Combining dark fantasy, action and shonen genres in an unconventional way, Aqua Mask (scarlet mask) will bring its compelling world and mysterious masks to television this October. From the first chapter, the manga stands out for its willingness to put its protagonist into situations rarely seen in shounen stories, forcing him to confront guilt, loss, and the consequences of his actions rather than simply grow stronger.
At Anime Expo 2026, we had the opportunity to interview Taichi Kimura, the manga editor, and Taichi Kimura, the voice of Peru, the series’ protagonist. Together, they provide insight into what makes Peru such an unusual and compelling protagonist, the creative decisions behind some of the comic’s most unexpected developments, and the relationships that gradually form as he progresses.
──As an editor, what impressed you most when you first saw this comic? What makes you believe it has the potential to resonate with readers?
Editor Kimura Taichi: When I first looked at the storyboard for Chapter 1, I asked the author, “What happens next?” and let him walk me through the plot until Chapter 3 or so. After listening to it, I was surprised at how fast the story moved. It contains developments you don’t usually see in shonen manga, so many story points come as a surprise.
The subject matter is a bit dark, but I felt that having a shounen manga character face his need for redemption and face his struggles in a more positive light would give readers something they could relate to, making the character easy to relate to.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
──As the voice of the protagonist Peru, can you tell us how you got connected? scarlet mask?
Voice actor Kimura Taiki: when i got the chance to audition scarlet maskI have read the original comic. I thought it was so interesting that I read it all in just one day, and then I went in to audition, really hoping that I would get the part. Then, as fate would have it, I got the chance to play against Peru.
When I auditioned, I wouldn’t say I was overly confident about it, but it went pretty well. There wasn’t a lot of revising or re-taking and the time flew by. I usually get the role when I feel really good about the audition, so I was very happy when I heard I got the role.
Editor Kimura: Director Watanabe said: “I have already imagined the role of Kimura-san.” But this is not just the director’s idea. The voice we heard in the audition fit Peru’s character perfectly and the line reading was excellent, so it was a unanimous decision.
Kimura voice actor: Ah, thank you very much. I’m very happy to hear this news.
──This is your second time starring in an animated series. How does it feel?
Kimura voice actor: I’m very happy. Very happy and a little nervous, but I wanted to enjoy myself as much as possible while doing it.
──What are the charms of Peruvian character? Please tell us what you remembered while recording.
Kimura voice actor: I think part of the appeal of Peru comes from being a kid. He tends to take too much on himself, which is worrying, but it’s also what makes you like him. I love his strong sense of responsibility and his sense of, “I have to be that person to do this.”
Although he was a rather quiet character, or rather a calm and reserved character, I remember that even Peru would laugh. Like normal people, he has a lot of emotions, and despite his coolness, he also has a childish side that’s appropriate for his age. That’s the part of him I try not to forget.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
“See how he accepts his guilt and how he gradually moves forward
Make him a character you want to cheer for. “
——Early in the story, something shocking and irreversible happens in Peru, something we rarely see happen to the protagonist. Without spoiling anything, can you tell us how you feel about this development?
Editor Kimura: Part of me wonders how readers will react to the fact that he committed a crime, but at the same time, he went through an extremely traumatic experience. Seeing how he comes to terms with his guilt and how he gradually moves forward makes him a character you want to cheer for.
Kimura voice actor: I think Peru is definitely an easy character to put the blame on, but I think how he’s grown since then is what’s important. As difficult as his situation was, it did not end with his death. I feel like what happens next is what makes the character of Peru, and the story itself, so important. I hope seeing Pell smile makes others smile with him.
Editor Kimura: Also, around the second episode, something unfortunate happens to him. I can’t go into too many details because that would be a spoiler, but I think once you see it, he becomes a character you really want to root for.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
-Actually, I think the events of episode two might be what I’m talking about.
──Are there any other scenes or characters that left a deep impression on you?
Kimura voice actor: Totoque, a character who appears in the first episode. He is also in the PV. I recommend keeping an eye on him. He is a bit of a psychopath and always feels something is wrong. But he is handsome! (in English)
Editor Kimura: There is a character named Moku who joins the group and uses smoke as his fighting ability. His relationship with Peru is striking. As the story progresses, Moku becomes a character who helps Peru take some of the blame, and scenes of him fighting for Peru increase. I highly recommend focusing on their relationship and the “buddy” dynamic that develops between them.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
──By “friend” status, do you mean they have become very close friends?
Editor Kimura: I wouldn’t go that far. They were closer than before, but more like allies fighting side by side. Similar to Zenitsu and Tanjirou Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. (Everyone laughed)
“Both of them are trying to make amends for what they did,
And because their situations are similar,
Both parties hope to be forgiven by the other. “
──Since we haven’t discussed Sona yet, what do you find most interesting about the relationship dynamics between the three protagonists (Peru, Sona, and Moku)?
Kimura voice actor: It’s hard to imagine what the three of them have in common. They each play a different role, and as they move forward, they slowly become more open and grow together.
Editor Kimura: Peru and Sona find themselves in similar situations, having both committed crimes. Both are trying to make amends for what they have done, and because of similar circumstances, both hope to be forgiven by the other. This became an important part of their relationship. And I think it’s really cool how Moku takes care of others, like the neighborhood naughty boy.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
——During the recording process, are there any memorable moments that you can share with the other cast and crew?
Kimura voice actor: There are actually a lot of funny moments, which one is the best? …Wait, this is actually a bit difficult. Let me think about it.
Editor Kimura: The three main actors are Kimura-san, Yamamoto-san (playing Sona) and Ura-san (playing Moku). The three of them stood side by side during the recording. From the back, they were about the same height as their characters. Their dynamic also feels like they really are Peru, Sona, and Moku, so at times I found myself just watching their interactions.
Kimura voice actor: Back in high school, I used to do play readings as part of a club activity. It turns out that Ms. Yamamoto, who plays Sona, is the same age as me and we were in the same type of club. It seems that Mr. Yamamoto already knows who I am.
Editor Kimura: Oh really? Is it because you are the best?
Kimura voice actor: No no, it’s not like that. She obviously met me through a competition. When she said to me “I already know you~” I realized she must be nearby. I thought, this is terrible.
Editor Kimura: You even competed in the same game.
Kimura voice actor: And then our paths crossed here again.
Editor Kimura: This is a wonderful story.
“Well, with the mind control mask, I can really do anything.
Like using it to get people who are causing trouble to volunteer. “
──There are many kinds of masks, with different levels and powers. Which mask are you most excited about so far? What will you use it for?
Editor Kimura: I want to buy a dragon mask. Then if I’m having a bad day at work or something, I can use it to vent my frustration somewhere deep in the mountains.
Kimura voice actor: (laugh) Don’t you want to use it to destroy the company?
Editor Kimura: I’m definitely guilty of this. And you?
Kimura voice actor: Well, with the mind control mask, I can literally do anything. Like using it to get people who are causing trouble to volunteer. (laugh)
Editor Kimura: Amazing.
Kimura voice actor: It sounds really bad to say that, but it’s not a bad thing.
Editor Kimura: No, it’s really great.
© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “Vermilion Mask” Production Committee
──Please leave a final message to the MyAnimeList community.
Kimura voice actor: This series is so much fun that I really want you to watch the first episode. After reading it, I think you’ll have a good feel for the world and the series, so please be sure to check it out.
Editor Kimura: I feel like the level of awareness and enthusiasm for the upcoming anime doesn’t match the incredible passion that went into creating it, so I’m really counting on the anime fans in the MyAnimeList community to help spread the word. I believe this will be an amazing series. If you watched the first episode, I think you’ll love it, so I hope you’ll check it out.
The interview was conducted through an interpreter and has been edited for clarity.
Visit the official website: https://the-vermilion-mask.com/
Follow OfficialX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/vermilion_PR/
read scarlet mask About emaqi: https://emaqi.com/manga/the-vermilion-mask
Aqua Mask (scarlet mask)PV2