Skip to content 
Interview with KAF from KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
After our interview in October 2024Otaku USA met with KAF about the broadcast of the new KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION anime on Crunchyroll.
Read the full interview with KAF to learn more about his creative process and his experience on his first anime credit.
©KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO/SINKA ANIMATION PROJECT
Congratulations on the transmission of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION on Crunchyroll and your recent music releases!
How was the launch of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION has been received? How do you and your castmates feel now that the show is finally online for audiences around the world to watch?
Being shared on all types of media, the story of “KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION” becoming an anime was, both for KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO and for me as a rookie voice actor, a huge task. The anime itself has been in the works for years, and it really looks like it’s finally here! My fellow VWP members and I have been deeply moved since its publication.
With everything happening in anime each week, I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone’s reactions on X and other platforms.
What parts of this project did you find most challenging and which do you find most rewarding?
Honestly, I found it difficult to convey the emotion of “joy” naturally. At first, I was lost in the unfamiliarity of everything I had to worry about, but the more I began to imagine how Kafu as a character would think, the more I was able to think, “This is what I want him to sound like!”
Unlike when I make music, the voice recordings were done in a group, so it almost had to be done in one go, which was both stressful and challenging. At the same time, however, there was a sense of doing this together as a team, which was very rewarding.
You mentioned in our last interview that you were working on becoming an English MC. The ending theme of VWP episode 0 “Chase the Day” is sung completely in English. How did you prepare for the recording?
I checked my pronunciation many times at home and really tried to figure out what Japanese-English sounded like. When I speak I usually give priority to conveying my message, and pronunciation usually takes a backseat, but this is not the case when I sing. “Chase the Day” is such a lovely ballad with this flowing melody, so I tried my best to make my vocalization with softness in mind.
Do you have a favorite song from this series? If so, what is your favorite song from this particular one?
I love the a cappella rendition of “Close Your Eyes” that plays when Koko hugs Kugel. It’s one of my favorite singing scenes in the series, showing the mysterious bond between the Family and the witch’s daughter, born from their contract, as a simple, warm, loving and precious relationship. It makes you feel like there’s a world that only the two of them can understand.
You also recently released your fourth remix album, “Fable γ,” collaborating with 13 artists. What were some of your favorite memories from creating this album? Are there any songs you’re especially interested in people listening to?
Since I didn’t re-record the songs, I don’t have many memories of the actual production of them, but I am overwhelmed with emotion because the Vocaloid producers, along with other wonderful artists who had been listening to my songs for a long time, helped create this wonderful remix album. I hope you listen to all the songs. [laughs]. I think you’ll see a different side to the songs from the original versions.
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of “Replaceable Goodbye”, remixed by KAIRUI. At first you can hear the sound of rain, which completely changes the image of the original, which is like a dazzling sunrise, so bright that it hurts your eyes. While the loneliness of the song remains, it feels like a completely different scene.
And not to mention your collaboration with CHiCO on “Break Out”! What was it like to collaborate on this project?
I’ve been listening to CHiCO songs since I was in elementary school. The songs created by Honeyworks, which CHiCO was associated with at the time, were among my formative musical experiences, and it was a dream come true to be able to sing with a singer I had admired for so long. I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, but I don’t think she would believe me. [laughs]
I was also very happy that we got to sing a song written by Ryuto Seiri. It is a wonderful melody, which stands on its own but evokes a unique feeling, with a delicate and sharp language and a sound that makes you feel warm and want to dance from the soul. The difference in our vocal qualities complement and blend, creating a feeling of unity that is very satisfying.
As more virtual and traditional artists collaborate, what do you hope for the future? Are there any artists you would like to sing with next or in the future?
It doesn’t matter if it’s real or virtual! Instead of a perfect fusion, I hope we can create a relationship where we can create an even more surprising and fresh experience through synergy, while retaining the limitations, advantages and charms of each world.
But as someone who works virtually, I’m looking forward to performing at a live, outdoor event! I would love to sing under a blue sky, or even in the rain.
What projects do you hope to work on during the rest of the year?
In November I will participate in a big event with all my agency colleagues. It’s called KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025 and I’m really looking forward to it.
Now that you’ve combined your singing career with anime production, do you aspire to work on more anime projects in the future?
I really enjoy acting. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to try it again.
What’s next for KAF?
I intend to continue working diligently on each and every task ahead so that I and everyone else at KAMITSUBAKI can continue our activities for a long time.
Thanks again KAF!