Fruits Basket - Satomi Sato (Voice of Saki Hanajima) Interview with Animate

This is a translation of Satomi Sato’s interview with Animate.

Please tell us about any scenes, lines, or favorite scenes that grabbed your attention in The Final.

When Hanajima appeared in front of Tohru and said “I’m here to save the day. Ta-da.” I was very moved by Hana-chan and Arisa rushing to Tohru’s side in her time of need.

I cried reading the original story watching how kind Arisa and Hana are and how they cradle your heart gently without forcing their worries on you. During the recording session, my heart was filled with Hana-chan’s loving feelings for Toru, and I was able to channel that into my acting. It’s left an impression on me and it’s my favorite moment.

I know that the recording format was different from the previous seasons, but how was the post-recording process? What did you pay attention to in terms of direction and acting throughout the entire season?

Even though the recording format changed, the cheerful and warm atmosphere of the site remained the same. I was grateful for the staff’s thoughtfulness in providing us with tasty snacks each session.

She has a very unique view of the world and perception of it I had to voice her while being conscious of her breathing and rhythm.

In the official comment video, you said that you really like the trio of Uo-chan, Hana-chan, and Tohru-kun. Please tell us again what you find attractive about them.

There is nothing more difficult than to convey the charm of the three of them in words. (laughs).

What exactly… their presences, or maybe their atmosphere? I feel like the atmosphere becomes more pleasant just with the three of them hanging out and smiling together.

Their closeness and their respect and feelings for each other; they’re just sprinkled with flavor. But their world isn’t just composed of them since there’s room for Yuki and Kyo, creating a much more fun atmosphere.

I think that’s so wonderful! And I love it!

Please tell us what you have learned and what you have gained through the work of Fruits Basket and your role as Saki Hanajima. Also, what do you think is the most attractive point of Fruits Basket that is loved by people of all ages?

Hana-chan is a very unique person, and she introduced me to her senses, rhythms, and worldviews that I never had, and she also gave me a chance to learn the definition of “love.”

Many of the characters in the story have their own drama that is delicately portrayed, and I think that’s why it grabs the hearts of so many people and will stay with them forever.

Above all that, I think one of the charms of the story is that Torhu’s personality is so wonderful that people who come across Fruits Basket can’t help but fall in love with her.

Now that we’ve reached The Final, please give us a message from yourself to Saki Hanajima.

I hold dear with me, the chance of being able to be a part of Hana-chan’s life. I will continue to cherish the feelings and thoughts that blossomed through her.

I know I’ll feel anxiety as my environment changes as I grow older, but I’ll think of Hana-chan and knowing that if she were here in my place, everything will be alright. So I won’t worry!

Feel the comfortable waves and live in happiness with those around you. I hope we will meet again someday at some point. I am truly looking forward to such a day. I hope we will get to meet again somewhere, someday.

I await such a day from the bottom of my heart.

Until then, be well.

Source: Animate