere on the Support Magic set was harmonious, so while we didn’t show too much range during the official takes, during tests we performed freely and were told, “That’s a bit too much” (laughs).
— What impressions do you have of each other’s performances?
Kubo: When the roles were first decided, I thought, “Isn’t it the opposite?” I heard Masumin (Tazawa) was Clacia and thought, “Shouldn’t I be Clacia?” I didn’t audition for Clacia, though (laughs).
Tazawa: I auditioned for both Yuriha and Clacia. But I thought I might not pass for Yuriha voice-wise…
Kubo: I think Yuriha would fit you too! But Clacia’s voice feels close to Masumin’s tone when she’s chatting. It’s very calm. I’ve never played such a calm character before, so I learned a lot, like, “So this is how you play a calm role.”
Tazawa: I thought Shika-san’s (Kubo’s) switching between Yuriha’s cute moments and fighting moments was amazing. But more than that, I also loved her performances before getting direction, when she was acting freely (laughs).
Kubo: Tests are fun, right?
Tazawa: Because anything is allowed.
Kubo: Since it was our first time working together in a while, there was also a fun aspect of “showing each other how we’ve grown a bit.”
— For Tazawa-san, what was difficult about Yuriha’s voice?
Tazawa: The cuteness doesn’t come out.
Kubo: It does! Everyone wants to hear it too!
Tazawa: Even when I try to get angry as Yuriha, I leave the cuteness behind. So, I think it’s truly amazing how Shika-san balances cuteness and anger.
— Actually, there aren’t that many conversations between just Yuriha and Clacia, are there?
Kubo: Basically, we’re talking as a group of four more often.
Tazawa: We probably spend more time thinking “Oh, boy…” as the two guys make a racket.
Kubo: Maybe it’s like we’re both muttering to ourselves, like “They’re at it again,” “Yeah, they’re at it again.”
I Want to Keep Watching the Unique Foursome’s Activities
— By the way, do you think there are any parts similar to the characters you’re playing?
Tazawa: Yuriha is the leader, but Shika-san isn’t the type to pull people along. However, she does summarize things when needed, so I think that part is similar.
Kubo: Masumin has a sleek, beautiful girl appearance, so at first glance she might seem hard to approach, and you might think she’d respond coolly even if you talked to her, but she’s actually very friendly and playful. Clacia is also actually very considerate, so I think that part is similar.
— Among the other members of “The Lasting Period,” is there a character similar to yourself?
Kubo: The four of “The Lasting Period” are too unique, making it hard to find someone similar. If I had to say, the sadness of Alex being banished and told he’s not needed might be close to our own feelings when we audition and get rejected (laughs).
Tazawa: I’m not similar, but I envy Honest’s straightforwardness. He genuinely worries about Alex and gets genuinely angry about the banishment. There aren’t many people that straightforward, so I think it’s really great.
Kubo: I like Alex too. When Loki, the support mage of the S-rank party “Crimson Flower (Ricroma),” says “I’ll treat you to a meal,” and Alex says, “Is that okay? I eat a lot.” That really hit my personal sweet spot. I was thrilled thinking, “He doesn’t look like he’d eat that much…” Plus, Ume-chan’s (Shuuichirou Umeda’s) way of saying it was really gripping, and it made me think, “Alex is such a boy.”
Tazawa: It’s also good that he doesn’t hold back there.
Kubo: Alex tends to be a step back, but he’s unexpectedly rough and has a sharp tongue, so I think that was a scene where that came out clearly.
Tazawa: But Alex is dense, right? He doesn’t notice Yuriha’s feelings at all.
Kubo: But he doesn’t seem like he’d give in to temptation, and that’s also appealing. I think Honest would be fun to have as a friend.
Tazawa: I’m more of an Honest fan, actually. His straightforwardness, as I mentioned earlier, is easy to understand and nice. It’s good that he doesn’t hide things for others’ sake like Alex, and he doesn’t hold back. So, I’m personally curious about how his relationship with Clacia will develop from now on.
— Up to episode 8, please tell us about any episodes that left a particular impression or are your favorites.
Kubo: For Yuriha’s story, it’s the shopping trip with Alex in episode 6. Honest and Clacia were considerate and left them alone.
Tazawa: Honest and Clacia’s awkwardly obvious attitude is good, right? (laughs)
Kubo: Up to episode 6, the main focus was on battles and it was hectic, but by inserting an everyday episode, we got to see the usual four for a moment. I really like how it’s packed with Yuriha’s heart-throbbing moments and Alex’s denseness, and I thought the everyday feeling, in a good way uncharacteristic of Support Magic, was nice.
Tazawa: For me, the episodes where Loki appears left an impression. He’s a character that really draws attention, and from the recording session, we were told “Everyone will love him.” The way he’s carefree but steps up when needed was really cool.
Kubo: Akira Ishida-san’s performance as Loki was wonderful. Especially Loki’s screaming scene—the atmosphere in the recording studio became very tense.
— Any other recording memories?
Kubo: There were monaka sweets from Koukyo Gaien as a treat, and Hiyo-san (Yoko Hikasa, voice of Olivia) was really into them. She jokingly said, “Please prepare these next time too,” and they actually were prepared.
Tazawa: They were really delicious, actually.
Kubo: They were popular with everyone. And Hiyo-san would hand them out saying, “You should eat these!” as if she bought them herself (laughs). Kishou Taniyama-san (voice of Gloria) also said, “These are good!” I feel the mood became even more cheerful after those two joined.
— At the point of episode 8, it was revealed that Yuriha is called “The Desired One” by those related to the Dark Guild, and a sense of unease about the future can be felt. We’re still curious about what will happen next, but please tell us about future highlights.
Tazawa: From when the Dark Guild appears, the story’s development changes dramatically. The characters involved with the Dark Guild are enemies to Alex and the others, but they are strong personalities, so please look forward to the battles that will occur from now on.
Kubo: The recording sessions were a storm of screams. Originally, Support Magic is a work that puts a lot of effort into battle scenes, but they get even more powerful in the latter half. I think you’ve already seen how cool Alex and the others move in the first half, but even more intense battle scenes continue in the latter half, so we’re also looking forward to seeing the footage. Personally, I’d like you to pay attention to how close we can get to Yuriha’s secret.
— Regarding Yuriha and Clacia’s future activities, please tell us each of your points of interest.
Kubo: Actually, Yuriha might not have many clear turns to shine from here on out (laughs). But personally, I also want to gain agreement from everyone watching, who probably feel, “It can’t end like this, right?”
— In other words, you’re hoping for a sequel?
Kubo: Yes! I think if we can build excitement while it’s on air, it will lead to a next time. I’d really like everyone to support us a lot so we can see more of Yuriha’s activities.
Tazawa: As someone playing Clacia, I’m also curious about the relationship between Olivia from the S-rank party “Nameless” (who appears from episode 6) and Clacia. Through interacting with Olivia, Clacia’s caring nature stood out even more. Olivia herself starts off prickly but gradually changes her attitude towards Clacia, so please look forward to that as well.
Kubo: Support Magic depicts the original story’s episodes very carefully, episode by episode. Personally, there are still many stories I want to see, so please continue to support us in the future!
Megami’s Question
Q. The characteristic of your own voice.
A. A voice like a very large object made very small (Kubo)
The characteristic is that there isn’t much of one (Tazawa)
Kubo: The sound director of the work that became my start in voice work said that, but I still haven’t found the answer, and part of why I continue as a voice actor is to search for it.
Tazawa: To put it nicely, it’s a voice where the person Masumi Tazawa doesn’t influence the work. I’m happy if people think I’m speaking as the character.
Q. Your own personality.
A. A lonely person who wants to be alone (Kubo)
Easily bored (Tazawa)
Kubo: Masumin has a lot of hobbies. And she researches each one thoroughly.
Tazawa: When I get into something, I research to the extent I can understand at that stage, and once I know as much as I can research at that point, I’m satisfied and move on to the next hobby. Shika-san always comes when I invite her to eat, so maybe her lonely side is there.
Kubo: But I do properly refuse when I need to?
Tazawa: Some people feel obliged like, “I was invited, so…”, but she properly says when she can’t, so she’s very easy to invite.
Q. What are you into right now?
A. Steaming in a bamboo steamer (Kubo)
Games. Especially Katamari Damacy (Tazawa)
Kubo: I want to eat something healthy and delicious, and I heard steaming preserves nutrients, so I’m always steaming things. Mainly pork (laughs).
Tazawa: I love Katamari Damacy; I wear Katamari T-shirts and have been to collaboration cafes. When I did an interview with Umeda-kun for Support Magic, there was a collaboration cafe nearby, so I went after the interview—that’s how much I like it.
Kubo: You promoted it so much that when I saw it on a CM, I thought, “That’s Masumin’s Katamari!” (laughs)
Q. If you could use magic, what would you want to support?
A. Motivation (Kubo)
Stamina (Tazawa)
Kubo: I feel like if I just have motivation, I can manage the rest myself. Conversely, if I support anything else, I might lose motivation.
Tazawa: I understand. I feel like if I just had stamina, I could do more things. When I’m tired, I can’t do anything.
Kubo: Our answers are a bit too realistic, is that okay…? (laughs)
Cast & Staff
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Yuriha Eisenst | Yurika Kubo |
| Clacia Anneliese | Masumi Tazawa |
| Alex | Shuuichirou Umeda |
| Honest | Yoshitsugu Matsuoka |
| Olivia | Yoko Hikasa |
| Gloria | Kishou Taniyama |
| Loki | Akira Ishida |
Profile
Yurika Kubo / Born May 19th. From Nara Prefecture. Affiliated with Stay Luck.
Major roles: Takamine Takane in Please Put Them On, Takamine-san, Nekoyamada Nekoko in Shikanoko no Koko no Koshitantan, etc.
Masumi Tazawa / Born November 22nd. From Kanagawa Prefecture. Affiliated with Tokyo Actor’s Consumer’s Cooperative Society.
Major roles: Anne in Nina the Starry Bride, Reizeiin Kirika in Nukitashi THE ANIMATION, etc.
© Alto / Kodansha / Support Magic Project
● Interview & Text / Nao Noguchi (iPlanning)
《Megami Magazine Editorial Department》
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