- Interview Location: Anime Expo 2026
- Interview Format:In-person, One-on-One
Anime Herald: Welcome back. Can you share any stores from the last year of the production of Vermilion Mask?
Taichi Kimura: Our script meetings are really long. It’s draft, after draft, after draft. They’re five hours long. We’ll start at 5 PM and go until 10 PM; we re-write and re-write. After that, we’re exhausted. We’ll go out for a drink with the writers. After that, our memories are gone. We’ve been doing that for many sessions.
Anime Herald: Is that your normal recording process, or is this just for Vermilion Mask?
Taichi Kimura: I think it’s quite rare. In this case, the original creator is highly involved in the process. They’re working on the plot, and are part of the team for the anime production.
Anime Herald: What was your initial impression ofVermilion Mask?
Taihi Kimura: I thought it was really interesting. It’s also sad and painful. I want to know what is going to happen.
Anime Herald: What is the core of your character that you want to make sure you show the viewers?
Taihi Kimura: His attitude, to challenge and overcome all obstacles. Also, Peru’s willingness to forgive and his desire to be forgiven.
Anime Herald: With the upcoming broadcast ofVermilion Mask, what would you like our readers to know about the show?
Taichi Kimura: The story development is quite speedy. There are a lot of surprises. I would like the audience to enjoy the surprises.
Taihi Kimura:It’s dynamic and dramatic from the start. I want audiences to be blown away by the development of the story.
Anime Herald: Ken Production says your hobbies are cooking and vintage clothing. What vintage clothing do you find particularly cool, and what’s your favorite thing to cook?
Taihi Kimura: I worked in a restaurant kitchen for ten years. I can cook pretty much anything, such as Japanese curry with rice.
For clothing, I’m drawn to clothing made by unknown designers. Like a student in France or somewhere in Europe. Unusual shapes or cuts.
Anime Herald: You’re a treasure hunter looking for things that look cool.
Taihi Kimura: Yes. It’s exciting for me.
Anime Herald: As for cooking, it sounds like you were a line cook?
Taihi Kimura: Yes, but it was more of a part-time job.
Anime Herald: You’ve been involved with this project for a very long time. How does it feel to have the release in sight?
Taichi Kimura: At the beginning, there were just three of us. It was me, Dr. Poro, and (Nana) Nabana-sensei. We were talking about how we were going to make it good and interesting. It was just the three of us. Now, there are so many people working to bring the project into the world. It feels profound and emotional to finally get it done.
Anime Herald: I can understand why you are willing to work from 5 PM to 10 PM to get it done.
Do you have any questions for us?
Taichi Kimura: What shows are you most excited for the upcoming season?
Anime Herald: I like shows likeKengan AshuraandBaki.Bakihas a new season coming out, so that’s the first that comes to mind.
Taichi Kimura: Dr. Poro has used Baki as inspiration for some of the action sequences.
Taihi Kimura: Who is your favorite Baki character?
Anime Herald: His father, Yujiro Hanma.
Taihi Kimura: Koura Hanayama.
Anime Herald: I also like the smoking policeman, Detective Kido.
Anime Herald: How did you end up becoming a voice actor?
Taihi Kimura: There’s a high school club for performers, an announcing club. I got good reviews. I was selected to be one of the announcers for a Koshien game, the high school baseball tournament. When I graduated high school, I thought about becoming a voice actor, or going to college. Ken Production returned my result earlier than my college applications, so I decided to join Ken Production.
Anime Herald: Did you also play baseball, or just announce it?
Taihi Kimura: I didn’t play. I just know that if a player went around all four bases, that’s one run.
Taichi Kimura:I was a shortstop.
Anime Herald: Is there anything else you would like to discuss?
Taihi Kimura: I’m also playing Chihiro Rokuhira in Kagurabachi this season.
Anime Herald: This is a big season for you. Best of luck.
Taihi Kimuri: Thank you.
Taichi Kimura: Thank you.
Anime Herald: Thank you very much.
