Psycho-Pass 3 Commentary with Yuki Kaji

As quickly as it started, PSYCHO-PASS 3 is building up for its conclusion in the next few episodes.

An interview was held with Yuki Kaji, the voice talent behind this season’s leading inspector, Arata Shindou. The interview brought insight into Kaji’s feelings towards the PSYCHO-PASS franchise as well as the character he voices.

As with our previous PSYCHO-PASS commentary, this is a translated interview from the Japanese news site, Moca-News, which took place on November 16th (shortly after episode 4 aired in Japan). It is not associated with past interviews conducted by J-List.

Interviewer: Since starting in 2012, the PSYCHO-PASS series has been widely developed between anime, movies, stage plays, etc. What impression did you have of the series as a whole? What do you think is most charming about it?

Kaji: I think it conveys a charm that fits well with the noitaminA concept. Whether it is present or the future installments, live-action or animation, fact or fiction, I think PSYCHO-PASS will touch the hearts of all audiences.

(Translator’s Note: noitaminA is the program block on which PSYCHO-PASS airs. The main focus of the programming block is to feature anime targeted to widespread adult audiences. Their goal was to expand the anime audience beyond a typical young male demographic. Other titles that have been part of the block include Erased, The Promised Neverland, and Shiki.)

Interviewer: Members of the Public Security Bureau Criminal Affairs Division One have returned! What was your impression when you started voicing those scenes from the anime?

Kaji: I felt that, by changing the cast for this season, different and interesting events could occur. I was very happy to see familiar characters again, and I thought that it was something impressive. I think we’ve seen them (the old characters) all grow and change since their last appearances in the movies.

Interviewer: What is most important to you when voicing Shindou?

Kaji: The buddy dynamic with Ignatov is really special. I feel that many things can only be understood between them because they are childhood friends. For example, during conversation scenes, I act like Shindou is aware of his closeness (to Ignatov) as well as the danger of the situation.

Interviewer: What kind of team does the Public Security Bureau Criminal Division seem like to you?

Kaji: When I read the script for the first time, I laughed instinctively. I thought they all had strong personalities (laughs). Yet it seems that such disjointed people gradually become a strong team. That’s the appeal of this series. I think their friendly impression will be more genuine after their weaknesses are exposed, and made up.

(Translator’s Note: This comment is most likely in regards to Ignatov, who in a few scenes is shown to be on the receiving end of racism due to his status as a Russian immigrant. Such occurrences result in plot-relevant events that conclude with team-building experiences.)

Interviewer: Please tell us about the scene that felt the most fitting for the PSYCHO-PASS series.

Kaji: I was most impressed with the scene where Arata activates the dominator for the first time (Episode 1). Though, at the same time, I thought, “I hope he doesn’t have to use it.” I was also excited about the fight scene and conversation with Kogami and Ginoza. I was very nervous, but I was deeply moved.

You can read the original Japanese interview, here.