【Second part】Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lucky Star at Orchestra Concert - Special talk with Kaori Fukuhara as Tsukasa Hiiragi and Emiri Kato as Kagami Hiiragi

From left to right: Emiri Kato (playing Kagami Hiiragi), Kagami Hiiragi, Tsukasa Hiiragi, Kaori Fukuhara (playing Tsukasa Hiiragi)

The TV anime Lucky☆Star, which aired from April to September 2007, is a school-life series that had a diverse range of comedy from typical to surreal and parody, establishing itself as a monument in the genre of "Slice of Life." In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original manga's serialization, Lucky☆Star organized a music event. What's surprising is that the anime's theme songs, background music, and character songs will be performed with an orchestral arrangement. In this context, we had the opportunity to have an interview with Kaori Fukuhara (as Tsukasa Hiiragi) and Emiri Kato (as Kagami Hiiragi), who played the main character, twin sisters in Lucky☆Star. They shared their thoughts on the recording process and the enthusiasm of fans, reflecting on the 17 years since the anime aired. In the second part of the interview, we delve into their memories beyond recording and their feelings towards the 20th-anniversary event of the original work.

©Yoshimizu Kagami/Lucky Paradise

――Lucky☆Star was quite a unique work, including an abundance of ad-libbing, wasn't it?

Kato: Yes, that's right. I don't know of any other work where the staff and actors mutually strived for improvement. It was certainly demanding and challenging, but it felt like a kind of youth, and it was a lot of fun.

Fukuhara: Our experience level undoubtedly skyrocketed. Even now, when I encounter difficulties, I think, "I worked so hard back then," and it instantly lightens my mood (laughs).

Kato: Without a doubt, it was a turning point for us.


――Both of you started your voice acting careers around the same time and even formed a unit. On a personal level, do you perceive each other as "comrades"?

Fukuhara: I wouldn't necessarily say we're like "comrades." We're pretty laid-back, you know (laughs).

Kato: Exactly. However, even in situations that might feel challenging alone, having someone by your side makes it easier to persevere. So, I'm thankful that Kaorin(Fukuhara’s nickname) has been by my side.

Fukuhara: I feel the same. Emiri is a reassuring presence just by being.


―― Is the atmosphere the same when Aya Hirano and Aya Endo joined?

Fukuhara: It's the same, right?

Kato: Yeah. We talk about trivial things most of the time. We hardly ever discuss work-related matters.

Fukuhara: There's absolutely zero of those "actors passionately discussing acting all night" moments you occasionally hear about (laughs).


―― I'm relieved that it's as I imagined. Honestly, what if you were fiercely debating acting theories behind the scenes (laughs)?

Kato: After all these years, I can now say it... like this?

Fukuhara: No way, that's scary, scary (laughs). With these four, it's absolutely unimaginable.

―― After the airing, when did you first feel that the work was being accepted by the public?

Fukuhara: For me, it was around the time when the CD for Motteke! Sailor Fuku was released.

Kato: Same for me. That was it, right?

Fukuhara: Yeah, that's right. At the time, there was this movement among fans like, "Let's all buy the CD and support the show." I heard about it through rumors. Curious about what was happening, Emiri and I secretly went to Akihabara on the day the CD was released. When we arrived, fans had gathered in the square, laying out CD jackets and having a fan meeting.

Kato: While watching the scene from above at UDX, the tall building in Akihabara, we were excited like, "This is amazing!" (laughs).

Fukuhara: Then it ranked second on the Oricon weekly chart when it first debuted. That's when I first realized that something amazing was happening.

Kato: At that time, there was hardly any social media, so we didn't receive the excitement and feedback from fans in real-time. That's why seeing the enthusiasm of Lucky☆Star fans in real life, along with announcements of chart rankings, allowed us to grasp the level of the situation. However, at the time, we were so focused on dealing with the immediate tasks that we didn't have much time to enjoy the reactions around us.

Fukuhara: Between dubbing, recording, interviews, and photoshoots, we were quite busy back then.


―― Speaking of that, what is the most memorable thing for you apart from the main recording sessions?

Kato: It would be the "Lucky☆Star Brunch & Official Pilgrimage in Washinomiya" (held in December 2007). It took place at the Washinomiya Shrine, a sacred location in the series, and more people attended than I had imagined.

Fukuhara: Over 3000 fans gathered, and I believe it even became a top news story on Yahoo! website.

Kato: It was the first time so many people had come together for an event related to a single work. Despite being surprised by the enthusiasm, it was truly heartwarming.


―― What is a memorable event for Fukuhara-san?

Fukuhara: Hmm, let me think. Maybe it's the recording of Tsukasa's character song, Ne- Nige de Reset! There weren't many retakes, and it went very smoothly. I felt a sense of accomplishment, thinking, "Made a song that truly represents Tsukasa." Even now, there are fans who continue to listen to it, so I think, "Good job, past me!"


―― By the way, there was a comment from Fukuhara-san immediately after the recording in the Monthly Newtype.

Fukuhara: Is that so? What did I say?


―― I'll read it. "The recording was late at night, but the slight drowsiness somehow contributed to Tsukasa's fluffy atmosphere, so it turned out surprisingly well."

Kato: You were sleepy.

Fukuhara: Oh, that's why I could sing cutely (laughs).

Kato: I get it now (laughs).

―― On February 4th, there will be a music event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the original work. It seems that the music of Lucky☆Star will be performed by an orchestra.

Kato: I have no idea what kind of music it will be, but I can only look forward to it. I think not only fans from the original work and the time of the airing but also those attending their first Lucky☆Star event will be present. I would be happy if this becomes an opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the world of the series again.

Fukuhara: During my student days, I was in the brass band club, so I like orchestral sounds. Still, I can't imagine what the music of Lucky☆Star will be like when played by an orchestra, in a good way (laughs). But I'm expecting it to be music filled with a playful spirit.


―― Fukuhara-san, you will be participating in the event, won't you?

Fukuhara: Yes, that's right. But at the moment, I haven't been told what I should do. I hope they won't suddenly hand me a microphone and say, "Sing Motteke! Sailor Fuku or something like that, right? (laughs).


―― Since it's an orchestral concert, I don't think that will happen.

Fukuhara: That's a relief. I've been suddenly put on the spot by the staff in the past (laughs).


―― In addition, there are plans for stage events and talk sessions at the SOS☆ Anniversary Festival in March, where the four of you are expected to reunite after a long time.

Kato: The fact that all four of us are coming together is quite a miracle, isn't it?

Fukuhara: Absolutely. Emiri, you should bring your single-lens reflex camera.

Kato: I'll definitely bring it. We don't know when the next time will be, so let's take lots of photos. I'm really excited and nervous right now.

Fukuhara: It's been a while since we last met, but once we're all together, I think the atmosphere will be just like it was back then. We want fans to experience our relaxed atmosphere again after such a long time. It's super rare, so please come, everyone!


―― Seventeen years have passed since the TV anime aired, and with consecutive events being held, it's showing renewed excitement.

Fukuhara: However, I didn't personally feel like it was a "long-awaited event." The thing is, I've been serving as the goodwill ambassador for the city of Kuki, where Washinomiya is located. I visit there once or twice a year and actively engage in activities. The "Hiiragi Sisters' Birthday Event" that we hold every year has a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, and even though it's a local event, fans from all over the country, numbering in the hundreds, come to attend.


―― Lucky☆Star is also a pioneer in the anime pilgrimage, isn't it?

Fukuhara: The local business association members who organize the event and the fans who gather are both very warm-hearted. Personally, I've always thought I don't want to let the flame of the sacred place die out, so when I heard about this event, I was delighted. It feels like the effort we've put into it has paid off.

Kato: That's true. I've also attended events just a little bit, and I think the fact that Kaorin, the local business association members, and the fans have continued to support us has led to  such a significant event. There's nothing but gratitude for that. Even now, I occasionally see Kagami on social media or in itasha (cars decorated with anime-related graphics), and I think that's amazing.


―― By the way, in 2027, the TV anime will also celebrate its 20th anniversary. Lastly, do you have any dreams or something you'd like to do for the 20th anniversary?

Fukuhara: Since it's free just to say, I'll say it—I want the four of us to sing Motteke! Sailor Fuku together (laughs).

Kato: Certainly, even at the Budokan event ("Lucky☆Star in Budokan - For You"), (Endo) Aya-san wasn't there, so maybe we've never sung it together as four. I want to sing it!

Fukuhara: Exactly. I'm saying this ignoring our age and attire and everything (laughs). Emiri, do you have something?

Kato: I want to record a new mini-drama. In the original, Kagami and the others have aged and become university students. Since there's a slightly different atmosphere than when they were in high school, I personally really want to portray that.

Fukuhara: I want to do that too! As 2027 marks the 20th year since the TV anime started airing, I hope a grand anniversary project will be launched. It's a "dream," so I just said whatever I wanted (laughs).


―― I hope your dreams come true.

Compare this to the photos in the first part!

Text and composition by Daisuke Okamoto
Translated by Newtype Global

Lucky☆Star" Orchestra Concert - 20th Anniversary, Let's All Get Together! ~"
Tickets for archive viewing  are now on sale until February 11th, 2024.

☆Performances
Orchestra: Lucky☆Star Orchestra a.k.a Heartbeat Symphony　
Mixed Chorus=Nova Anima from ChoieL
Host: Hiromi Konno (Akira Kogami), Minoru Shiraishi (Minoru Shiraishi)
Guest: Kaori Fukuhara (played by Tsukasa Hiiragi), Satoru Kousaki(composer)
*The performers are subject to change.
☆Distribution ticket information
Normal delivery ticket: 4,400 JPY(tax included)
A separate handling fee will be charged.
Ticket sales
Friday, January 12th, 2024 - Sunday, February 11th, 2024 21:00(JST)

＜Archived viewing period＞
Sunday, February 4th 2024 (after each performance) - Sunday, February 11th 2024 (23:59) (JST)
Please note that it may take some time for the archive viewing to start after the performance.

To watch via "PIA LIVE STREAM
Reception page→https://w.pia.jp/a/pls-luckystar-concert-film-002/

Official website: http://www.lucky-ch.com/
Official X (former Twitter): @AnimeLuckystar
©Yoshimizu Kagami/Lucky Paradise