- Interview Location: Anime Expo 2026
- Interview Format:In-person, One-on-One
Anime Herald: What are some memorable moments from recording season one?
Hana Hishikawa: Riirii is a character that gives herself over to highly emotional expressions. It’s not common to have a character like that, so it was a lot of fun, but also a challenge. I hadn’t played a character like that before.
Anime Herald: Were there any moments where you had to work with the director to get the character right?
Hana Hishikawa: Riirii had a very poor upbringing. It was hard for me to do her rough speaking style adequately. The director encouraged me to be more frightening and scary when speaking.
Anime Herald: What aspects of Riirii do you want to make sure come across in your performance?
Hana Hishikawa: While she does have that rough speaking style, at heart she’s a very sensitive person. That’s something I wanted to communicate to the viewers. How sensitive she is.
Anime Herald: What is your origin story? How did you end up becoming a voice actress?
Hana Hishikawa: I really love anime. I was thinking, “How can I become part of this anime world?” I came across the idea that I could become a character. The way to become a character is to become a voice actress.
Anime Herald: Which anime in particular inspired you to think that you wanted to do this?
Hana Hishikawa: I loved Magi(Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic). That’s how I became an otaku.
Anime Herald: Any fun plans or stories from your trip to LA?
Hana Hishikawa: One of my favorite films is set out here in LA. I really liked the opportunity to visit where it was set.
Anime Herald: Which film is this?
Hana Hishikawa:La La Land.
Anime Herald: Oh! I know the people who produced it.
Hana Hishikawa: Amazing.
Anime Herald: Is there anything else you would like to discuss?
Hana Hishikawa:Though I Am an Inept Villainess is an anime that was made by all of the staff. Every single member of the production staff poured all of their love into this series. I hope this is something viewers will see when they watch it. I hope it is conveyed.
Anime Herald: It is nice when a team works together.
Hana Hishikawa: Yes!
Anime Herald: Thank you very much.
Hana Hishikawa: Thank you.
