Irino Miyu Discusses the ‘Beautiful and Cruel World’ and Shira’s Hidden Emotions in Tenmaku no Jaadugar Interview

The TV anime adaptation of Tomato Soup’s acclaimed historical manga Tenmaku no Jaadugar is currently airing on TV Asahi’s nationwide 24-station IMAnimation slot and BS Asahi. Set in 13th-century Mongolia, the story follows Shitara, a former slave girl whose actions shake the empire. In this fourth installment of our interview series, we hear from Irino Miyu, who voices Shira—a boy taken prisoner by the Mongol Empire who ingratiates himself with the royal family Tolui to survive.

Irino on the Manga’s Unique Appeal: “The More Beautiful, the More Cruel”

—What was your first impression when you read the original manga? You previously said you couldn’t stop turning pages but were afraid to turn the next one. Could you elaborate on that feeling?

Irino: It was a constant cycle of hoping for happiness for the characters in despair, yet fearing the hardships that would surely follow whenever they seemed happy. The story keeps taking unexpected turns, so the smoother things went for the protagonists, the more terrifying it became.

—You’ve described the work as “beautiful and cruel.” What aspects particularly draw you to that quality?

Irino: The tides of history are merciless—one person can be a hero to some and a villain to others. That refusal to sugarcoat reality, combined with Tomato Soup’s charming and beautiful world (the art backgrounds and characters), creates a truly one-of-a-kind work.

—What was your initial impression of Shira?

Irino: He has a strong will to survive and a certain shrewdness, but he’s also charming without being off-putting. In this story, his nonchalant side (though underneath he has deep conviction) provides a nice accent.

—Shira is calculating and tenacious, but also shows a fierce attachment to life. What did you focus on when portraying him?

Irino: I sense that deep, heavy feelings toward the enemy nation lie at his core, but he doesn’t show them openly; he acts rationally to survive. I constantly kept that contrast between the visible and invisible parts in mind.

—Which character did you empathize with or find most memorable?

Irino: I don’t think I could go that far, but I admire Shitara’s strong will and sense of justice.

“I Want to Keep Appearing in Yamada Naoko’s Works for Life” — Feeling the Creators’ Passion on Set

—You mentioned that the recording sessions were very thorough and took time. What was the atmosphere like, and were there any memorable directions?

Irino: It really took a lot of time. We went over subtle nuances many times, and the production team never gave up. They didn’t rush to find an answer; it felt like we were building the performance by layering ideas—”How about this? How about that?”

—This is your first time working with director Abel Gongora. What was your impression of his direction?

Irino: I thought he was a very gentle, soft-spoken person. I could feel how carefully he approaches the work, and his passion and sense for animation are clear from the PV and first episode. I’d love to work with him again—and talk with him more!

—You’ve worked with general director Yamada Naoko again. What renewed appreciation or trust do you feel?

Irino: It made me think again: I want to keep appearing in Yamada Naoko’s works for life! I’m moved by how the world she sees as a person and as a creator is different. I’m in love with her dedication to the work, her obsession, and her constant willingness to challenge herself.

—As a fan of the original, what are the highlights of the anime adaptation that you’d like viewers to notice?

Irino: Above all, the overall texture of the animation is wonderful. That’s where the meaning of expressing this story through animation lies. The more beautiful it is, the more cruel the world. Are there really no bad people in this world? If I were in a different position, would I have done the same thing? This work makes you think about many things. It’s absolutely a must-watch right now.

■TV Anime Tenmaku no Jaadugar
Currently airing on TV Asahi’s nationwide 24-station IMAnimation slot and BS Asahi!

【Staff】
Original: Tomato Soup, Tenmaku no Jaadugar (serialized in Akita Shoten’s Souffle)
General Director: Yamada Naoko
Director: Abel Gongora
Series Composition: Kato Kanichi
Character Design & Chief Animation: Yoshida Kenichi
Chief 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: Onuma 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: Irino Miyu
Chagatai: Namikawa Daisuke
Juchi: Nojima Kenji
Solcoktani: Kuno Misaki
Moge: Asai Ayaka
Kyrgistani: Shintani Mayumi
Borakuchin: ?????

●Opening Theme: SEKAI NO OWARI “Stella”
●Ending Theme: Queen Bee “Hoshi”

《Yoneda Kaori》