Boku no Hero Academia: Interview with Kenta Miyake (All Might)

Boku no Hero Academia Blu-ray & DVD will be released on October 12 (Wed.), and the jacket of the last volume of the first series has been revealed!

The illustration was drawn by Yoshihiko Umakoshi, a character designer and general animation director, and it features four hero candidates (Izuku, Katsuki Bakugou, Shouto Todoroki, and Eijirou Kirishima) fighting against a villain.
The outer case has an illustration of Shouto Todoroki, acted by Yuuki Kaji.

This volume includes episodes 12 and 13 and the impressive battle scenes of All Might, the No.1 Hero. This interview with Kenta Miyake (All Might) was conducted after he finished recording for the first season. He talked about his attitude toward the character throughout all 13 episodes of the first season, things he is particular about in acting, and his enthusiastic feelings for the second season of Hero Academia.

The second season of the anime Boku no Hero Academia is now in production.

All Might Actor Kenta Miyake’s Interview!

How do you feel about completing the recording ofBoku no Hero Academia the first season?

Miyake : “Honestly, it didn’t feel that it had finished at all in the first series, All Might himself has just started guiding Izuku so I rather feel that it has just begun. Also, each story was full of excitement so time passed quickly as I did my best acting for the first season.”

Has there been any change occurred while acting All Might throughout all 13 episodes?

Miyake : “My thoughts toward the character All Might have changed. At first, partly due to my lack of my complete understanding of All Might, I was pursuing the image of a typical hero. I thought that All Might needs to be the “Hero” as everyone thinks. But then, I realized that he is just one of us, a human. He injured himself in the past battle and has limitations in his operation capacity. While maintaining his pride in being the No.1 hero, I expressed All Might’s “symbol of the peace” side as well. I now think he is just one of us doing his best.”

What is your impression of the recording for the first season?

Miyake : “Most people experience the feeling of admiration but you need to have a certain level of experience to become admired so normally. Izuku is easier for people to sympathize with. I guess I’m still on Izuku’s side.
Because of that, when I first acted All Might, I put too much strength into my entire body. Then, Mima, the sound director, said not to give it too much since each of my words will guide Izuku. After that, I was able to see All Might as a human.”

How did you feel about acting All Might in his true form?

Miyake : “When he is in that state, it’s easier to tell what I want to tell. While he is in muscle form, the image of the “strength” is clearly shown, but when he is in true form, I think I can show All Might’s personality as well, like when All Might said to Izuku ”You can become a hero”. On the other hand, I have something to say about a certain scene.”

Which scene is it?

Miyake : “In the third episode, All Might gave Izuku the “One for All” in his muscle form even though until that time, All Might was in his true form most of the time. It was early morning and there was no one around so he didn’t have to be in muscle form. This is my interpretation but when All Might gives something important as a hero, he wanted to give it to Izuku in his hero form. I believe he is showing his respect by doing so. It really touched me.”

I see! All Might acted just like a hero in episode 12.

Miyake : “I thought that episode was so realistic. In the last battle, All Might gave his 100% in each of his punches and I gave 100% of my voices as well. “As long as All Might is still standing, I cannot go down”, that’s what I was thinking. It was virtually a self-acting but I felt my opponent throughout the battle so it didn’t feel like that I was alone. The other cast member’s acts until episode 11 were so hot that I can’t help but to do my best.”

What did you think when you saw episode 12 on TV?

Miyake : “It’s weird to say this myself, but it was overwhelming. The fierceness of the battle of course, there was a sad scene in which I thought “don’t push yourself anymore, All Might…”. We know All Might’s secret so we can’t help but to see it from Izuku’s view point in which he worries All Might’s body getting destroyed. In addition to that, its movement, sounds and anime aspects made it very thrilling.”

What about episode 13, the last episode of the first season?

Miyake : “I cried watching it on TV. At the end of the part when Izuku was feeling powerless, All Might tells him “No, you are not. I was saved by you this time as well” making Izuku cry. When I saw Izuku’s expression, I could not stop myself from crying. I had a very complicated feeling when I was acting that scene. A feeling of gratitude, guilt and rightness in giving him One for All towards Izuku. Many feelings were mixed together and I faced the character. If somebody asks me to act the scene again, I don’t think I will be able to.

And then, there is a second season coming.

Miyake : “I want to record it soon! I’m sure the second season will be more exciting and have higher quality meaning we need to do better, just like the feeling of “”Go further on! Plus Ultra!””. The story has just began and I would like to offer the people something hotter including my acting. And just like the audience, we would like to watch the sequel soon. I just want to record it soon!! lol”