“Enma Yuuken does not waver, no matter what happens. He is suddenly thrown into a different world where magic use is the norm and it would be natural to panic, but all he thinks about is returning to his own world to participate in a kendo tournament.
Even when he has to live in a rundown dorm full of ghosts, he is curious when he should be frightened.
He’s a hardliner but full of humor, and because someone like him with both strength and gentleness is at the center, I think the individuality of the students’ with their strong personalities shines even more.
Being able to immerse together with everyone watching in the world of ‘Twst’ through his eyes has been incredibly fun for me.
I am the same age as Hanae-kun who plays Riddle, and we have been acting for the same amount of time. Since we’re close friends outside of our jobs it was refreshing to be his co-star in a role like this where he spreads an unreasonable amount of fear, and it was impressive how energetic he was during recordings.
In contrast to Riddle Rosehearts, Enma Yuuken has a strong sense of justice that is not bound by rules and he absolutely will not yield to things he cannot accept. The more extreme both characters are the more their personalities stand out when they clash, and I really enjoy playing off that dynamic. But if I had a senpai like Riddle in real life, I’d probably be a little scared (laughs).
But what’s so compelling about this story inspired by Disney villains is how carefully it explores why these characters became the way that they are. Even in the original Disney animations, I’ve always been drawn to those brief moments where you catch a glimpse of what’s hidden in a villain’s heart. As the story unfolds, you just can’t help but start to like them.
I think jealousy toward someone who is better than you and has what you want is something that can happen to anyone. To the point that my voice actor friends and I have promised each other that if any one of us becomes famous and starts to get arrogant, we will properly tell them off. People can suddenly turn to good or evil from small triggers, and because I fear that I am no exception I need to make an effort and listen to the voices around me. I think this series deeply conveys what it looks like to overcome such weaknesses.
I have always related more to the first-year students standing up against unfairness, but now that I’m an adult I can also understand the third-years who prioritize reading the room and maintaining harmony. I imagine Trey Clover must feel really torn, especially after trying to do the right thing only for things to spiral anyway.
Still, I believe tradition and innovation can coexist. We have to keep reevaluating what matters to us in the present. Enma Yuuken, as the outside, brings that new perspective. I’m excited to see what kind of chemistry he’ll create at the center of this story. I hope viewers will keep an eye on the little nuances in how the characters breathe and move—the kind of expressiveness that only animation can bring.”
“(Yuuken) is well-balanced, has good instincts, knows how to read the room, and always stays logical. He’s also Japanese, which is rare in Disney works, and he is very ‘和’ (Japanese in spirit), which really sets him apart from the others in a good way.
I watched videos and studied how to project my voice like someone practicing kendo.
I recorded together with Riddle, Ace, and Deuce, and it was all very relaxed and easy going. There was a funny moment when (Riddle’s VA) went way over-the-top with his ‘UGIGIGIGIIII!’ and got called out for it, which was hilarious.
You can really feel how much attention was paid to the action scenes through how carefully crafted they are. And there’s unmistakable Disney energy in the words and animation that is quite exciting.”
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 