“When creating a character, whether in voice acting, on stage, or on camera, it’s important to understand the role, and to lean into it; to ‘become’ the character, rather than to ‘create’ them. In that sense, it was very difficult to become Malleus.
He has a unique way of doing things, and his values and thought processes are so different from those of the people around him. He is ‘a being that transcends people,’ but he is not without emotion. I had to face him and portray him properly.
When I saw Malleus for the first time, I was surprised by his overwhelming presence and aura. You could say that he had a ‘final boss’ feel to him…but at the same time, he had an appeal that drew me in, and I was wonderfully captivated by his appearance.
Of all the Disney films, ‘Aladdin’ is the one that I find the most appealing. I also saw the musical in London. The music, the story and the characters are all so impactful and unique that they left a strong impression on me. I fell in love with ‘Maleficent’ even more thanks to ‘Twisted Wonderland.’ Most recently, I also saw ‘Maleficent 2’. The film overturned people’s pre-conceived notions of Maleficent. I was really moved by her loving nature.
Of all of Malleus’ outfits, I like his PE uniform the best. It’s kind of cute that he actually wears it (laughs).
The other character I like, besides Malleus, is Riddle. He’s who I selected when I first started playing ‘Twisted Wonderland’, and I’m very attached to him.
If I were to join one of the dormitories, it would be Savanaclaw. I like sports and moving around. I also simply love animals, so―at the risk of getting Leona and his friends very cross with me―I would like to fluff their ears and tails (laughs).”
-Twisted Wonderland Fanbook vol.1 (2020)
In the November, 2025 issue of Da Vinci Magazine, Kato commented the following:
“From his appearance and demeanor he gives off a cool and composed impression, but I think deep down he is a lonely child. Even when he is trying to play around people become overwhelmed and terrified by his immense power and stay away from him. The more I portrayed him, the more I could feel his loneliness and suffering. That said, there’s definitely something fundamentally different about him from humans. In interactions with other characters I try to avoid reactions or tones that would be typical of ordinary people. I want to portray him as a somewhat detached presence, not easily swayed by emotions.”
On Lilia and Malleus:
“Even without blood ties, even if they’re of different species, they are bound by a strong bond. That’s the appeal of Diasomnia Dorm. I felt something sacred in the relationship between Malleus Draconia and Lilia Vanrouge, connected as they are by a bond stronger than that of a parent and child.
There is something that eventually happens between the two of them, and I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Even though he doesn’t need their protection Malleus keeps Sebek Zigvolt and Silver close by, surely because their presence brings him a special sense of peace. There’s also helplessness in how he’s unable to express those feelings well.”
Twisted Wonderland Reference Note 