The anime "Detective Conan: Zero no Nichijou (Tea Time)," a spin-off of the "Detective Conan" series, is currently being broadcast and distributed by TOKYO MX, Yomiuri TV, BS Nittele and Netflix. This work focuses on Toru Amuro, one of the most popular characters in "Detective Conan" and a man with "three faces": public safety, detective, and black-skulled organization. This double feature interview with Toru Furuya, who voices the character and stars in a TV anime for the first time in 14 years, is brought to you in this issue! In the first interview, we delve into the joys and pressures of playing the ever-evolving character of Toru Amuro. Furuya says, "It's hard to keep up with him," because "Amuro-san" is so perfect to the end. (Reporting and writing by editorial department) Police academy version, theater version, and now a solo hero! Thoughts on Toru Amuro's Continuing Momentum --The "Police Academy" anime began last year, and the latest movie "Detective Conan: Bride of Halloween," which opened in theaters on April 15, also spotlights Amuro as a member of the police academy group. And now, in "Zero no Nichijo," Amuro finally becomes the sole protagonist. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Aoyama (Gosho). Aoyama has been spreading the word about his fascinating characters, and there are fans who accept them, support them, and are interested in them. I think that is why we are able to make animations and movies. In response to that, I am feeling more and more pressure (laughs). I have to live up to the expectations. Moreover, the skills of the characters are getting better and better. In the movie version, they speak a foreign language, and their skills are so high that there is nothing they can't do. It's hard to keep up with them because they are so far removed from Toru Furuya. -Certainly, there is an image of Mr. Amuro as a person who never disappoints. It's really hard to live up to that (laughs). --When the decision was made to adapt "Zero's Everyday Life" into an anime, did you feel any pressure? The fact that a spin-off manga focusing on Toru Amuro was created, and then further adapted into an anime, is proof that Toru Amuro has a lot of fans and is very popular, so I was extremely happy for me. However, since the comics were as big a hit as the original, I was excited, but at the same time I felt a lot of pressure to take on this responsibility. --From April, you will be able to see Amuro both at home and outside with "Zero's Daily Life" at home and "Halloween Bride" in movie theaters, so it looks like things are going to get even more exciting. I sincerely hope that the Zero Furuya is as good as everyone expects it to be. And I would be happy if the number of fans of Zero Furuya increases even more. (Laughs) First starring role in an animated TV series in 14 years I think this will be the last time (laughs)." --This is your first starring role in an animated television series in 14 years. This year marks my 56th year in animation, and I have played the lead in nearly 100 films. 14 years ago, I played the lead in "Casshern Sins. The director asked me to play the role of Casshern, and I was thrilled to think that I could still play the lead role at my age. I thought to myself, "That will be the last time," but here I am, getting to play the lead role in this way. The main character is the easiest to play, and the supporting roles are more difficult, because the film is based on the emotions of the main character. The more information you have, the easier it is to get into the story. The more information you have, the easier it is to get into the story. In that sense, I was very happy to play the leading role this time. I think this will be the last time, though (laughs). Also, I was actually given the opportunity to star in an animated feature film in Showa, Heisei, and 2025. Last year, I played the lead role of Aus in an animation co-production with Saudi Arabia called "Journey: A Story of Miracles and Battles in the Ancient Arabian Peninsula," and I was able to accomplish the film role (starring in Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa) there. And in the animated TV series, I was able to accomplish that with this one, so "Yay!" I am very happy to be able to do this. --That's an amazing record! (looking embarrassed) I was very lucky (laughs). I can see it because it's "Zero Day-to-Day." Toru Amuro and Zero Furuya in normal clothes --What was your first impression of "Detective Conan: Zero Day-to-Day"? At first, I was under the impression that Toru Amuro's expression was calm and his touch was soft, as the film depicts everyday life unrelated to missions and incidents. On the other hand, I also saw the way he thought about his classmates in the police academy, his lonely expression, and his sense of loneliness, which he has not shown very often. ...... I feel that his charm has increased. --What do you think is the charm of Toru Amuro that we can't see in "Detective Conan" but only in "Zero's Daily Life"? It is an expression that is not often seen in "Detective Conan," such as "Toru Amuro and Zero Furuya in everyday clothes. In "Zero no Nichijo," there are scenes where they are not seen by others and they are alone, so you can see a lot of different expressions. Some people may be disappointed that they look effeminate, but I feel that is part of their charm. The same goes for skills, such as the technique of piloting a large motorcycle, playing the guitar, and judo with one arm. I also have a wealth of knowledge. I know how to sleepless night. And then there's the attentiveness. He's even attentive to Camel, the FBI agent he's supposed to hate. I think that kind of expression, skill, and personality of Amuro are appealing. I feel that my experience with "Zero no Nichijo" has allowed me to play the character of Zero Furuya more deeply. Toru Amuro continues to evolve I just have to keep on eating somehow." --The popularity of "Detective Conan" has continued to increase with the TV anime, the theater version, and now "Zero no Nichijo," as well as the character's specifications themselves. How does it feel for you as the actor, Mr. Furuya? Do you feel like the bar is being raised? That's right (laughs). The hurdles are getting higher and higher. Highly skilled, yet friendly to everyone. I can do 500 pull-ups (laughs). -- (laughs). You are also an attentive person, aren't you? He really is ideal. --Is there a scene that you thought was too perfect? I guess I am attentive. There is no man like him! I think so (laughs). (Laughs.) He seemed to be being sarcastic with Camel, but in fact he made sure he got there in time for the mission. It's amazing. -I was surprised that he even paid attention to the humidity for Azusa. Oh yes! And it's casual. I guess that is normal for him, but the fact that he acts casually and doesn't talk about it is cool. It's really seamless. --I'm sure he will continue to show us various aspects of himself in the future. I am looking forward to it. I wonder how far he will go (laughs). The bar is being raised higher and higher, so I have to keep at it! I feel like I'm doing something right. --I got a glimpse of the relationship between Mr. Furuya and Mr. Amuro when I heard your story. After this, please tell us more about the acting side of things as we delve deeper into "Detective Conan: Zero Day-to-Day". In the second part of our interview, we talk directly about his "encounter" with Amuro Toru, his portrayal of the triple-faced character, and more. When talking about Amuro's dog, Halo, Furuya-san's love for dogs also comes to the fore! Please be sure to read the second part of the interview, which will be posted next week. (C) Takahiro Arai, Gosho Aoyama, Shogakukan, "Detective Conan: Zero's Daily Life" Production Committee
【Background】
・Graduated from Kyoto University with a major in Japanese Culture Studies, Faculty of Letters
・After graduation, worked 4 years as editor and proofreader for a print magazine specializing in traditional performing arts and culture
・Became a freelance journalist in 2021 and launched japanculturean.com in 2022
【Expertise】
・Pop-Culture Fusion Analysis
Analytical commentary on how modern pop-culture media (anime, film, fashion) incorporates and reinterprets traditional Japanese motifs.
