The TV anime adaptation of the award-winning historical manga Tenmaku no Jaadugar is currently airing on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation block and BS Asahi. Based on the original manga by Tomato Soup (serialized in Akita Shoten’s Souffle), the story is set in 13th-century Mongolia and follows a former slave girl named Shitara as she shakes the empire. In an email interview, voice actress Kujou Houko, who plays the wise and loving Fatima, shared her thoughts on the character and the bond that transcends blood.
Wrapping Shitara in Love: The Strength of Fatima
—What was your impression when you first read the original manga?
Kujou: The art style is nostalgic and cute, like something I read as a child, but the core of the story is dark, depicting a real historical woman tossed about by fate. That contrast drew me in.
—What was your first impression of Fatima as a character?
Kujou: She is very fortunate for a woman of that era—intelligent and a good person.
—Fatima is both intelligent and deeply loving toward Shitara, almost like a mother. What did you focus on when voicing her?
Kujou: I think for Shitara, Fatima is the only person who gave her love. I spoke to her with love so that Shitara can look back on her days in that house with happiness, and that those memories will make Shitara strong.
“A Woman I Aspire to Be”: Kujou Houko on Fatima’s Charm
—How do you see the relationship between Fatima and Shitara? What do you feel about their bond beyond blood?
Kujou: Fatima has a son but no daughter. As she interacted with Shitara, she grew fond of her and likely came to see her as a real daughter. Shitara felt that too, and they cared for each other.
—The story depicts various forms of motherhood and family. Through Fatima, did you reflect on anything?
Kujou: Even without blood ties, you can care deeply for each other. Despite the difficulty of living as a woman in that era, Fatima sees the truth, uses her knowledge, and is full of love. That is amazing. She is a woman I aspire to be.
—Please give a message to fans looking forward to the broadcast, and for those who haven’t seen it yet, what should they pay attention to in Fatima?
Kujou: The first episode has a shocking development, but please see it through to the end! The casual daily scenes with Shitara are treasures. And for those who haven’t watched yet, please do! I can’t say more than that (laughs).
TV Anime Tenmaku no Jaadugar
Currently airing on TV Asahi’s nationwide 24-station network IMAnimation block and BS Asahi!
| Staff | |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Tomato Soup, Tenmaku no Jaadugar (Akita Shoten, Souffle serialization) |
| Chief Director | Yamada Naoko |
| Director | Abel Gongora |
| Series Composition | Katou Kanichi |
| Character Design / Chief Animation | Yoshida Kenichi |
| Chief Episode Director | Fujikura Takuya |
| Art Director | Kabazawa Yuri |
| Color Design | Konno Narumi |
| Director of Photography | Takahashi Naoki |
| Editor | Hirose Kiyoshi |
| Music | Hino Koushirou |
| Sound Director | Konuma Noriyoshi |
| Animation Production | Science SARU |
| Cast | |
|---|---|
| Shitara | Sekine Akira |
| Doregene | Koshimizu Ami |
| Fatima | Kujou Houko |
| Muhammad | Saitou Jun |
| Ogotai | Shimono Hiro |
| Tolui | Suzuki Ryouta |
| Shira | Irihiro Miyu |
| Chagatai | Namikawa Daisuke |
| Juchi | Nojima Kenji |
| Solcokutani | Kuno Misaki |
| Moge | Asai Ayaka |
| Kyrgistani | Shintani Mayumi |
| Boraqchin | ???? |
●Opening Theme: SEKAI NO OWARI “Stella”
●Ending Theme: Jooubachi “Hoshi”
(C) Tomato Soup (Akita Shoten) / Tenmaku no Jaadugar Production Committee
