On August 23rd, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted comments from Chiaki Kobayashi who plays Grusha.

In the next episode, episode 63, Liko will battle Grusha, the Gym Leader of the Mt. Napper Gym! In episode 56, Grusha watched the Elite Four exhibition match between the Liko/Kaede team and Chili. What kind of battle will we get from this practical application test?! We've received a comment from Chiaki Kobayashi, who plays Grusha:

Grusha is a character I had already encountered in the Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet video game when I got cast, so it made me very happy to learn I would be playing him; I had never imagined I'd get to play such a memorable character. When I played the role, I hoped I managed to properly get across how he truly felt between the seemingly harsh words he uses. Since they've entrusted this role to me, I'm going to do my absolute utmost to avoid giving you an uncool battle, so I hope you'll look forward to Liko's match!
Chiaki Kobayashi, the voice of Grusha

次回、第63話では
ナッペ山のジムリーダー・グルーシャとリコがバトル
アニポケ 56話四天王交流戦のリコ＆カエデ VS チリのバトルを興味深く見ていたグルーシャ
応用テストではどんなバトルを繰り広げるのでしょうか⁉
グルーシャを演じる小林千晃 さんからコメントが到着しました！

On August 27th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a recap of the Practical Application Tests up to this episode.

The Practical Application Tests Thus Far:
Dot VS Aoki:
Dot passed the test with excellence, receiving praise for her quick-wittedness when it came to understanding her Pokémon's intentions, among other positives.

Roy VS Lime:
Despite initially getting failed, Roy passed after landing a praiseworthy victory in his rematch!

Next it's Liko's turn. In episode 62, we got to see her battle opponent Grusha...!

これまでの応用テスト
■ドット VS アオキ
ポケモンの意図を理解したドットの機転などが評価され、見事合格
■ロイ VS ライム
一度は不合格となるものの再挑戦したバトルで見事勝利して合格！
さぁ、次はリコの番！
#アニポケ 62話には対戦相手のグルーシャの姿が…！

On August 28th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a Tebrim Recap.

Tebrim Recap:
Mibrim joined Liko in episode 21. It wasn't feeling too good due to its sensing of the emotions of those around it, but Liko's hood made it feel at ease! It then evolved in episode 53, becoming strong enough to intervene in infights between Pokémon!

◢◤テブリム 振り返り◢◤
21話でリコの仲間になったミブリム
周囲の感情をキャッチしてしまい、元気がなかったものの、リコのフードで安らげるようになりました！
そして、アニポケ 53話でテブリムに進化！
ポケモン同士のケンカを止めにはいるほど、たくましい姿になりましたね！

The official Japanese Anime PR Twitter account posted a Next Episode Featured Points on August 28th, 2024.

Grusha seems very cold and harsh, but when Liko and the others visit an attraction, they discover photos of him with a big smile on his face. The operator tells them about Grusha's surprising past...!

◢◤アニポケ 次回注目ポイント◢◤
クールで厳しい人物の印象が強いグルーシャ
しかし、リコたちは訪れた店で笑顔のグルーシャの写真を発見
店主から意外な過去を聞くことに…！

On August 29th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a video interview with Chiaki Kobayashi who plays Grusha.

In the next episode of the Pokémon anime, episode 63, airing Friday August 30th, 2024, Liko will take on her practical application test battle. We've received a comment from Chiaki Kobayashi-san, who plays her opponent, Mt. Napper Gym Leader Grusha! What did he focus on when he dubbed the battle scenes...? Make sure to check out the video:

Hello, everyone. My name is Chiaki Kobayashi, and I play the role of Grusha in the Pocket Monsters anime TV show. In the next episode of the Pokémon anime, Grusha and Liko will finally battle, so I wanted to talk a bit about how I play Grusha.

What did you initially think of Grusha?
Well, my initial impression of him came from the video games, but I felt like he was the kind of character who came across as being tough on both himself and others, but at the same time, his cold exterior hid a burning passion that shows when push comes to shove.

What did you focus specifically on while dubbing his battle scenes?
Grusha is normally conspicuously calm and collected, but as I said, he does have this passion to him, so I got to play him as a lot more serious and passionate while battling. He IS a Gym Leader though, which means that in addition to meaning to defeat his opponent Liko he also intends to teach her, so I played him as committed to the part and not too desperately trying to win, but still passionate about the battle.

What were your thoughts on his battle opponents Liko, Nyarote and Tebrim?
I think Liko is very diligent and serious, and the way she adapts to what her opponents is doing is particularly impressive considering how young she is. However, she's still growing and developing as she battles, and I think her ability to pay attention to things other Trainers don't really notice is something else really noteworthy about her. As for her Pokémon, Nyarote and Tebrim, I really feel they have their own unique idiosyncrasies, and that Liko shows how affectionate she also is by understanding this and using them differently according to those individual traits.

Now, everyone, did I manage to get across a lot of what makes Grusha so fascinating? The next episode of the Pokémon anime, episode 63, is "An Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha". I hope you'll pay attention to how Grusha fights against Liko! I did my absolute utmost to avoid giving you an uncool battle! With that said, the Pocket Monsters anime TV show airs on the TV Tokyo Network every Friday at 6:55pm! This has been Chiaki Kobayashi. Bye-bye!

次回、8月30日(金)放送の アニポケ
第63話ではリコが応用テストのバトルに挑戦
対戦相手となるナッペ山のジムリーダー・グルーシャを演じる
小林千晃 さんから、コメントが到着しました
バトルシーンで意識したこととは…？
動画をチェックしてね！


On August 30th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted another video from the interview with Chiaki Kobayashi.

Episode 63 of the Pokémon anime had Liko take on Grusha in her practical application test. To commemorate this, we present a special follow-up to Grusha's voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi's comment video that we released the other day, featuring some additional commentary. What behind-the-scenes story does he have to share about the fierce battle scene...? The Youtube upload of the new episode is a must see as well!

アニポケ 第63話ではリコが応用テストでグルーシャと対戦しました
ということで、先日公開したグルーシャ役 #小林千晃 さんのコメント動画より、こぼれ話を公開
白熱のバトルシーンの収録裏話とは…？
見逃し配信も必見です！

Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories from the dubbing sessions to share?
Well, Liko's voice actress Suzuki-san really feels like she embodies Liko herself, so at first she actually made me feel nervous; She was sitting there intensely focused on the script, acting her part with a sense of desperation in her voice, and since I was playing the Gym Leader, I was kinda wondering if it was okay for me to talk to her all that much or not.

Do you have any favorite Pokémon or personal stories related to Pokémon you would like to share?
I have a lot of favorites; There's Gangar, Hassam, and recently also Ogerpon, but after playing Grusha I've definitely taken a real liking to his Pokémon like Arukujira and Tyltalis. Back when I was in middle school me and my friends used to play Gym Leaders at school, and I'd be the Ghost type Gym Leader, but now I kinda wish I had been the Ice type Gym Leader instead.

On August 29th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a Nyarote Recap.

Nyarote Recap:
Liko's partner Nyahoja evolved into a Nyarote in episode 45. We've put together a compilation of the battles this constant duo have faced together! How will they face the practical application test...?!

◢◤ニャローテ 振り返り◢◤
リコの相棒・ニャオハ はアニポケ45話でニャローテに進化
ずっと一緒に歩んできたリコとニャローテの、共に挑んだバトルをまとめました！
応用テストにはどう挑む…!?

On August 30th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account promoted the opening theme song Will that was released on IVE's 2nd Japanese EP CD ALIVE on August 28th, 2024. Unfortunately at the time of them posting the Tweet, the Limited First Edition pressing of CD had already been sold out for a few days on The Pokémon Center Online and other Japanese retailers due to it including a serial code lottery ticket to go to an IVE meet and greet event.

IVE's second Japanese EP "ALIVE", featuring the Pokémon anime opening theme "Will", is now on sale! At Pokémon Centers, you can also get smartphone size jacket stickers as a free gift with your purchase! Make sure to check out the song that vividly colors Liko, Roy and Dot's adventure! Together, we challenge mirai e Let's go!

アニポケ オープニングテーマ「Will」が収録されたIVEさんのJAPAN 2nd EP『ALIVE』発売！
ポケモンセンターではスマホサイズジャケットステッカー特典も！
リコ、ロイ、ドットの冒険を彩る明るい楽曲、ぜひチェックしてね
Together, We challenge 未来へ
Let’s go！

On August 30th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a Pokémon Anime Day promotional message.

Friday is Pokémon Anime Day! In the areas around the Gyrm, it seems like the "Arukujira Slide", which involves riding on the back of an Arukujira and sliding down the ski slopes, has become really popular! The trio decide to give it a go as they wait for the battle

金曜日はアニポケ の日
ジムの周辺では、アルクジラの背中に乗って、ゲレンデをすべりおりる「アルクジラ滑り」がブームになっているみたい！
バトルまでの待ち時間、3人も挑戦することに

On August 30th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account posted a message to promote the original airing of this episode.

Liko's practical application test begins. Her opponent is Grusha, who uses Ice type Pokémon, a type Nyarote has a disadvantage against. The icy bite of reality in battling assaults Liko, Nyarote and Tebrim!! Don't miss the Pokémon anime episode coming up soon at 6:55pm!

アニポケ 第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」
リコの応用テストがスタート
相手はニャローテ とタイプ相性で不利となるこおりタイプの使い手・グルーシャ
冷たいバトルの現実がリコ、ニャローテ、テブリム に襲い掛かる―！！
このあとよる6時55分からのアニポケをお見逃しなく！

On August 30th, 2024, the official Japanese AniPoke Twitter account reminded that this episode was available to watch on the official Japanese YouTube channel. The video was region locked to Japan only. It was available from August 30th, 2024 to September 6th, 2024. This episode was specifically labeled as a missed-program webcast (見逃し配信).

The episode was also available on the TV Tokyo YouTube channel and the Official Corocoro Channel and were labeled as limited-time delivery (期間限定配信). The TV Tokyo version included the series trailer at the end of the episode where as the Corocoro version had beginning and ending bumpers promoting Corocoro.

AniPoke Episode 63 An Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha
What did you think?
Liko battled with Nyarote and Tebrim, using a variety of different techniques.
But the reality was harsh...
The results of the test conducted by Grusha can be found on the missed stream now!
It will be available for 1 week from today!

アニポケ 第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」
いかがでしたか？
ニャローテ、テブリム と力を合わせて、さまざまなわざを駆使してバトルしたリコ
しかし、現実は厳しく…
グルーシャが言い渡したテストの結果は
見逃し配信で！
公開期間は本日より1週間

The official AnimeAnime Twitter account posted a link to an interview on August 30th, 2024, that they conducted with Chiaki Kobayashi (小林千晃).

Paldea region Mt. Napper Gym Leader Grusha appears in episode 63 of the Pocket Monsters TV show, "An Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha", which airs August 30th 2024. We present an official interview with Chiaki Kobayashi, who provides Grusha's voice.

The Pocket Monsters TV show tells the story of Liko, a Paldean girl with a mysterious pendant, and Roy, a Kantonean boy with a strange monster ball, "finding" something important by going on an adventure. Following chapter 1, "Liko and Roy Set Off", and chapter 2, "Terapagos' Shine", the story is currently in its 3rd chapter, "Terastal Debut".

In episode 63, "An Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha", which airs August 30th 2024, Liko finally takes on her practical application test. The test involves battling using two Pokémon, and Liko takes on Grusha's Hulkujira and Tyltalis with her Nyarote and Tebrim. Will Liko be able to capitalize on what she's learned from her Terastal training assessment test and her Elite Four exhibition match during this practical application test against Grusha, who's known as the strongest Gym Leader in the Paldea region? It's finally time for the battle all eyes have been on for a while to begin.

Grusha's voice is provided by Chiaki Kobayashi, who flashed back to his childhood when he learned he had been cast in this role. "I've been a fan of this franchise ever since I was a kid, so just getting to be in something that carried this many childhood memories for me made me really happy. However, Grusha was also a character I had encountered in the Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet video games, so it made me especially happy that I would get to play him of all characters; I had never imagined I'd get to play someone this memorable.", he said.

When asked how he expressed Grusha's qualities, he said that "playing Grusha with so much passion it seems like he's going all out due to thinking he'll lose otherwise will just make him look petty, so I focused heavily on balancing how passionate he sounds with how much calm, yet strict "guidance" he provides and the like." And as for the episode's highlights, he said that "Grusha is on a level far above Liko, so I'd like you to focus on how she fights against him. It's important to keep in mind that type matchup is a thing, and that Nyarote does not have the advantage when fighting Ice types. I think seeing how Liko fights alongside her partner Pokémon in this disadvantagous situation is something you should pay particular attention to. I hope you'll look forward to Liko's battle, and of course to Grusha's Terastallization as well."

Episode 63 of the Pocket Monsters TV show, "An Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha" starring Paldea region Mt. Napper Gym Leader Grusha played by Chiaki Kobayashi, airs August 30th 2024.

OFFICIAL INTERVIEW WITH CHIAKI KOBAYASHI, THE VOICE OF GRUSHA:

Q: How did you feel when you you got cast in the Pocket Monsters TV show?
Kobayashi: I've been a fan of this franchise ever since I was a kid, so just getting to be in something that carried this many childhood memories for me made me really happy. However, Grusha was also a character I had encountered in the Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet video games, so it made me especially happy that I would get to play him of all characters; I had never imagined I'd get to play someone this memorable.

Q: Do you have any memories or personal stories related to Pokémon you would like to share?
Kobayashi: While I've both played the video games and watched the anime, it's Pokémon's music that I've particularly been a fan of, to the point the first CD I ever bought in my life was a Pokémon anime theme song one! I believe they've posted some BGM from the classic video games on the official Pokémon Youtube channel, and listening to that music brings back memories of the video games I once used to be so obsessed with. When I think of it this way, it really feels like my Pokémon life has been colored by music.

Q: Is there any music you're particularly attached to?
Kobayashi: There's a lot, but as far as video games go, I'll have to say the Kogane City BGM from Pocket Monsters Gold/Silver. I'm also a big fan of the Champion battle music from the various games! This is going to be a bit deep, but I'm really fascinated by the fact that we live in an era where the march of technology makes it possible to create infinite amounts of music, but the music created in an age of few means and limited variety still remains in our memory.

Q: Grusha initially appeared in episode 56, "Liko VS Chili! At the End of the Battle", where he talked to Liko after her exhibition match. What did you think of that scene?
Kobayashi: Liko got a bit bewildered by the fact that he spoke so harshly to her even though they had never met before, didn't she...? (laughs). However, I think the fact that he approached her as an "equal" instead of treating her with kid's gloves just because she's a child is actually a positive character trait.
He's not lenient with her, nor does he provide gentle guidance due to her being so young, he's instead fixated on the fact that someone aiming to become a strong Trainer can't have that kind of attitude. Being so harsh with Liko from the very get-go really shows how much he's "strict with both himself and others", and I like him all the better for it.

Q: Did you focus on or emphasize anything specific when you played Grusha in order to best express his qualities, or did the sound director tell you anything that particularly made an impact on you?
Kobayashi: I already told you that Grusha speaks harshly to others because he sees them as equals, but it's important that he's not TOO harsh, otherwise it'll come across as him seeing them as TOO equal. The sound director told me that playing Grusha with so much passion it seems like he's going all out due to thinking he'll lose otherwise will just make him look petty, so I focused heavily on balancing how passionate he sounds with how much calm, yet strict "guidance" he provides and the like.

Q: In other words, he doesn't speak to Liko the way he does just to be harsh, but specifically because he has a certain degree of respect for her, right?
Kobayashi: Yes, there's a nuance here I wanted to convey. There's a certain kindness in how he wants her to get stronger and how he feels that can't happen as long as she stays naive. He is, ultimately, genuinely a kind person, and I hope I managed to properly get across how he truly felt behind the seemingly harsh words he uses.

Q: What was the atmosphere at the Pocket Monsters dubbing sessions like? Did you feel like there was anything unique about them?
Kobayashi: When I was ordering moves during the battle scene, I initially focused on my partner Pokémon Hulkujira, but the sound director told me he instead wanted me to always have my eyes on the opponent's Pokémon when battling and speak towards IT. The reason I have to do this is because I'm not supposed to just stand there throwing out commands, I'm supposed to fight alongside my partner. This really made me feel how profound Pokémon battles truly are, and I went from just focusing on the role I was playing to broadening my outlook and feeling like I was actually there on the battlefield. It was a really fun dubbing session.

Q: And what was it like to play off Liko's voice actress Minori Suzuki-san?
Kobayashi: I thought the passion in Suzuki-san's voice and acting, combined with Liko's earnestness and strong desire to win, made our dialogue feel really good to act out. Grusha's role was to provide guidance for Liko's desire rather than face it head on, so I didn't get to ride the wave of this desire for what it was worth, but I think that's actually what made this scene interesting. There were a lot of things I was able to see precisely because I was put in the role of a Gym Leader.

Q: It must have been difficult to have to tone down your passion due to Grusha's role despite wanting to go along with Liko's burning desire to win?
Kobayashi: Yes, at first the sound director actually told me that I was sounding too desperate to win (laughs). I had prepared quite a bit for the role in terms of the different tone to use when talking to my partner Pokémon as opposed to when talking to Liko, and had a great time bouncing my many ideas off the others, staff and actors alike.

Q: Liko is the next person to take her practical application test following Dot and Roy. Grusha is going to be her opponent in this test, what did it feel like to dub this battle? And can you tell us any upcoming highlights from it?
Kobayashi: Grusha is on a level far above Liko, so I'd like you to focus on how she fights against him. It's important to keep in mind that type matchup is a thing, and that Nyarote does not have the advantage when fighting Ice types. I think seeing how Liko fights alongside her partner Pokémon in this disadvantagous situation is something you should pay particular attention to. I hope you'll look forward to Liko's battle, and of course to Grusha's Terastallization as well.

Q: Finally, do you have something you want to tell to those who are watching the Pocket Monsters TV show?
Kobayashi: I genuinely had a lot of fun working on this episode. It let me see how much true potential Liko's voice actress Suzuki-san has, and even the simplistic dialogue showed a new side of Liko that made me look even more forward to seeing what her future battles will be like. Since they've entrusted this role to me, I'm going to do my absolute utmost to avoid giving you an uncool battle, so I hope you'll look forward to Liko's match!

「アニポケ」小林千晃演じるグルーシャ登場！ 意識したのは「厳しくも“導ける”余裕さ」【インタビュー公開】

テレビアニメ『ポケットモンスター』は、8月30日放送の第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」で、パルデア地方ナッペ山ジムリーダーのグルーシャが登場する。このたび、そのグルーシャ役を務める小林千晃のオフィシャルインタビューが届いた。

テレビアニメ『ポケットモンスター』は、2024年8月30日放送の第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」で、パルデア地方ナッペ山ジムリーダーのグルーシャが登場する。このたび、そのグルーシャ役を務める小林千晃のオフィシャルインタビューが到着した。

不思議なペンダントを持つパルデア出身の少女・リコ、謎のモンスターボールを持つカントー出身の少年・ロイが、冒険を通じて大事な何かを「見つける」物語を描いてきたテレビアニメ『ポケットモンスター』。第1章「リコとロイの旅立ち」編、第2章「テラパゴスのかがやき」編を経て、現在は第3章「テラスタルデビュー」編のストーリーが紡がれている。

8月30日放送の第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」では、いよいよリコが応用テストに挑戦する。
2体のポケモンでバトルする応用テストでは、グルーシャのハルクジラとチルタリスに対し、リコはニャローテとテブリムで挑む。パルデア地方最強のジムリーダーといわれるグルーシャとの応用テストに、リコはテラスタル研修の基礎テスト、そして四天王交流戦で得た経験を活かすことができるのだろうか。注目の一戦がついに始まる。

グルーシャ役を務める小林千晃は、出演が決まった時のことを「子どもの頃からずっと好きな作品だったので、思い出の詰まった作品に関われるだけでも嬉しいのですが、その中でもグルーシャは、いちプレイヤーとして遊んでいたゲーム『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』でも触れていたキャラクターでした。そんな印象深いキャラクターを自分が演じることになるとは予想もしていなかったのですごく嬉しかったです」と振り返る。

グルーシャの魅力を表現するべく、演じる際は「相手に対して『全力で立ち向かわないと負ける』と思わせるぐらいの熱量で演じると、グルーシャが小物に見えてしまうので、グルーシャがかける言葉の熱量をどのくらい込めるのか、厳しくも“導ける”余裕さを出せるのかなど、バランスをすごく意識しました」とのこと。 見どころについては「格上のグルーシャに対してどういう戦い方をするのか注目して見て頂きたいです。どうしてもタイプ相性があるので、ニャローテはこおりタイプに対して優勢というわけではない。この逆境の中でどのようにリコがパートナーポケモンと一緒に戦っていくのかというところがポイントかなと思います。リコのバトルを楽しみにして頂きつつ、グルーシャのテラスタルもぜひ、楽しみにして頂きたいなと思います」と寄せた。

小林千晃演じるパルデア地方ナッペ山ジムリーダーのグルーシャが登場する、テレビアニメ『ポケットモンスター』の第63話「氷の戦い！冷たい瞳のグルーシャ」は8月30日に放送される。

＜以下、オフィシャルインタビュー全文掲載＞

小林千晃 ●テレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」への出演が決まった時のご感想をお聞かせください。
子どもの頃からずっと好きな作品だったので、思い出の詰まった作品に関われるだけでも嬉しいのですが、その中でもグルーシャは、いちプレイヤーとして遊んでいたゲーム『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』でも触れていたキャラクターでした。そんな印象深いキャラクターを自分が演じることになるとは予想もしていなかったのですごく嬉しかったです。

●小林さん自身は『ポケモン』との思い出やエピソードはありますか？
『ポケモン』はゲーム・アニメともに触れてきたのですが、初めて買ったCDがアニメ「ポケモン」主題歌のCDだったくらい、特に音楽が好きで！　ポケモン公式YouTubeチャンネルでも歴代ゲームのBGMが公開されていると思うんですけど、それを聴くと当時夢中になって遊んでいたゲームを思い出しますし、こうして振り返ってみると、音楽と一緒に僕の『ポケモン』人生は彩られていたなと感じます。

●特に思い出深い音楽はありますか？
たくさんあるんですけど、ゲームだと『ポケットモンスター 金・銀』のコガネシティのBGMですね。それから、チャンピオン戦のBGMはどの作品も凝っていてめちゃくちゃ好きです！　深い話になってしまうのですが、今でこそ技術が発達して無限に音楽を作り出すことができるけれど、当時は少ない手段や限られたバリエーションの中で、記憶に今もなお残り続ける“音楽”が生み出されていたことにすごく惹かれました。

●第56話「リコVSチリ！バトルの先に」で初登場となったグルーシャですが、交流戦後にリコに話しかける場面がありました。小林さんはどのような感想を持たれましたか？
初対面から厳しい言葉を投げかけていたので、リコも困惑していましたね…（笑）でも、相手がこどもだからといって優しくするのではなく、“対等”に接しているところに逆に彼の良さが見えました。
手心を加えるとか、こどもだから優しく指導してあげるのではなく、“強いトレーナーを目指すのであればその心持ちじゃいけない”ということをグルーシャはちゃんと見据えていて。それをリコに対しても初めから厳しく言葉をかけるところに、彼の「自分にも他人にも厳しい」という一面が見えて、僕はすごく好感が持てました。

●グルーシャの魅力を表現するために、お芝居で意識されたことや大切にされたこと、音響監督からのディレクションで印象的だったものがあれば教えてください。
先ほど対等に接しているから言葉も厳しいと言いましたが、一方で、厳しくしすぎると対等に見すぎているように受け取られてしまいます。実際に音響監督からのディレクションにもありましたが、相手に対して「全力で立ち向かわないと負ける」と思わせるぐらいの熱量で演じると、グルーシャが小物に見えてしまうので、グルーシャがかける言葉の熱量をどのくらい込めるのか、厳しくも“導ける”余裕さを出せるのかなど、バランスをすごく意識しました。

●厳しくしたくて言葉をかけるのではなく、リコを認めている部分があるからこその言い方になっているんですね。
リコにより強くなってほしい、甘い考えでは次に進めないんだというある種の優しさからきているので、そのニュアンスは出したいと思いました。心の根っこの部分では、ちゃんと優しさが通っている。辛辣ともとれる言葉の裏に込められた彼の本心が伝われば良いなと思って演じました。

●アニメ「ポケットモンスター」の収録現場の雰囲気はいかがでしたか？ また、「ポケモン」ならではだと感じた点はありますか？
バトルシーンで、最初はパートナーポケモンであるハルクジラに意識を向けてわざの指示を出していたのですが、そうではなく、バトルのときは常に相手のポケモンを見据え、そのポケモンに対して言ってほしいというディレクションがありました。
ただ茫然と立って指示しているだけではなく、パートナーと一緒に戦っているからこそ相手のポケモンに常に注力しなければいけない。“一緒に戦う”って確かにそういうことだよなと。ポケモンバトルの奥深さをディレクションから感じました。目の前の役に集中していたのがさらに視野が広がって、本当にバトルフィールドにいるように感じられて、楽しい現場でした。

●リコ役の鈴木みのりさんとの掛け合いは如何でしたか？
鈴木さんの声や芝居の熱量も相まって、リコそのもののまっすぐさ、「勝ちたい」という強い意志が感じられて、すごくお芝居していて気持ちがいいなと思えるような掛け合いでした。グルーシャはリコの強い意志に対して真っ向から挑むのではなく導く立場だったので、彼女の感情に思い切りのっかることができなかったんですが、だからこそ面白いというか。ジムリーダーの立場だったからこそ見えたものがたくさんありました。

●「勝ちたい」と熱量高く挑んでくる気持ちに応えたいけれど、グルーシャの役柄的に熱量を抑えるお芝居をしなければならないのは難しいところですね。
はじめは音響監督からも「必死すぎ！」と言われちゃいました（笑）パートナーポケモンたちに対してかける言葉のように、リコにかける言葉とは違うトーンで話すところは、自分でもそれなりに準備をしていたのですが、「次はこうやってみようか」というお芝居のアイディアがたくさん出てきて。それに対して役者も応えていくというのが、すごく楽しい時間でした。

●ドット、ロイに次いで、次はリコの応用テストです。グルーシャはリコの応用テストの対戦相手になるわけですが、このバトルの収録のご感想と、見どころのヒントをお教えください。
格上のグルーシャに対してどういう戦い方をするのか注目して見て頂きたいです。どうしてもタイプ相性があるので、ニャローテはこおりタイプに対して優勢というわけではない。この逆境の中でどのようにリコがパートナーポケモンと一緒に戦っていくのかというところがポイントかなと思います。リコのバトルを楽しみにして頂きつつ、グルーシャのテラスタルもぜひ、楽しみにして頂きたいなと思います。

●最後に、テレビアニメ「ポケットモンスター」を観ている方へのメッセージをお願いします。
収録をしていてすごく楽しかった、というのが率直な感想ですし、リコ役の鈴木さんの底力がみれたので、シンプルに掛け合いしていく中でも新しいリコの一面がみれて、より一層、彼女の今後の戦いが楽しみになってきたなという回でした。
グルーシャ役を任せて頂いたからには、サムくないバトルを皆さんにお届けできるように頑張りますので、是非リコとの戦いを楽しみにして頂ければと思います！

CoroCoro Comic's Official website posted an article about this episode just before the original airing on August 30th, 2024.


Anipoke is just around the corner! Grusha stands in front of Liko! Will the snow-cold reality come crashing down on her!!?


Broadcasting every week from 6:55 pm! The anime "Pocket Monsters" will start airing soon! In this article, we'll introduce you to the Pokémon and characters that will appear in today's episode, as well as comments from the voice actors and director, and other information you won't find anywhere else!

The three of them are taking the Terastal Training practical application test. Following Dot and Roy, who overcame tough battles and passed their tests, it's finally Liko's turn! Liko's test opponent is Grusha from the Mt. Napper Gym!! But is there really a gym in the middle of the snowy mountains......!? As the three make their way along the rugged mountain path, what catches their eye is... an Arukujira sliding down the snowy mountain!?


▲ Mt. Napper is a snow-covered mountain, no matter how far you go. Dot is exhausted from walking and collapses.


▲ An Arukujira flies past the three of them. What was that!? (From Dot's point of view.)

What the three saw was the "Arukujira Slide", which is currently a huge hit on Mt. Napper! It's the hottest activity on the cold Mt. Napper, and you ride down the slopes on the back of a trained Arukujira! The three decide to try the Arukujira Slide until they're ready for the practical application test, but they learn about Grusha's surprising past from the owner of the Arukujira Slide business...


▲ It looks fun, but is it safe to do!?


▲ The owner of the Arukujira Slide told them about Grusha's surprising past, which is very different from how he is now!?

Finally, the battle between Liko and Grusha begins! Grusha is said to be the strongest Gym Leader in the Paldea region. But what are his true strengths......!?


▲ Grusha is an Ice-Type Pokémon Trainer! A harsh and cold battle awaits!


▲ Liko's Nyarote is a Grass-type. It's not very effective against Ice types...... Will it be an uphill battle!?


▲ Grusha is one of the strongest Trainers in the Paldea region. His battle style is as cold as snow for those he faces......!!

Liko challenges Grusha with Nyarote and Tebrim! What will be the results of the battle and the practical application test?! Tune in to see the rest of the story on AniPoke from 6:55pm tonight!

【アニポケまであとちょっと！】リコの前に立ちはだかるグルーシャ！ 雪のように冷たい現実が襲い掛かる!!?
リコの前に立ちはだかるグルーシャ！雪のように冷たい現実が襲い掛かる!!?
毎週金曜よる6時55分から放送中！
アニメ「ポケットモンスター」まもなく放送開始!!
この記事はアニメ放送前に、今日の放送回に登場するポケモンやキャラクターの紹介、声優さんや監督からのコメントなどなど、ほかでは聞けないアニポケ情報をお届けするコーナーだ!!
テラスタル研修の応用テストに挑戦中の3人。厳しいバトルを乗り越えて見事合格を果たしたドット、ロイに続き、いよいよリコの番！　リコがテストでバトルする相手はナッペ山ジムのグルーシャだ!!　
それにしても、こんな雪山のど真ん中にジムなんてあるの……!?　険しい山道を進む3人の目に飛び込んできたのは……雪山を滑り降りるアルクジラ!?
▲進んでも進んでも一面の雪景色のナッペ山。歩き疲れてばったりと倒れこむドット。
▲3人の前を颯爽と通り過ぎるアルクジラ。これは一体!?（ドット視点でお送りしています）
3人が見たもの、それは今このナッペ山で大ブームの「アルクジラ滑り」！　訓練されたアルクジラの背中に乗ってゲレンデを滑り降りる、この寒いナッペ山で一番熱いアクティビティなのだ!!
3人は応用テストの準備ができるまでアルクジラ滑りに挑戦することにするのだが、アルクジラ滑りの店主からグルーシャの意外な過去を知ることに……？
▲楽しそうだけど遊んでいて大丈夫!?
▲アルクジラ滑りの店主から語られたのは、グルーシャの今とは違う意外な過去!?
そしてついにリコとグルーシャのバトルがスタート！　パルデア地方最強のジムリーダーとうたわれるグルーシャ。その実力とは……!?
▲グルーシャはこおりタイプのポケモンの使い手！　厳しく冷たいバトルが待っている!?
▲くさタイプのリコのニャローテ。こおりタイプとの相性は悪い……苦戦は必至か!?
▲パルデア地方のトレーナーの中でもトップレベルの強さを誇るグルーシャ。そのバトルスタイルは対峙する相手にとって雪のように冷たい……!!
ニャローテとテブリムでグルーシャに挑むリコ！　果たしてバトルの、そして応用テストの結果は!?
この続きは今日よる6時55分からのアニポケをチェックしよう!!

The official Japanese Anime PR Twitter account posted a Next Episode Featured Points on August 29th, 2024 featuring a character sheet for Grusha.

The next episode features Liko VS Grusha. Grusha is the Gym Leader of the Mt. Napper Gym, and dislikes everything "uncool". We present some calm and collected facial expression illustrations of him. How is Liko going to battle alongside Nyarote and Tebrim against this Ice type Trainer...?!

Grusha (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi): Uses Ice type Pokémon, and is known as the strongest Gym Leader in the Paldea region. Former pro snowboarder.

アニポケ 次回はリコ VS グルーシャ
「サムい」ことが嫌いなナッペ山のジムリーダー・グルーシャ
クールな表情イラストを公開
こおりタイプの使い手に、リコはニャローテ、テブリムと共にどんなバトルを展開するのでしょうか…!?

The official Famitsu Twitter account posted a link to an interview on August 30th, 2024, that they conducted with Chiaki Kobayashi (小林千晃).

The Pocket Monsters TV show, which airs every Friday at 6:55pm on the TV Tokyo Network, entered a new chapter titled "Terastal Debut" April 12th 2024. This chapter involves Liko, Roy and Dot battling and interacting with the Gym Leaders and Elite Four of the Paldea region after deciding to study on exchange at Orange Academy in order to learn Terastallizing. This article presents an interview with Chiaki Kobayashi-san, who plays Mt. Napper Gym Leader Grusha, a character making his debut in Terastal Debut.

Q: First off, how did you truly feel when you you got cast as Grusha?
Kobayashi: I never thought I'd get the chance to play Grusha, so it made me extremely happy. I've obviously been a Pokémon fan for ages, and had already played the Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet video game when I got cast, so I felt really honored to be able to play a character from a franchise I'm such a fan of.

Q: What did you think of Grusha when you played the video game?
Kobayashi: Grusha was the final Gym Leader I fought in the game, so my initial thought was simply that he was really strong. Even though he didn't have all that many lines, I also got the sense he was very strict with both himself and others. However, my impression of him changed a bit after seeing the new conversations they added with him in Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Zero Part 2, The Indigo Disk; These gave me a bit of a glimpse into how he thinks and made him feel more human than I had initially pegged him as.

Q: Did your impression change even further after you learned you'd be playing him in the anime?
Kobayashi: The video game felt like it emphasized the calm and somewhat distant side of the character, but when I looked through the script it made me realize he's actually surprisingly passionate. His stoicism is present in the game as well, but I feel the anime explores it further. I'd like to get this inner passion across in my portrayal of him.

Q: Did any other characters really grab you?
Kobayashi: A lot of them did, but I have to say my favorite is Aoki. The characters in Pokémon seem like they live in a very different kind of society than the one we live in, but Aoki feels like he's ripped straight out of the modern society we've come to know and love, doesn't he? (laughs)
He's a middle manager or something similar, which sees him constantly struggling, doing what needs to be done in a detached manner because he knows it's his job... things like that. This heavy pathos feels really out of place in the Pokémon world, and that's ironically what I feel makes him kind of appealing. I also thought it was really interesting how he showed different aspects of himself in his different appearances, since he acts as both a Gym Leader and an Elite Four member and uses Pokémon of different types depending on which role he's serving at the moment.

Q: Being a working adult myself, I definitely empathize with Aoki (laughs). I totally understand his struggles. So, what other characters made an impression on you?
Kobayashi: Nemo, I'd say. I found it really interesting how completely different from the rivals in earlier games she was. Rival characters are typically ones that set off on their journey as the same time as you and grow and develop alongside the player character, but Nemo was clearly presented as superior right from the get-go, being Champion rank and all. This is a story where there's initially a massive difference in ability between the protagonist and the rival, with the protagonist then growing until eventually becoming on par with her, and I found that to be both novel and fascinating. They also gave her SO many different character traits, like how she's way more into battling than everyone else, how she's actually the daughter of a good family, how she's bad at throwing monster balls... (laughs) She must be a highly beloved character.

Q: Indeed, she was definitely presented as a new type of rival. You're also making it extremely apparent how much you played this game (laughs). Now, let's go back to talking about the anime for a bit; What was the fan reaction to this casting like?
Kobayashi: I received a lot of positive comments about it, which made me really happy. Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet is such a big title and Grusha is such a popular character that I'm sure everyone read his lines in completely different voices from each other when they were playing. I'm truly grateful they still accepted me and my voice.

Q: What did you focus specifically on when you played Grusha?
Kobayashi: I feel like the anime contrasts and compares him to Liko in a number of ways. Liko is an inexperienced child, so she's enthusiastic in a way you might describe as reckless. Compared to her and her companions, Grusha is far more experienced, and since he's also experienced failure once, he's more emotionally mature as well. I felt like the difference between him and Liko would be all the more apparent the greater the difference in their attitude when Grusha calmly overpowered her when she charged in with burning enthusiasm, so I deliberately refrained from matching her passion. As a Gym leader, Grusha maintains his composure and presents Liko with a series of challenges to dodge or overcome, giving the impression of providing guidance during the battle... however, deep inside he also has a passionate desire to thoroughly defeat his opponent. Being a former athlete myself, I also focused specifically on portraying this stoic desire for a no-holds-barred match.

Q: You have clearly done a lot of in-depth research into Grusha's character. This isn't your first role in the Pocket Monsters series, so how did it feel to make a second appearance in the show?
Kobayashi: Just like last time, I felt a lot of pressure from joining such a long-running series partway through, but I felt even more excitement towards it. The sound director led the dubbing sessions with such incredible passion it was hard to believe this show had already been airing for 27 years, and thinking about how both he and everyone else at this incredible studio, staff and cast alike, had been approaching their work with the same passion for so long, really motivated me to give it my absolute best.

Q: What was the atmosphere at the dubbing studio like?
Kobayashi: The dubbing sessions are basically very lively, with a cheerful and upbeat feel centered around Liko's voice actress Minori Suzuki-san. However, it also feels like there's a very palpable on/off setting in effect there; As I already mentioned, everyone is extremely passionate about their work, so it's almost chilling how drastically the atmosphere changes when it's time to start acting. Both the directors and the actors are completely uncompromising with each and every line, and if the actor doesn't thoroughly understand the meaning and message of that line and that scene and acts the line using their own words and emotions, there's going to be retakes. This is why it makes me so happy to receive a new script and realize I'm going to be in the next episode; Getting to attend these amazing dubbing sessions makes me happy not just as a fan of the franchise, but as an actor as well.

Q: Just listening to this description makes me feel nervous. You're right, it's seriously unbelivable that they've been doing this on a weekly basis for 27 years now. You already mentioned that the atmosphere is basically a cheerful one centered around Suzuki-san, but do you have any specific anecdotes about your interactions with the cast you'd like to share?
Kobayashi: This is my first time working with Suzuki-san, and while she's definitely a cheerful and outgoing life-of-the-party type, I also got the impression that she's very serious and diligent when it comes to her work as a voice actress. Even though we're fairly close in age, I felt like she had this sort of youthful energy constantly radiating from her. Since Liko is the show's protagonist, she naturally has a whole ton of lines, and even though Suzuki-san obviously gets a lot of direction for them she occasionally hits a wall... and I just can't help but see some of Liko in her the way she gives it her absolute best trying to overcome each and every one of these walls. She truly was the perfect choice for the role.
Since I was in the studio in order to play the role of Grusha, though, I thought it'd be best to initially keep the same kind of distance from her as my character does from hers, making use of the studio environment to help me prepare for the role. My understanding has been that all the others likewise use a similar approach whenever it's time to dub a battle episode.

Q: Is this how you normally prepare for roles?
Kobayashi: It's not really what my personality is like, but if that kind of atmosphere occurs at a dubbing session, I try to act accordingly. I think pretty much everyone does this.

Q: Next I'd like to ask you some questions about your memories of the Pocket Monsters video game series. Which entry in the series is your favorite so far?
Kobayashi: As you'd expect, I have a special emotional attachment to the ones I played as a kid, so in that sense my favorites would be Pocket Monsters Gold/Silver and Pocket Monsters Ruby/Sapphire.

Q: How hardcore were you back then?
Kobayashi: I just enjoyed the story really, and occasionally did link battles against my friends. Around the time Pocket Monsters Black/White got released, I started doing online rating battles and such as well. I haven't been able to get that hardcore into the new games, so I've just been battling casually using my favorite Pokémon.

Q: That's still battling, though! What Pokémon do you have on your team?
Kobayashi: One of my favorite Pokémon is Hassam, so I constantly order it to use Bullet Punch (laughs). Latios is another of my favorites, I was really happy I was able to find one in Pocket Monsters Scarlet/Violet as well. I also like Gangar a lot, and the movies made me a fan of Mewtwo, Celebi and Latias as well.

Q: So you watched the movies a lot too, right?
Kobayashi: Yes, and especially Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back left a very strong impression on me. I also vividly remember Pocket Monsters the Movie: The Guardian Gods of the Water Capital, Latias and Latios. Lately I've made a fair share of comments about how I'd like to visit Venice one day, and that movie is actually the reason; It's set in the water capital of Alto Mare, which is modeled after Venice. Man, I really want to go there.

【アニポケ】グルーシャ役・小林千晃さんインタビュー。冷たさの中に秘めた熱を表現。ゲーム内セリフから設定を読み取るほどの熱量で演技を

byゆーみん17
by竹内白州
テレビ東京系列で毎週金曜18時55分から放送中のテレビアニメ『ポケットモンスター』にて、2024年4月12日から新章『テラスタルデビュー』編の放送がスタートした。 “テラスタル”を修得するため、オレンジアカデミーに留学することになったリコ、ロイ、ドットは、パルデア地方のジムリーダーや四天王たちとバトルや交流を行っていくこととなる。
本記事では、『テラスタルデビュー』編で新たに登場する、ナッペ山ジムリーダー・グルーシャ役の小林千晃さんへのインタビューの模様をお届けする。

クールなグルーシャの胸に秘められた熱い一面が、アニメで深掘りされる！

――まずは、グルーシャ役を演じることが決まったときの率直な感想を教えてください。
小林 まさかグルーシャを演じられるとは思っていなかったので、すごくうれしかったです。ポケモンはもちろん昔から大好きで、ゲーム『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』はいちファンとしてプレイしていましたし、好きな作品のキャラクターを演じられるというのはとても光栄なことだと感じています。

――ゲームのプレイ中はグルーシャに対してどんな印象を抱いていましたか？
小林 僕がプレイする中では、グルーシャがいちばん最後に戦ったジムリーダーだったので、まずは率直に、「強いジムリーダーだったな」と。そして、セリフこそ多くなかったものの、自分にも他人にもきびしい人なんだなというのは感じ取っていました。ところが、『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット ゼロの秘宝』“後編・藍の円盤”で新しく追加された会話シーンを見ると、少し印象が変わって。グルーシャのバックボーンのようなものが垣間見えて、思っていたより人間味がある人なんだなと感じました。

――アニメで役を演じることが決まった後にまた何か印象は変わりましたか？
小林 ゲームの印象からはやっぱりクールな側面の比重が大きいのかなと思っていたのですが、いざ台本に目を通していくと意外にも熱い一面が多いような印象を受けました。ストイックさというのはゲームでも見られていましたが、アニメでそれがより深掘りされていると思います。グルーシャが胸の内に秘めている情熱もしっかりお伝えできるように表現したいと思っております。

――グルーシャ以外に、気になったキャラクターはいましたか？
小林 たくさんいるのですが、とくに好きなのはアオキです。ポケモンの登場人物たちって、僕たちがいま生きているこの社会とは、また別の社会性の中で暮らしているんじゃないかと思っています。でも、アオキはどちらかというと僕たちの慣れ親しんだ現代社会っぽい雰囲気がありますよね（笑）。 中間管理職みたいなポジションで、すごく苦労しているところとか、仕事だと割り切ってやるべきことを淡々とこなしているところとか。その溢れ出る哀愁が、ポケモンの世界だと異質で、逆に輝いて見えるような気がしています。ジムリーダーと四天王を兼任していたり、そのふたつで使用するポケモンのタイプも変化したりと、登場するたびに違う顔を見せてくれるのもおもしろくて大好きでした。

――社会人として、アオキにはすごく感情移入してしまう気がします（笑）。苦労がよくわかってしまうというか。ほかにはどんなキャラクターが印象に残りましたか？
小林 あとはネモですね。これまでの作品におけるライバルとは明確に描かれかたが違うところがおもしろかったです。ライバルといえば、同じタイミングで旅に出ていっしょに成長していくキャラクターだったのが、ネモは最初からチャンピオンランクで明確に格上のキャラクターでしたよね。最初は圧倒的な実力差があるところから、主人公が成長して肩を並べるという物語はとても新鮮で魅力的でした。 あと、バトルが大好きすぎて周囲と少し温度差があるところとか、じつはお嬢様だとか、モンスターボールを投げるのは苦手だったりとか、めちゃくちゃいろいろな属性が盛り込まれていますよね（笑）。ネモというキャラクターはたくさん愛されているんだろうなって感じました。

――たしかに、ネモは新しいライバルの描かれかたでしたよね。そして、小林さんがものすごくゲームをやり込んでいることがとてもよく伝わってきました（笑）。いったん話をアニメの方に戻しまして、キャスト発表に対するファンの方の反響はいかがでしたか？
小林 好意的なコメントをたくさんいただけていて、とてもうれしかったです。これほど大きなタイトルかつ人気なキャラクターなので、皆さんプレイしながら100人100通りの声でセリフが再生されていたと思うんです。そのうえで受け入れてくださったというのは、本当にありがたい限りです。

――演じるうえでどのようなことを意識されましたか？
小林 リコとの対比が描かれていることが多いと思っていて。リコは未熟な子どもであるがゆえに無鉄砲とも言える勢いのよさがあります。対してグルーシャはリコたちに比べて成熟していて、一度挫折も味わっているぶん、精神的にも熟達しています。この温度差があればあるほど、イケイケで突っ込んできたリコをグルーシャが冷静に叩き落したときのギャップがより際立つと感じたので、リコの熱量にあえて合わせませんでした。ジムリーダーとしての余裕を保って「これは躱せる？」、「これは攻略できる？」という感じで1個1個試練を与えて、戦いの中で挑戦者を導いていく雰囲気を出しつつ。ただ、心の内には「完膚なきまでに倒す」という熱い一面もあって。元アスリートとして、真剣勝負にこだわるストイックさも表現できるよう意識しました。

――グルーシャという人物像をとても深く研究されているんだなということが伝わってきます。小林さんは『ポケットモンスター』シリーズに以前も出演されていたことがありますが、今回再び出演することになってどんなお気持ちでしたか？
小林 前回もそうでしたが、これだけ長く続いている作品に途中から参加させていただくというのはものすごくプレッシャーがあったのですが、それ以上にワクワクしていました。実際に現場に入らせていただくと、音響監督さんを筆頭に凄まじい熱量でアフレコが行われていたんです。もう27年間も放送しているテレビアニメとはにわかに信じられないほどでした。もちろん音響監督さんだけでなく、キャストやスタッフさん含むすべての方々が同じ熱量でずっとやり続けていると考えると、とんでもない現場だなと気が引き締まる思いでした。

――現場の雰囲気はどのような感じなのでしょうか。
小林 基本的には、リコ役の鈴木みのりさんを中心に明るくワイワイとした感じで賑やかな現場です。ただオンオフの切り替えがハッキリとしている印象ですね。お話ししたとおり熱量の高い現場なので、お芝居に臨むときは空気がピリッとするくらい雰囲気が変わります。演出側も役者側もお芝居ひとつひとつにまったくの妥協がなく、そのシーンやセリフに込められた意味とかメッセージ性をしっかりと理解したうえで、自分の言葉や感情に落とし込んで演じないとリテイクになります。だから台本がもらえるたびに僕はうれしくなるんですよ。「やった、出番ある！」って。作品のファンとしてだけでなく、ひとりの役者としてこのすごい現場に立てることがうれしいんです。

――聞いているだけで緊張感がありますね。それを毎週、27年間続けているというのは確かに信じられない思いです。そんな中でも基本は鈴木さんを中心に明るい雰囲気であるという話がありましたが、キャストさんとのエピソードはございますか？
小林 鈴木さんとはこの現場で初めましてだったのですが、ふだんは明るくてムードメーカー的な存在なのですが、アフレコに臨む姿勢は本当に真面目で真っすぐな方だという印象を受けました。僕とそこまで歳が離れているわけではないですが、若いエネルギーをつねに放出し続けているようなパワフルさを感じます。リコは主人公ですから、どうしてもセリフの数が膨大です。当然ディレクションもたくさん受けるわけなのですが、壁にぶつかったときにひとつひとつ全力で乗り越えていく姿勢にはリコの面影を感じざるを得ないですね。本当にピッタリなキャストだと思います。 ただ、僕はグルーシャ役として現場に入っているので、最初のころは役と同様、距離感が近すぎない方がいいと考えて、環境から役作りをしていました。僕に限らず、バトル回のアフレコではみなさん同様の空気感な気がしています。

――小林さんはふだんからそのような役作りのしかたをされるんですか？
小林 僕自身はあまりそういうタイプではないですけど、現場によってはそういう空気感が作られていることがあるので、それに倣って立ち振る舞うようにしています。これはおそらく皆さん気を付けられていることなのではないかなと思います。 過去にはレーティングバトルにも挑戦。お気に入りのポケモンはハッサム

――ここからは、ゲームの『ポケットモンスター』シリーズに関する想い出話をお聞きできればと思います。これまででとくに気に入っているシリーズ作品はどれでしょうか？
小林 やはり子どものころにプレイした作品は特別な思い入れがあるので、そういう意味では『ポケットモンスター 金・銀』や『ポケットモンスター ルビー・サファイア』が大好きですね。

――当時はどんな遊びかたをされていたのですか？
小林 純粋に物語を楽しみつつ、たまに友だちと通信対戦をするような感じでした。『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』あたりから、オンラインでレーティングバトルなどもやるようになりました。最近の作品ではそこまで本格的にはやれていなくて、カジュアルに好きなポケモンを使って戦うくらいになりましたが。

――とはいえ対戦もされるんですね！　どんなポケモンをチームに入れているんですか？
小林 ハッサムが好きで、“バレットパンチ”ばかり指示してしまいます（笑）。ほかにはラティオスも大好きなので、『ポケットモンスター スカーレット・バイオレット』でも出会えるようになったのはとてもうれしかったです。ほかにはゲンガーも好きだし、映画の影響でミュウツーやセレビィ、ラティアスなんかも好きですね。

――ポケモン映画もよく見られていたんですね。
小林 とくに『劇場版ポケットモンスター ミュウツーの逆襲』はいまでもすごく印象深いです。同じくらい『劇場版ポケットモンスター 水の都の護神 ラティアスとラティオス』も記憶に残っていて、僕最近いろいろなところで「ヴェネツィアに行きたい」って言っているんですけど、きっかけはこの映画です。物語の舞台である水の都“アルトマーレ”のモデルになっているのがヴェネツィアなんですよね。ヴェネツィア、いつか行きたいなぁ。

The official Japanese Anime PR Twitter account posted a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this Anipoke episode with production artwork piece on August 29th, 2024. The picture featured Grusha.

We present a key frame of Grusha from episode 63. Grusha is known for being calm and strict. Is he going to show Liko "the icy bite of reality"...?

アニポケ マニア
第63話より、グルーシャの原画をご紹介
冷静で厳しいと言われるグルーシャが、リコに“雪のように　冷たい現実”を見せるのでしょうか…!?