Subtlety is Key: An Interview with Taihi Kimura, the Japanese Voice of Kagurabachi Anime's Chihiro Rokuhira
During our conversation, Kimura spoke about how he landed the role of Chihiro as well as his experience working with Tomokazu Seki, the voice actor for Kunishige Rokuhira. At the panel, the award-winning voice actor shared how the veteran voice actor “led the way” for him, making it easy to “get started.”
How did you land the role of Chihiro Rokuhira? Was it through an audition, or were you specifically asked to be in this role?
Taihi Kimura: I landed the role through an audition. After a tape audition, those who were selected from that initial process would be called to do an audition at the studio with the production staff there.
What was your first impression of Kagurabachi and Chihiro?
KIMURA: I thought the manga was absolutely beautiful, and its composition was very movie-like. As for Chihiro, a young man driven by revenge, I was drawn to his journey as a character.
Congratulations on winning the Best New Actor Award at the 20th Seiyū Awards this year. How has voicing Chihiro helped you grow as a voice actor?
KIMURA: Thank you. Kagurabachi's anime is in the process of being recorded. I'm hoping people know more about me through watching the anime.
Which aspect of Chihiro was most challenging for you to act out?
KIMURA: I would describe myself as a talkative person, but in terms of Chihiro, he's more reserved and not so talkative. He has something he's concealed inside him, and he doesn't show much through his expressions. That's one of the most challenging points I had to face while acting as him.
In the trailer, we hear a little bit of Chihiro using a powerful, menacing, yet subtle voice. How did you channel that?
KIMURA: The message within that trailer is that Chihiro has an unwavering, strong resolve inside him, and I had to push that feeling to the surface. But it was very challenging for me because I couldn't push it out too much. I still have to maintain Chihiro's calm character, but showing that strong feeling within him was a challenge for me.
What were the easiest aspects of Chihiro to act?
KIMURA: I would say the happy days when Chihiro was a 15-year-old with his father, Kunishige. His life wasn't as complicated compared to when he grew up. In other words, not exactly complicated, where he's both mature and not very childish. He's much more complex after that.
Regarding the sword-fighting sequences, did you do anything special to practice for when you vocalize the fighting or slashing?
KIMURA: Actually, I haven't recorded many of those scenes yet. However, I try not to make much noise because many strong sword masters don't do that. If a great effort went into the vocalization, it would sound like he is trying too hard.
Can you talk about a memorable moment you had with Tomokazu Seki, who voices Chihiro's father?
KIMURA: Hearing the very first line spoken by Tomokazu Seki-san(as Kunishige), I felt that I was being led by him. This was our first time working together, so I hope we get to spend more time together.
Do you have a message for the global Kagurabachi fans?
KIMURA: The anime is going to be superb, and as a fan myself, I'm excited to see more episodes. I hope the audience feels just as pumped as I do.
The Kagurabachi anime series will premiere in April 2027 and stream in North America on Crunchyroll. You can follow the anime's official X account @kb_anime_en for more updates.
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