The historical manga Tenmaku no Jādūgar, which has won multiple manga awards, is currently airing as a TV anime on the TV Asahi network’s “IMAnimation” slot 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 former slave girl Shitara as she shakes the empire.
In this interview, we spoke with Namikawa Daisuke, who voices Chagatai, the second son of Emperor Genghis Khan of the Mongol Empire. Chagatai is a character who values law and discipline while hiding a gentle concern for others. Namikawa shared his thoughts on the character’s appeal and what he kept in mind while performing.
The Appeal of Chagatai: Patience Beneath the Calm
TV Anime Tenmaku no Jādūgar – Chagatai
—What were your first impressions of the story? What drew you in?
Namikawa: The cute characters and the robust story are innovative. I was drawn in.
—In your comment, you mentioned that the anime depicts cultures and customs that are rarely known in detail. Were there any particular cultures or values that left an impression on you?
Namikawa: The culture and values are so different in era and country that I was often surprised, but conversely, it left an impression that people share similar feelings as human beings.
—When you first saw the character Chagatai, what impression did you have?
Namikawa: I felt he was cool and reliable, the type who speaks clearly about things.
—Chagatai is a strict person who values law and discipline, but at his core he has a kindness that wants to protect people. What parts of him do you find appealing?
Namikawa: Even though he is not in a top position, the way he steadily carries out what he can do is appealing.
—Because he is a character with both strictness and kindness, were there any difficulties or points you were conscious of while performing?
Namikawa: The subtlety of whether he is hiding his true self and acting on calculation, or if he is actually calculating, is difficult.
—Chagatai can appear cold-hearted to those around him, but he also has his own beliefs and sense of justice. How do you perceive him as a person?
Namikawa: I see him as a patient character who can hold back his emotions when they start to overflow.
Dangerous Negotiations and the Rare Emotions the Story Brings
TV Anime Tenmaku no Jādūgar – Act 3 (Episode 3) “The Unquenchable Flame”
—The story also depicts power struggles and human negotiations. Are there any character relationships or episodes that left a particular impression on you?
Namikawa: The negotiations are quite bold. There are also dangerous negotiations. Please look forward to them.
—The staff actually visited the location to reflect the atmosphere in the production. After seeing the completed visuals and music, what stood out to you?
Namikawa: I could feel that the staff were very conscious of that from what they told me. Personally, I like the starry sky.
—Chagatai values following rules. Do you have any personal principles or rules that you hold dear in your work or life?
Namikawa: If I have to choose between an easy path and a difficult one, I try to choose the difficult path, but it’s hard…
—Please share the highlights of Chagatai’s character along with a message for viewers.
Namikawa: You can get a lot of rare emotions. I hope you enjoy it.
TV Anime Tenmaku no Jādūgar – Chagatai
■TV Anime Tenmaku no Jādūgar
Currently airing on TV Asahi network’s 24-station “IMAnimation” slot and BS Asahi!
【Staff】
Original: Tomato Soup Tenmaku no Jādūgar (Akita Shoten “Souffle” serialization)
Chief Director: Yamada Naoko
Director: Abel Gongora
Series Composition: Kato Kaichi
Character Design & Chief Animation: Yoshida Kenichi
Episode Director: Fujikura Takuya
Art Director: Kabasawa Yuri
Color Design: Konno Narumi
Director of Photography: Takahashi Naoki
Editor: Hirose Kiyoshi
Music: Hino Koshiro
Sound Director: Konuma Noriyoshi
Animation Production: Science SARU
【Cast】
Shitara: Sekine Akira
Doregene: Koshimizu Ami
Fatima: Kuwashima Houko
Muhammad: Saito Jun
Ogotai: Shimono Hiro
Tolui: Suzuki Ryota
Shira: Iri no Miyu
Chagatai: Namikawa Daisuke
Jochi: Nojima Kenji
Sorqoqtani: Kuni Misaki
Moge: Asai Ayaka
Kirgistani: Shintani Mayumi
Boraqchin: ?????
●Opening Theme: SEKAI NO OWARI “Stella”
●Ending Theme: Queen Bee “Hoshi”
