The latest issue of Megami Magazine features an interview with Suzuki Hina, who voices Nakamura Miya in the TV anime Ibitekonai Gibo to Gibane (also known as Ibikona). In this long interview, Suzuki talks about her first lead role, the warmth of the family, and her personal quirks.
A Role She Never Expected
When asked about her first impression of the series, Suzuki revealed that she had been a fan of the original manga by Otsuji-sensei even before the anime was announced. “I used to read it on social media. It’s a comedy with very clear developments, and I found it funny every time I read it. I was excited to think that with sound and movement, Miya-chan’s reactions and the comedic parts would be even more enjoyable.”
She also shared her reaction to being cast as Miya, her first lead role in a TV anime. “I received the news by email, and I couldn’t believe it—I read the message about five times (laughs). The surprise was stronger than the joy, and since it was my first regular role, my tension increased all at once. The happiness came later.”
When did she feel the weight of being the lead? “It was probably when I received the script. There was a gap between the casting and the recording, so I couldn’t really feel it. But when I saw my name at the top of the script’s cast list, I thought, ‘I’m really playing Miya-chan.'”
Her first recording session was nerve-wracking. “I was so nervous I was stiff. But Kujira-san, who plays Mammy (the stepmother Teru), hugged me, and I almost cried. She’s like a real Mammy, and I felt relieved.”
Bringing Miya to Life
On her approach to the character, Suzuki said, “Miya is a girl who takes everything straight on. She’s a genuinely good person, almost too pure. As a child born out of wedlock, she worries about others and has low self-esteem, but she doesn’t put herself down. She’s determined to live where she belongs. I respect that strength.”
During the audition, she focused on not making Miya too gloomy. “If she were too dark, it would look like she was being bullied even before the sisters did anything. So I tried to express surprise and other emotions honestly and directly.”
After recording began, she adjusted her performance. “I think it’s Miya’s role to support the powerful characters like Mammy and the sisters. I made sure not to overdo it, and to keep the family love and avoid any sharpness in my words. Also, Miya often reacts with a hesitant ‘Ehh…’ and I try to make that different each time. But the most important thing is her honest reaction, which hasn’t changed since the audition. In scenes where she’s scared of being bullied, I make her shrink back a bit exaggeratedly.”
One memorable direction was in episode 1. “They told me to make it sound as pitiful as possible during the process before entering the Kouno family. I had been careful not to make Miya’s image too dark, but they wanted more pathos. It was different from what I had imagined.”
She also shared how she relates to Miya. “Miya tends to think about how to do her best in her current situation, and I do that too. Also, I get surprised easily, just like her.”
Asked if she falls for April Fools’ jokes, she laughed, “Yes, I do. A friend once joked that she was transferring schools, and I believed it and cried. She was surprised and said, ‘That much?'”
What does she admire about Miya? “Her kindness and her ability to care for those around her. I tend to get caught up in my own problems, so I think it’s amazing that she can be there for others.”
The Quirky Family
On the stepmother and stepsisters, Suzuki said, “Mammy is so knowledgeable and open-minded that I wonder if there’s anything she can’t do. She’s just cool. Mari-nee-sama (Marika) is very cute. She’s full of confidence and charisma, but she’s also clumsy, which makes her lovable. Ari-nee-sama (Arisa) is also clumsy in her own way. She seems calm, but when it comes down to it, she worries, ‘Is she okay?’ That’s endearing.”
She also commented on the sisters fighting over Miya. “It’s funny. I experienced ‘Don’t fight over me!’ for the first time in my life (laughs). During recording, I enjoy listening to their arguments. Miya-chan is flustered and says ‘Please stop!’ but as Suzuki, I’m happy.”
On the cast, she praised Kujira’s performance. “Kujira-san is really funny. She’s powerful when needed, but she also has these absent-minded reactions. That contrast makes Mammy even more charming.”
About Serizawa Yuu (Marika) and Nukui Yuika (Arisa), she said, “Serizawa-san has a lot of flair, both as a person and in her acting. She has many scenes where she shouts from unexpected places, and it’s a different kind of fun from Mammy. As for Nukui-san, my favorite part is how her voice cracks when she’s surprised and says ‘Okaa-sama!’ It’s almost a shriek, but it’s so interesting—I wonder where it comes from. It’s a reaction you’d never expect from the usually calm Arisa.”
She also mentioned the family dog, Gungnir. “Gun-chan is a dog who can’t speak, but he’s very expressive. Mugiho Anna-san, who plays him, does an amazing job with his reactions. It’s truly a craftsman’s work.”
One memorable behind-the-scenes moment: “Every time, Ichijinsha (the original publisher) sends us gifts that match the story. We all enjoy guessing what the next gift will be.”
Highlights of the Story
On what to watch for, Suzuki said, “The first two episodes show the tension of wondering if she’ll be bullied, and then the punchline ‘You’re not bullying me!’ with a great sense of timing. That’s the full ‘Ibikona’ color. Mari-nee-sama’s exasperated ‘Haa!?’ leads to a different turn, and Mammy’s ‘Omaetachi’ creates tension before an unexpected development. Ari-nee-sama’s ‘Ara ara’ as the punchline is also a supporting role you shouldn’t miss. Above all, watch Miya-chan gain confidence and realize the love from the three of them. Since there are no villains, it’s perfect when you’re tired or want a laugh. Please enjoy the chaotic daily life of the Kouno family.”
Megami ni Question
Q. Your charm point?
A. I laugh easily.
I laugh even when a chopstick rolls over. My threshold for laughter is low (laughs). During ‘Ibikona’ recordings, which are full of funny moments, I have to hold back my laughter every time.
Q. Your nickname?
A. Ohina.
In school, I was called ‘Ohina-sama’ and then ‘Ohina’. I have other nicknames, but ‘Ohina’ is the most common.
Q. What’s your voice like?
A. Like natural water.
It’s embarrassing to say, but friends and my manager often tell me I have a transparent quality. I was especially happy when someone said it’s like natural water.
Q. Your personality?
A. Carefree.
I get nervous and flustered, but I often live with the spirit of ‘Nankurunaisa’ (an Okinawan phrase meaning ‘it’ll work out’). Once, when I lost my smartphone, I panicked for a moment but then calmed down thinking ‘it’ll be fine.’ It was turned in to the police, but that laid-back attitude is typical of me.
Q. What are you into now?
A. Malatang.
I’m not good with spicy food, but a friend was eating it and I tried a bite out of curiosity. It was unexpectedly delicious. I originally went for the fish roe balls in it, but after ordering it repeatedly, I got hooked.
Q. What do you want to tease?
A. My little brother.
Whenever I see my brother, I want to tease him (laughs). So I can relate to Mari-nee-sama and Ari-nee-sama’s actions in ‘Ibikona’.
Q. A memorable first experience?
A. Bungee jumping.
It felt like my soul was leaving from the top of my head. I had a list of things I wanted to try, and I thought I might as well jump once. Before jumping, my knees were shaking and I realized I was scared. After it was over, I couldn’t stop laughing. But if you ask me if I’d do it again, I wouldn’t (laughs).
Q. A catchphrase for this series?
A. Behind the scary faces, there’s a warm love.
Looking at the main visual, the Kouno family members have somewhat scary faces, but behind that is a warm love. Please enjoy that gap.
Profile
Suzuki Hina / Born February 12. From Saitama Prefecture. Belongs to Mausu Promotion.
Main roles include Admirer Groove in the game Uma Musume Pretty Derby and Kogoma Kaze Rabu in Blue Archive.
Work Information
Broadcast every Wednesday at 23:30 on tvk, Tele玉, Chiba Tele, and other stations.
Official website: https://ibikona-anime.com/
Nakamura Miya, a child born out of wedlock in a distinguished family, lived with her mother. When her mother passes away, she is taken in by her father’s main family, the Kouno household. She expects her stepmother Teru and stepsisters Marika and Arisa to be harsh, but they never bully her…!?
（C）Otsuji・Ichijinsha／”Ibitekonai Gibo to Gibane” Production Committee
Interview and text by Nao Noshita (I Planning)
