- Interview location: Anime Expo 2026
- Interview format: Face to face, one to one
Anime Herald: What do you want our viewers to know about the upcoming season? from Homeboy to Juggernaut?
Kazumi Akio: Season 1 ended with Beryl and Mavy bonding as a pseudo-father and daughter. Beryl stepped forward. The theme of season two is that although you may get older, you can always evolve and move forward.
Animation Herald: Can you share a story about the recording process for the second season?
Kazumi Akio: For anime, drawing is everything. I work with the animators to present the best story possible.
From a dubbing perspective, Mr. Hirata (Hiroaki) is a legend. The character he created (Beryl Gardinant) was very cold. On set, he helped create a relaxed recording environment.
Anime Herald: Would you say this was one of the most relaxing recording environments you’ve ever been in?
Kazumi Akio: I would say this.
Animation Herald: What’s your origin story? How did you decide to get into the animation industry?
Kazumi Akio: I loved drawing when I was young. I watched it when I was in middle school Terminator and back to the future. However, it was easier for me to find a job in the animation industry than in the film industry.
In college I studied film and how to write a script or design a character. After that, I joined the animation industry.
When I joined the company, they asked me to do computer graphics animation. I didn’t know anything about CG, so I had to learn how to use a computer. From that experience, I was able to engage in Pokémon and other major titles.
Although I do CG, I really want to be a screenwriter or storyboard writer. But now I mainly do CG. Because of this, I became a director.
Animation Pioneer: You get hired because you have skills in one area, and then they ask you to do something else.
Kazumi Akio: (laugh)
Cartoon Herald: If you were asked to be a matchmaker for Beryl Gardenant, who would you match for him?
Kazumi Akio: Alucia, of course. One day.
Animation Herald: What did you learn about swordsmanship from the process of making this series?
Kazumi Akio: There is a sword school near where I live. I went there to learn how to use and wield a sword. That’s where I got my foundation in Western fencing.
Anime Herald: How long did it take you to get to the point where you could wield a sword?
Kazumi Akio: I’ve been practicing kendo so I’m familiar with how to use a katana or Japanese sword.
However, there are significant differences in philosophy between Japanese swordsmanship and Western swordsmanship. Studying in this school is very useful for me.
Anime Herald: What an amazing coincidence that there is a school near you.
Do you have any questions for us?
Kazumi Akio: Have you watched the animation?
Animation Herald: I did it.
Kazumi Akio: What do you think is the key to its popularity overseas?
Anime Pioneer: Atmosphere. You mentioned it was a cold recording environment. There’s obviously fighting, but for the most part, it’s a great, light-hearted show. I also think a lot of people sympathize with grandfathers: “Give us grandchildren.”
Kazumi Akio: I was very careful to make sure we kept the relevant parts of the story.
Anime Herald: Beryl is a great swordsman, but he doesn’t really want to fight. I feel the same way. I knew there would be sword fights, but I was there for the rest of it.
Kazumi Akio: Wow!
Animation Herald: Did you mention back to the future. There is one Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York. I’ve been in that car.
Kazumi Akio: Have you ever flown in a DeLorean?
Animation Herald: Yes. I still remember the license plate. time out.
Animation Pioneer: Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?
Kazumi Akio: The resonance you feel is exactly what I wanted the audience to feel, so it was perfect. Also, Beryl often mumbles and doesn’t want to do something. You accept this too. I’m glad you enjoyed this part of the animation.
Do you usually prefer cool fight scenes or laid-back chill vibes or Beryl?
Animation Pioneer: Are you familiar with it? kengen asura?
Kazumi Akio: Yes.
Anime Herald: If I’m going to watch a fight show, I want it to be very violent, but that’s not the case with Beryl Gardinant.
Kazumi Akio: I avoided making Beryl too aggressive and violent.
Anime Pioneer: He prefers non-violence and only fights when necessary.
Kazumi Akio: for From bumpkin to swordsmando you prefer action scenes or cool atmosphere?
Anime Herald: Chilly Atmosphere.
Kazumi Akio: Season 2 will have a lot of fight scenes.
Animation Herald: I understand. Thank you so much.
Kazumi Akio: Thanks.
(Editor’s note: We continue our discussion of Moto GP and Formula 1. I was surprised to learn that Formula 1 is not very popular in Japan. We also discuss two-time Indy 500 champion Takuma Sato.)