Welcome to “Megami’sVoice,” a special interview series from the magazine “Megami Magazine” where popular anime voice actors share insights into their roles and the series they star in. In the June 2025 issue, we featured an interview with Aoi Azusa, who voices Sorano Minamo and Princess Ripple in the TV anime Princess Session Orchestra. Here, we bring you a longer version of that interview, including parts that couldn’t fit in the magazine!
Understanding Minamo’s Hidden Feelings
――Please tell us about your first impression of Princess Session Orchestra.
When I received the materials for the audition, it mentioned that it would be broadcast in the mornings and run for a full year. Since I grew up watching similar shows as a child, I had a feeling this might become a historically significant work. The story itself isn’t strictly just for children; it also has elements of mystery, fear, and complex parts, making it a show that I think will resonate with viewers of all ages, hitting their “sweet spots.”
――What kind of character is Minamo/Ripple?
My first impression from the materials was that she was a “good kid,” a “kind kid.” I thought she might not have many negative emotions, but as recording progressed, I saw that she does get angry when she needs to, and she does get sad when she’s sad. She can also feel resentful towards others. I realized that my initial impression of her being a “good kid” came precisely because she doesn’t express strong emotions openly very often.
――What is a key point you’d recommend about Minamo/Ripple?
Even if I say so myself, it’s her “voice” (laughs). Of course, I put an immense amount of love into performing it, but Minamo-chan has a unique way of speaking. There are things she says or ways she says them that I wouldn’t do, but I’ve come to understand that Minamo-chan would, and her speaking style is quite interesting. It’s a speaking style that guides me, so I’d recommend her “voice,” including her lines.
――It was also funny in the second episode, after she transforms for the first time, she introduces herself as “Princess Ripple” but then immediately asks, “Who is Ripple-san!?”
“San” to her own transformed name, I thought (laughs). Minamo-chan is serious, but she also has a slightly naive or absent-minded side, and that actually gives courage to those around her. I think that part of her is also cute and wonderful.
――What do you value most when performing as Minamo?
First, I write down everything Minamo-chan is thinking in the space below the script. Minamo-chan often hides her true feelings; for example, she might say “Thank you” on the surface even when she’s feeling angry. Because I want to value these hidden aspects, I make sure to think about Minamo-chan’s emotions within myself before heading into recording. Doing this allows sounds to be born from her inner feelings. In fact, ever since I started approaching recording this way, I’ve found myself speaking more slowly than the tempo I initially imagined.
――Do you change your acting style after she transforms into Ripple?
My core feelings remain the same, holding a strong desire to protect the important people, but when she becomes Ripple, her cautiousness increases. Since you don’t know where enemies might appear from or where those you need to protect are, she needs to have a wide field of vision. When I read the script, I naturally find myself thinking intensely about information like how many enemies there are and where they are located. Because there’s more information to process, it requires a lot of thought and is physically draining, but I definitely feel a stronger fighting spirit than when I’m Minamo-chan.
――The Ripple-tachi sing while fighting, which means their singing can waver during scenes like punches, right?
The staff calls it “uta-afureko” (song recording). It feels like the script just became a lyric sheet, and the lines became songs. Since we’re singing during the recording, everyone, including me, is also moving their bodies. I always make sure to give it my all; during test takes, I’m okay with it being difficult to hear the singing when the character is taking damage, for instance.
――Is there difficulty in fighting while singing?
There are moments during battle when she might feel discouraged or weak, so it’s challenging to sing while considering those feelings. However, since the Ripple-tachi are also growing stronger, I’m trying my best to keep up with that increasing strength each time.
――Besides the singing, were there other aspects of playing Minamo/Ripple that you found difficult?
Minamo-chan often shows strength that goes beyond my imagination. Even when I think, “With this happening, Minamo-chan would surely feel down,” I often turn the script page and find her looking up. When she acts in ways that exceed my expectations, the flow of her emotions changes, so it’s challenging to figure out why she ended up feeling that way and fill in those emotional gaps. I wish I had more time to deeply engage with Minamo-chan’s feelings; I feel like a day needs to be more than 24 hours long!
――Is there any direction from the staff that left a strong impression on you?
They constantly tell me “isshoukenmei” (earnest, putting all your effort in). Minamo-chan is “isshoukenmei” regardless of whether she knows nothing or after she becomes a strong Princess. Because she’s “isshoukenmei,” she sometimes cries or gets angry. Sometimes it might look like weakness rather than strength, but I intend to keep that “isshoukenmei” quality throughout.
――What are your impressions of Kagari/Princess Zeal and Nagase/Princess Meteor, who fight alongside her?
Kagari-chan is definitely a character I would love if I were just watching the anime. She’s incredibly good at singing, strong, and cool, to the point of being called a diva, but she also has this gap where she loves sweets, and that just draws me in. But Minamo-chan senses that there’s more to her than just that, which is why she feels Kagari is reliable yet also wants to be relied upon. Nagase-chan, from my perspective, is someone I feel a bit envious of. Of course, she has her own worries, but she’s quick on her feet, truly like a shooting star. I feel the same way about Nagase-chan as I do about her cast member, Tachibana Asaka-chan.
――While there are still many mysteries, please tell us about the highlights of the story moving forward.
For Minamo-chan, fighting the mysterious monsters is incredibly scary, but I think it’s amazing that she can do it together with Kagari-chan and Nagase-chan, whom she just met. Honestly, I might feel reluctant if it were me, but they believe it’s a fated encounter and can overcome it. There will be more and more scenes where they feel like they’ve met companions they can trust and rely on each other’s backs, so I’d like you to pay attention to that first. Also, I hope you can feel the bonds they share with the surrounding characters who give them love.
Megami ni Question
Q. Your charm point?
A. Dimples I can create.
Since I was a child, I’ve been able to make dimples by myself. Also, my shiny cheeks are a charm point.
Q. Your nickname?
A. OiOi.
This nickname was decided on the set of Princess Session Orchestra. Since Tachibana Asaka-chan and I have the same first name, “Azusa,” everyone thought about what good nickname could come from my last name. I’m told I have a lot of moments that invite tsukkomi (retorts), so it became “OiOi” (laughs).
Q. Characteristics of your voice?
A. Light, becomes husky at high pitches.
When I raise my voice, it somehow becomes husky. There was a time I thought it would be better to have a clearer voice, but ever since playing Minamo-chan, I’ve come to think that the husky part is also my individuality.
Q. Your personality?
A. My pace.
I’m really bad at waking up, to the point people worry about me, but I never feel rushed at all. Since I end up making it on time anyway, people often ask me, “How do you manage to catch up from there?” (laughs).
Q. What are you into right now?
A. Collecting things of a favorite color each day.
Lately, I’ve come to feel it’s okay to have many favorite colors, so I started collecting things of the color that makes me feel excited on that particular day. Right now, as I’m doing this interview, it’s purple, but tomorrow I think it will be a different color.
Q. What do you want to cheer on?
A. My parents’ cats.
They are 4 and 2 years old now, and they’re a bit clumsy (laughs). They sometimes fall off the desk when trying to climb on it, so I can’t help but want to cheer them on.
Q. Like Minamo’s baking, what are you good at?
A. Cooking.
I have a culinary license, so I’m good at cooking.
Q. A catchphrase for this work?
A. You can enter the world of Alicepia together with the Princess-tachi!
I think it’s a work that offers an immersive feeling, like you can step into Alicepia yourself. I really want everyone to experience the cute world.
Profile
Aoi Azusa／Born December 31st. From Osaka Prefecture. Belongs to Ken Production.
Major roles include Hiratsuka Nana in Rinkai!, Hanekawa Kaede in the movie Senpai wa Otokonoko: Ame nochi Hare, etc.
Work Information
Airing every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM on TV Tokyo and other stations.
https://princess-session.com/
Alicepia is a mysterious country connected through the video sharing site “Alicepia ch,” where only girls can go. The mysterious monster Jamawock appears in Alicepia. Sorano Minamo, who happened to be there, transforms into a being called a Princess! She fights against Jamawock to protect those who are doing their best.
(C)Project PRINCESS-SESSION
By Nonoshita Nao (i Planning)
《Megami Magazine Editorial Department》
