TV Anime “Karaoke Iko!” Stars Satomi and Kyoji Featured on the Back Cover of “anan” Magazine! Includes Interviews with Director Nakaya Asami, Horie Shun, and Ono Daisuke
The regular edition of the women’s gravure weekly magazine “anan” No. 2455, set to be released on July 16, 2025, will feature Satomi and Kyoji from the TV anime Karaoke Iko! gracing its back cover. The illustration, specially drawn for the issue, depicts a moment feeling of their “strange friendship,” with Kyoji coolly singing while holding a microphone and Satomi looking rather indifferent. This issue is also a must-read for the interviews with Director Nakaya Asami, Horie Shun (who voices Satomi), and Ono Daisuke (who voices Kyoji).
About the Anime “Karaoke Iko!”
Based on the manga by Wayama Yama, the TV anime Karaoke Iko! is scheduled to begin broadcasting on July 24th on channels including TOKYO MX, Kansai TV, Me-Tele, AT-X, and BS11. Despite the original manga being a compact story released in a single volume, it’s a popular work with over 1.45 million copies in circulation. The story centers around the surreal interactions between Satomi, a middle school student who is the head of the chorus club, and Kyoji, a yakuza young boss who desperately wants to improve his singing. It delves into the rich human drama revolving around these two characters.
The Special “anan” Feature
The regular edition of “anan” No. 2455, which features “Summer Oshi-Tabi 2025” (Summer Recommended Trips 2025), has the main characters of this work, Satomi and Kyoji, on its back cover. Their two-shot photo, set in a karaoke room with Kyoji singing into a microphone and Satomi glancing at a remote tablet looking disinterested, truly captures the strange bond of friendship felt within the series. The drawing offers a glimpse into their daily lives, featuring them enjoying karaoke in casual wear rather than their school uniform or suit – a unique touch for this special illustration. It’s definitely worth paying close attention to this everyday feel.
The magazine also includes pages dedicated to introducing the work and featuring interviews.
Director’s Interview
Director Nakaya Asami was interviewed about her specific approach to the work. What kind of animation did she aim to create to bring out the characters’ charm even further? Director Nakaya discusses the unique elements of the anime found in the details, such as the visuals, the voice actors’ performances, and the singing scenes at the karaoke, which are popular in the original work. She also shares insights into the atmosphere during the recording sessions and reveals her favorite scenes. This interview, which strongly conveys her love for Karaoke Iko!, is definitely worth reading alongside watching the anime itself.
Cast Interview
Furthermore, the cast interviews feature Horie Shun, who plays the protagonist Satomi, and Ono Daisuke, who plays Kyoji. Their photoshoot, featuring poses like thoughtfully holding a mirror ball, creates a look that is both cool and somewhat surreal, perfectly capturing the world of Karaoke Iko!.
In their conversation, they discuss their approach to their roles, especially given that the anime’s theme revolves around concerns about singing and voice changes (“poor singing,” “voice change”). How did they aim for realistic performances? This passionate discussion, where the two actors talk about how they embodied their roles not just through technique but by fully throwing themselves into it, is not to be missed.
Magazine Release Details
The women’s gravure weekly magazine “anan” No. 2455, featuring Satomi and Kyoji from the TV anime Karaoke Iko! on its back cover, is priced at 880 yen (including tax). It will be released on July 16, 2025.
【Product Details】
● Publication: anan No. 2455 Regular Edition
● Feature: “Summer Oshi-Tabi 2025”
● Release Date: July 16 (Wed)
● Special Price: 880 yen (tax included)
● Publisher: Magazine House, Ltd.
● Available at bookstores, convenience stores, and online bookstores nationwide
anan No. 2455 (on sale July 16, 2025)
（C）Magazine House
《Nakase Kotarou》
