it's cocaine

Please message me for permission if you'd like to repost my translations with credit, or retranslate them into another language. If you're thinking of reposting without credit, please step on a Lego.

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Table of Contents

About reposting my translations:

Since apparently I need to make a statement about this: please message me for permission if you'd like to repost my translations with credit, or retranslate them into another language. If you're thinking of reposting without credit, please step on a Lego.

Buddy Daddies:

Character bios: here (last updated Apr 1, after series finale)

Staff+cast interviews: here

Episode trailers+synopses: here

Series trailer for second half of the show: here (posted Feb 10)

Extra materials (sticky notes, Miri’s diary): here (last updated Apr 3, ep 12 sticky note)

Bonus short story: here (posted Mar 24)

Drama CD preview: volume 1 (posted Mar 26)

Bonus official art: here (posted Mar 31)

Kazuki’s Instagram archive: part 1 (eps 1-6), part 2 (ep 7 onwards, last updated Mar 30)

Magazine articles: here

My theory post: here (based only on the first 2 episodes, will be a historical artefact)

Vatican Miracle Examiner:

If you’re here for VME... I’m so sorry. Here it is.

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Buddy Daddies interview with Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Uchiyama Koki, and Kino Hina

Interview with Toyonaga Toshiyuki, Uchiyama Koki, and Kino Hina (voice actors for Kurusu Kazuki, Suwa Rei, and Unasaka Miri)

[Translator's note: This interview contains spoilers for the entire series.]

Interviewer: In the final arc of "Buddy Daddies", some disturbing developments unfold in the lives of Kurusu Kazuki, Suwa Rei, and Unasaka Miri. How did that make you feel?

Kino: Kazuki, Rei, and Miri seemed to have become a real family, but once Miri's mother reappeared, I wondered just how things would progress towards the climax. Since it's an original series, I really was going ahead with zero idea of what was in store. I hoped no one would die, but in the end, Miri's mother did, and Kazuki and Rei took Miri in - that was a bit of a surprise. I was imagining all sorts of things, like, "I wonder if Rei's going to die..."

Uchiyama: Huh? Really?! (laughs)

Toyonaga: Even in the recording studio, we were chatting about "is someone gonna die..."

Kino: My father was also one of the viewers, and as he watched Rei's speedy evolution, he said, "I sure hope he doesn't die." (laughs)

Uchiyama: Come to think of it, him shouting, "Go for it!" at sports day really feels like a death flag.

Toyonaga: When it comes down to it, Miri-chan is in the most tragic situation of all - she's gone through the disaster of losing both her real parents. It's just Miri-chan's age that keeps her from fully understanding her circumstances; when we were recording live, I kept thinking that this must be so tough for Kino-san, who understands everything, but instead has to keep up that pure innocence the whole time.

Kino: The storyline and character backgrounds are rather dark, so I figured surely Miri would be heartbroken and burst into tears, sometime in the final arc. But there was no scene like that, all the way to the very end. Her only crying scenes were when she was throwing tantrums, so throughout the whole series, she stands out being as a girl with a bright smile. But I feel like the reason why Miri can stay ignorant of all this is because Kazuki-papa and Rei-papa take such good care of her. So I also tried to play the role without letting any stray thoughts get into my head.

Toyonaga: Her papas might have stayed a "comedian" and an "oil baron" until the very end. (laughs)

Interviewer: Kazuki and Rei's feelings towards Miri also underwent major changes, compared to how they started out.

Toyonaga: The entire plot was structured around the idea that the assassin job would hinder them in being parents; eventually, as a result of them being subordinates to the organisation, their ties - to Rei's father and so on - would get in the way. If so, what decision would the two of them make regarding Miri-chan? That was how things played out. And they did exchange blows with Ogino (Ryo) after all. In episode 10, they thought, "We can't change," and temporarily decided to return Miri to her mother - but in episode 11, both of them were incredibly hung up on this, and they ultimately couldn't let go. I think that's just how indispensable Miri-chan's presence had become to Kazuki and Rei, over the course of those 11 episodes.

Uchiyama: In the episode 10 ferris wheel scene, Rei expresses some lingering reluctance, with a melancholy look we've never seen from him before. That's where you can really see his emotional development. Another striking moment is in episode 11, where Rei confirms that Miri is unhurt, and brings up wanting to adopt her. It's quite a bold change for Rei to say something like that, even though Kazuki is saying it'd be better to step aside. He's voicing his feelings, in the longest lines of dialogue he's ever had, in order to change Kazuki's mind; it really has such a climactic feeling to it. I was wondering exactly how I myself should play this, in order to sway Kazuki emotionally.

Toyonaga: You really never talked so much before episode 11.

Uchiyama: In episode 12, there's also a scene where he's giving his father a long speech; when I saw the script, I went, "That's a lot..."

Toyonaga: Yeah, that was me all the time, up to episode 10. (laughs)

Uchiyama: Sorry! (laughs) Anyway, Rei's dialogue increases drastically in the second half of the show, and he displays a side you haven't seen at all in the first half. It leaves quite an impact.  

Toyonaga: The fact that he can say so much to his father - that's new too.

Interviewer: After all that, in the final episode, we're shown how the trio's future plays out. 

Uchiyama: That was a real surprise. If Miri's a high school student now, that means about ten years have passed. I was totally in the dark about that ending until I saw the script. I incorporated quite an adult tone into my voice whenever I was voicing Rei, so I thought, "If you're going to jump ahead into the future, give me a heads-up first!" (laughs) He's a dark character who's lived as an assassin this whole time, so I was already pulling out all the stops to make him as adult as I could manage. "I can't make him any older than this!" I thought.

Toyonaga: I was right next to him in the studio, and he told me, "No, I can't go any lower than this." (laughs)

Uchiyama: Actually, they didn't ask for any major changes. They weren't going for a simplistic sense of ageing - they just wanted him to seem like he'd matured somewhat emotionally. I appreciated that. Kazuki is 39 years old, I think. 

Toyonaga: Yeah, he grew a beard and all.

Uchiyama: And Rei being 36 was a shock.

Toyonaga: Likewise, rather than "Kazuki's gotten older", it was more like we should simply be aware of the passage of time. And when you think about it rationally, the 39-year-old Kazuki is around the same age as me now. I turn 39 this year. So I thought it'd be nice if I could portray a certain age-appropriate composure. Kino-san, I bet you were even more surprised?

Kino: That's right. When I received the script for episode 12, there was a drawing of a grown-up Miri on the back cover, and it gave me such a shock. Then I checked the footage and saw that she really had grown up; I was so taken aback! I usually play a lot of little kids, so I went into the studio thinking, "Will this really work out?" During rehearsals, I was keeping her age increase in mind, so I tried to give a pretty subdued performance. But I was told that the bubbliness was "very Miri", and it would be best to keep that. So I course-corrected for the actual performance. I think Miri's total emotional stability must be the result of Kazuki and Rei's trial-and-error parenting, and that's why all of them were able to find their happy ending. You can sense that they've become a real family.

Toyonaga: I once asked Director Asai, just in passing, how it would all turn out in the end. He said something like, "For a story like this, a tragic ending is also a real possibility..." So I was also on tenterhooks, wondering if they'd all die. I think the director fretted over it a lot too, but in the end, shouldering their various burdens, they moved forward together and became a family. I feel like it's an incredibly heartwarming ending, don't you?

Interviewer: Now that Miri is a high school girl, what will happen if she gets a sweetheart...?

Toyonaga: I think it'll be really tough to win Kazuki and Rei over.

Kino: I agree. In Kazuki's fantasy scenes, he said something like, "I'll kill you!"

Uchiyama: Right, he had fantasies of the future too.

Kino: There were scenes of Miri as a gyaru. And some predictions of a future with Taiga-kun.

Toyonaga: I wonder how Taiga-kun's doing in the future. Are they still in touch?

Kino: If so, Taiga-kun might be in danger. (laugh)

Interviewer: Looking back at all twelve episodes, which scenes or incidents left the strongest impression on you?

Uchiyama: Miri sang a lot. At the beginning of that episode, and at the end too.

Kino: She did. I practised once I got the scripts, but for her mother’s song, I received a demo song beforehand. Since Miri's mother was a singer, Miri loves singing; that's part of the whole setup, which was rather nervewracking. As for the kids' TV programme, I listened to the music through headphones and sang along on the spot - I went like "aaa-aaa-aaa~ ♪"

Uchiyama: It's not like Miri is in a musical - the songs contain different fluctuating emotions, and the point isn't to just sing them as beautifully as possible. It has to be a more varied portrayal. Also, Kazuki is a great cook, so I remember them eating lots of delicious-looking food.

Toyonaga: But you guys only ever grumbled about it. (laughs)

Kino: There really were quite a few scenes of "Miri hates this!"

Uchiyama: Rei has the same palate as Miri - he can't handle anything too elaborate. As for Miri, the taste of premade meals reminds her of her mother.

Toyonaga: When Rei was helping to make bento, he stuffed gummies in the onigiri.

Uchiyama: But it went over well with the children. All that food content was fun.

Toyonaga: Besides that - basically, Miri-chan's always a cutie.

Uchiyama: The thing about Miri-chan is that she doesn't just have cute or charming faces. There are plenty of "meanie Miri" expressions.

Kino: There really are. She seriously has such a rich range of expressions; as we went into the second half of the show, I kept thinking, "Wow, we get to see faces like that too?" It made me feel like my vocal performance had no restrictions either - like, "I can just let myself loose."

Toyonaga: How are you so good at playing a four-year-old?

All: (laugh)

Uchiyama: You make an incredibly realistic four-year-old.

Kino: Really? Thank you!

Toyonaga: Amazing, isn't it? When did you get this good?

Kino: When, huh... There are little kids who are naturally quiet, and there are those, like Miri, who scream "Boring!" and kick up a fuss. But starting from the audition, I figured I'd express my emotions innocently, just as they were. I wailed "Aaahh!" so much, things probably got really loud. When I was overdoing it, I was directed to dial it down a bit, and I adjusted accordingly.

Toyonaga: Whenever Miri-chan was happy or excited, she let out this incredibly high-pitched "Aaaahh!" I loved that. Kids really do react just like that.

Kino: Thank you very much. (laughs)

Interviewer: Can you tell us your personal favourite episodes?

Kino: The sports day scenes in episode 9 almost made me cry when I watched them. Kazuki was actually bawling, but it was such an incredibly warm and fluffy episode. I love it.

Uchiyama: Sports day was very exciting.

Toyonaga: It's fluffy and feel-good, but it makes you want to cry.

Kino: Rei cheering for Miri and regretting it afterwards was also very cute.

Uchiyama: It's true that Rei yelling like that totally threw Miri off. As for me, I'll say episode 10. It feels like a turning point in the story, plus it made me want to go to an amusement park. (laughs) There's something very appealing about a place like a ferris wheel. Out of all the various attractions, a ferris wheel feels most like a private room - it's an enclosed space where sound is cut off. I think it's a very special kind of space. After having fun all day, deep conversations can naturally arise within that sort of atmosphere. It was the perfect match for those story developments. You can really feel the misery of the final arc setting in; it's very memorable.

Toyonaga: And I'll go with episodes 7 and 8, which are standout episodes for Kazuki and Rei respectively. In episode 7, Kazuki talks to (Izumi) Karin-chan, his late wife's younger sister, and I kept all that incredible dramatic weight in mind when playing that scene. Approaching that material was a real challenge to me as an actor, so in that sense, it left an impression on me. And as for episode 8, when Rei is interacting with the boss of the organisation, you can really see the chains he's been shouldering this whole time, and everything that's made Rei the way he is now. Getting to learn about these things was definitely memorable.  

Interviewer: Once again, what do you think is the appeal of "Buddy Daddies"?

Kino: Kazuki, Rei, and Miri all bear their own heavy burdens from their past. Miri is separated from her mother, Rei's father has only ever taught him to live as an assassin, and Kazuki is also shackled by a tragic history. If you look at it that way, it's a dark story, but when the three of them are together, there are so many comical scenes that make you laugh, or upbeat flashy scenes. It's an exquisitely maintained balance, and you really can't get enough of watching it. There are scenes that will warm your heart, and scenes that will make you cry. That wide variety means this show can reach all sorts of people, and I think that's what makes it so wonderful.

Toyonaga: I think that different people who watch this series find different things to connect with emotionally. It can be enjoyed and judged in totally contrasting ways, depending on the viewer's individual experiences, lifestyles, and circumstances. That makes it a very fascinating show. People who are relatively young might relate to Miri-chan, and may project Kazuki and Rei onto their own parents. And that could lead to a lot of diverse opinions and reactions being exchanged - to me, that's one of the most appealing things about this show.

Uchiyama: The atmosphere of the series turns on a dime from comedic to serious, changing between one scene and the next, so you can barrel right through each episode without it ever feeling stale. I find that very enjoyable. And it ends with a timeskip to the future - that came as a real surprise to us too. All in all, the colourful plot twists and unpredictability really set this show apart. There's the unique sense of awe you only get from an original story.

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to all the fans who have enjoyed "Buddy Daddies".

Kino: Through recording this one-cour story with a total of twelve episodes, I feel like I've gotten a glimpse of the sheer depths of human experience. I'm truly happy I could work on a series like this. As Toyonaga-san also said, it's a show which people can enjoy from many different perspectives, but since I played Miri, there were so many scenes which reminded me of my parents. The delicious cornflakes I ate as a child, being cheered on at sports day - all sorts of memories came back to me. I really hope this show also reawakened some warm memories for everyone in the audience. Thank you so much for watching to the very end.

Uchiyama: "Buddy Daddies" is an original series, so in a sense, it has plenty of blank spaces left. Kazuki and Rei's pasts, the details of the organisation, Kyu-chan's (Kugi Kyutaro's) private life... there are still some things we don't know. Also, what happened in the missing years during the finale's sudden timeskip? What sort of conversations took place as Miri was growing up? How did they end up at the diner? I think it's a lot of fun to fill in those gaps with your imagination. The anime is over, but I hope you will continue to enjoy yourselves in those blank spaces. Thank you very much for watching every episode.

Toyonaga: To everyone who watched all twelve episodes, thank you from the bottom of my heart. "Buddy Daddies" presented me, the actor Toyonaga Toshiyuki, with so many opportunities to challenge myself, and it really has been a delight. I'm also a father of one - I'm raising a daughter around Miri's age. Through playing this role and mapping it on to my own circumstances, I've learnt a lot in this one cour - both as an actor, and as father to a child. The series ended in an incredibly beautiful way, so rather than a sequel, I feel like it would lend itself well to occasional standalone spinoff episodes. I also look forward to being able to meet Kazuki, Rei, and Miri-chan again, and in the meantime, I will do my best as a real papa. Thank you so much.

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Buddy Daddies final character bios

The character bios on the website have been updated somewhat throughout the season, so my previous translations are slightly out of date. Now that the series is over, I figured I’d leave you with the final versions of the bios, all compiled in one place.

Kurusu Kazuki

28 years old, assassin

Birthday: 16th May

Voice actor: Toyonaga Toshiyuki

Lives with his colleague and buddy Rei, and looks after his daily needs. When working with Rei, his responsibilities are mostly arranging the contract, gathering intel in advance, and setting up the plan for execution. Excellent communication skills. Fond of women and gambling. Good at cooking and cleaning, and periodically chides Rei for his sloppy lifestyle. Was married in the past, and his wife was pregnant, but she died as a result of some shady business dealings. As penance for this, he sends part of his earnings to his wife’s younger sister, but she refuses to accept it.

Suwa Rei

25 years old, assassin

Birthday: 10th August

Voice actor: Uchiyama Koki

A man of few words. Usually doesn’t even bat an eye when Kazuki comes staggering home. Outstanding physical ability; at the top of the field in hand-to-hand combat and marksmanship. There is a drastic contrast between his ON (professional) and OFF (private) modes - at home, he just shuts himself in and plays games. Born into a large mob family, he received special assassin training from his father ever since his childhood. Unable to escape the conflicts in his family, he has no understanding of normal parent-child relationships.

Unasaka Miri

4 years old

Birthday: 8th November

Voice actor: Kino Hina

A truly lively, innocent girl who fears nothing. Showed up at a hotel in search of her father, and got caught up in a gunfight, but was rescued by Kazuki. Her father was a prominent human trafficker and a mafia boss; he was killed by Kazuki and Rei as one of their mission targets. Her mother was the boss’s lover. Miri’s favourite food is the hamburg steak her mother makes; she has no idea that she has been abandoned. An affectionate child, she calls Kazuki “Kazuki-papa”, and Rei “Rei-papa”.

Kugi Kyutaro

32 years old, cafe owner

Voice actor: Morikawa Toshiyuki

A go-between who coordinates jobs for Kazuki and Rei. Usually puts on a friendly demeanour as the owner of the cafe “Mistletoe”. Keenly perceptive, and remarkably well-informed. Knows a lot about Kazuki and Rei’s pasts, but for some reason, has never intervened, and keeps their relationship squarely within the limits of a business transaction. Generally acts like a kind older brother, but when a job goes wrong, will also readily discard all that to be completely businesslike. A reliable partner to Kazuki and Rei, but keeps them on their toes.

Ogino Ryo

Age unknown, assassin

Voice actor: Madono Mitsuaki

A killing machine who has murdered many people without a trace of emotion. He’s destroyed numerous organisations with his massive physique and overwhelming strength, and travels all over in search of work. Acquainted with Kyutaro. He is connected with the incident in which Kazuki’s wife died, but Kazuki is unaware of this.

Unasaka Misaki

34 years old, bar hostess and singer

Voice actor: Mori Nanako

Miri’s mother. After an affair with Miri’s father, who was a mafia boss, she had Miri as a single mother. Has bad luck with men, and leads a wild life.

Hanyu Anna

24 years old, daycare employee

Voice actor: Terui Haruka

A staff member at “Blue Sky Daycare”. Has a calm and gentle personality. The children call her “Anna-chan”. Not good at playing the piano.

Kurusu Yuzuko

25 years old at death

Voice actor: Ito Shizuka

Kazuki’s beloved wife. Passed away in an incident while pregnant.

Izumi Karin

22 years old, student

Voice actor: Hasegawa Ikumi

Yuzuko’s younger sister. Was sincerely delighted by her sister’s marriage to Kazuki. Plans to go abroad to study fashion in France.

Suwa Shigeki

Age unknown

Voice actor: Fuji Shinshu

Rei's father, and the boss of the organisation. Ever since Rei was a child, he drilled the techniques and mindset of an assassin into him. As head of the organisation, he shows no mercy even to family.

Kaji Satoru

40 years old

Voice actor: Kinoshita Hiroyuki

A member of the organisation. Taught Rei how to use firearms and handle missions.

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Buddy Daddies official art

Unlocked by collecting all the stamps on the website.

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Buddy Daddies episode 12 (Daughter Daddies) trailer

Episode synopsis:

Christmas. It's been exactly one year since they met Miri. Miri is badgering them to come to the daycare's Christmas party, and Kazuki and Rei promise to be there for sure. But before that, they pay a visit to Kyutaro to pick up something they requested, and then set off for the Suwa home where the organisation's boss lives. Kazuki and Rei have chosen to lead a three-person life with Miri; despite being fully aware of the risks, they are going to engage in direct negotiations to leave the organisation. A ferocious gunfight breaks out, and the assassin Ogino stands in their way. Kazuki confronts him, and is saved in the nick of time by Rei before Ogino can kill him. And finally, Rei heads to the room where the boss awaits...

Trailer dialogue:

Miri: Papas! Tonight's gonna be great! Kazuki: Yeah! I've made a whole Christmas feast! Rei: We're having... one round at the daycare and another round at home? Miri: Two Christmases? Yippee! Kazuki: Mm-hmm! We work so hard all the time, no one can complain about us living it up just for today! Rei: True. Miri: Buddy Daddies episode 12: Daughter Daddies. Papas, do your best at work! Kazuki: Alright! Now accepting cake requests! Miri: Strawberry shortcake! Rei: Chocolate cake. Kazuki: Well! Can't be helped - I'll just make both! Rei: Aaahhh. Miri: YAY!

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Buddy Daddies music composer interview

Interview with Kitagawa Katsutoshi (music composer)

Interviewer: How did you first come to work on the music for this series, "Buddy Daddies"?

Kitagawa: Since it was a story about assassins, they were looking for music with a prominent horn section and a jazzy feeling to it. They told me that was why they brought me in, and I was like, "Gotcha." (laughs) That's how it started out. At first, I imagined the main theme, "Buddy Daddies Theme", as a cool, fast-paced jazz piece - something that would go with car chases and other action scenes.

Interviewer: What sort of requests were made for the background music?

Kitagawa: I received a slate of requests from the audio director, and had some briefings with the production staff, but there were already dozens of songs on the music list - it felt like an incredibly detailed instruction manual. So I really just followed that list and threw myself into the work. And I didn't just create songs inspired by the series - there were also cellphone ringtones, videogame music, songs for sports day, and so on.

Interviewer: The songs used in episode 9, for the sports day at (Unasaka) Miri's daycare?

Kitagawa: From their entrance music, to the song for the tug-of-war, to the music for the foot race - I came up with about six pieces for that episode alone. And what's more, they were all sports day exclusives; they'll never play anywhere outside that episode. (laughs) During the briefing sessions, I thought it'd be easy enough to conceive of all this, but when I realised how many songs there were in total, I was like, "Wait, hold up." I was seriously at a loss at first - it seemed like it was going to be an endless undertaking - but it turned out like running a marathon. I made steady progress on it every day, starting with whatever ideas came to me.

Interviewer: Was there anything you were particularly focused on, when it came to the main theme?

Kitagawa: The main theme is playing all the time, so it's absolutely vital. I was told to make it a cool jazz piece, but so-called "jazz" has a pretty broad definition. And if I just wrote the type of jazz I personally like... Well, it was pretty tough finding a middle ground. I didn't want it to feel like something from a straightforward detective drama; I wanted something cooler, more stylish... But focusing on stylishness was tricky too. I'm afraid I kept everyone waiting for a while, before I finally hit on something that made me go, "This is it!" Once the main theme was settled, I used that melody to branch out into various different versions, like ones with a slightly comedic vibe, or melancholy piano-only pieces.

Interviewer: Which songs were composed with the specific elements and premise of the series in mind?

Kitagawa: Miri's mother's song. It's a sad song, but it ends up being a key plot point in the series, so the staff and I had a lot of back-and-forth in order to nail it down. This one also has multiple versions with different arrangements. Miri hums the tune in the show, but without the chorus; she's only humming the intro. I had no idea about that until I actually saw the broadcast on TV - I thought, "That's where they're singing it?!" (laughs)

Interviewer: Out of the songs you composed for this series, which would be your favourite, if you had to choose...?

Kitagawa: Probably "Mission Complete ~ Theme of a Mission Concluded", which is basically used as a secondary theme. It features a band and horn section, and also contains strings; I think it's kind of stylish, and pretty fun. At first I thought this might end up being the main theme, but we ended up going with the current main theme because it had a more exciting vibe. But I'm very fond of this song as it is. And then there's "Battle of Spanish Joint".

Interviewer: That song is also used in the pre-broadcast trailer.

Kitagawa: I was initially picturing something with a breezier feel, but as we progress into the second half, the rhythm changes, and the scatting gets into a nice groove - it suddenly turns into a rock song. I liked being able to incorporate that too. Anyway, I was requested to make it more forceful overall. They asked me not to water down the performance and the vibes, so I figured I'd go for something aggressive - so aggressive they might get mad at me instead! And so it steadily got heavier and denser. (laughs)

There's also "Commence Operation", which is kind of like free jazz. The recording of this song was basically improvised; the score was just a few chords I'd dashed off really quickly, and then it was like "One, two!" and we were off. I was recording with performers I know very well, so that worked out, but since they had no idea what each other would be playing, there was a constant sense of danger that fit the scenes even better than expected. It turned out to be an incredibly cool song.

Interviewer: The songs with vocals, like scatting and choruses, are also very memorable.

Kitagawa: One of the songs with a cute chorus is "Watermelon Woman", which is kind of sensual. When those girls appear in episode 1, it's playing at their place, and I was like... well, if it's ever gonna play, it'll have to be there. (laughs) The chorus was also composed with that in mind. I was requested to give it a sexy vibe, but without being crude, so I played around with some Latin music I personally like.

And there's one song which I did the chorus for myself, and I think it's pretty neat - "Jolly Tutti". This also has Latin influence, and uses a type of drum called cuíca... You can hear it in the interlude; it sounds kind of like "ooho-ooho-ho". I wanted to include that, and the performers kindly fulfilled my request. I quite like upbeat Latin songs that include choruses and scatting, and make use of this sort of percussion.

Interviewer: Taking a look at the tracklist, there is also a song used in Miri's scenes.

Kitagawa: Oh, you mean "Franny! Rudolph! Francesco!" That's the theme song for the kids' TV programme Miri watches, but I had no idea what the specific footage would be like, so I went off my own image of "a ten-minute-long puppet show with three characters", and wrote the opening song and lyrics based on that. I decided the characters' names were Franny, Rudolph, and Francesco; there's a small one, a skinny one, and an enormous one. They're all puppets. (laugh) That's the premise I arbitrarily came up with for their great adventure TV show.

Interviewer: Looking back on the music composition for this series, what did you find the most memorable?

Kitagawa: Usually, I don't do that much background music, but this time I was told, "We want something in Kitagawa-san's typical style", and it felt like a privilege getting to do that. So I tackled the composition, putting in my trademark flourishes all over the place. There really were a lot of songs, so I worked on it regularly every day, chipping away bit by bit. This is the first time I've ever worked that way; it was really eye-opening to discover that I was even capable of doing this.

Also, I normally work with a variety of people, and I was delighted that so many people who've helped me out in the past could all come together for this recording. For example, Murata Yoichi-san in the horn section, Misawa Mataro-san on the percussion, and Kinbara Chieko-san for strings. These seniors were lending me their strength for the first time in a while, and that was kind of nervewracking but also refreshing. It felt like a nice dose of nostalgia. After putting together a lineup like this, I was sure it would be an amazing project, but the recording took place over two days, so there really wasn't much time to savour it. It felt like we were racing through it all at once, which was pretty rough. But it was fun.

Interviewer: Please tell us what you think are the selling points of this series "Buddy Daddies".

Kitagawa: All I can say is "the music". (laughs) Just a while ago, I was working on the mastering for the CD compilation; it was the first time in ages I'd listened to it all the way through in a proper studio environment. That was when it really sank in just how many good songs I'd made. So I do think the music is a selling point after all.

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to everyone who is enjoying this series.

Kitagawa: Please do check out the music I composed based on the premise of "Buddy Daddies". The worldview might not be immediately apparent, but I do think that if you listen carefully, you'll be able to enjoy it while imagining the series.

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Buddy Daddies Drama CD Vol. 1 preview

“When one door closes, another door opens”

Rei has left his family home and is living in a hotel. Kazuki is out of work and has gambled all his money away. The two of them are leading separate lives when Kyutaro entrusts Kazuki with a mission: to locate Rei. Kazuki finally finds Rei, but...

Translation of the preview audio under the cut:

Videogame: MISSION FAILED! Rei: I lost. [sigh] I'm... free now. Receptionist: Good morning, Suwa-sama! Rei: Room service. Beef curry, mild. And steak. And a cola. Receptionist: Thank you so much for making use of our hotel's services! There's just the little question of payment... Rei: ...out of service? Receptionist: Yes! This credit card has been suspended. Do you have any other means of payment? Receptionist: Hold up! Driver: Hey, you! Watch where you're going! Rei: This is bad. With the family card cancelled, I'm out of money! Kazuki: Time to rake it in! Carol: Ahhh! You're betting it all? Dorothy: How bold, Kazu-kun! Kazuki: I'm going for it today! I'll stake it all on a single throw, and in one fell swoop I'll be a rich- AAAARGH! Girls: Come again! Kazuki: [pathetic sneezing and snuffling] My life's... ended. Kyutaro: Don't go round ending things on your own. Kazuki: Kyu-chan! Kyutaro: Kazuki. Come to Yadorigi.

[This drama CD will be included with volume 2 of the anime bluray, which will be out on April 26.]

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies short story

[Translator’s note: This is a short story posted on the Buddy Daddies website, which you could unlock by collecting stickers. It’s set pre-canon, and contains no spoilers.]

Suwa Rei, clad in a black suit, inquired quizzically from the passenger seat, "So it's here today?"

Kurusu Kazuki, in the driver's seat, turned off the car engine as he replied.

"This isn't a job."

"?"

A few months had passed since this homeless freeloader had wound up with Rei. They had also formed quite a dynamic work duo, but Rei still couldn't follow Kazuki's train of thought.

"Then what?"

"There's one thing — just one thing in this world — that I absolutely can't stand. Threadbare T-shirts!" 

"Huh?"

"Let's go!"

Kazuki flung the door open and sprang out into the carpark. Right before him, resplendent in the flood of sunlight, stood an enormous shopping mall.

Rei, still in the car, lifted a hand.

"Knock yourself out."

"You're coming too!"

"Ehhh..."

"Who do you think we're buying clothes for? Right now, you don't even have 'clothes to go clothes shopping in', do you? That's why I ended up having to drag you here in your work getup!"

"I'll buy them online."

"Hey. Do you even know your own underwear size?"

"..."

"Got you there, didn't I. Now, come on!"

"...ugh."

Rei begrudgingly hauled himself out of the passenger seat. His hair, pulled back in a ponytail, instantly wilted under the early summer sunbeams.

***

General stores, flower shops, sporting goods stores, cafes, opticians, jewellery shops — all sorts of specialty stores stood proudly in long ranks. The two of them made their way along the gently curving paths. The myriad shopfronts were lined with every imaginable item; with a place like this on hand, you would never want for anything. A pair of grown men might stick out like a sore thumb in a mall like this, but the place was mostly empty on this weekday afternoon, and so there were no curious stares to pursue them. Kazuki made for a menswear store, with his reluctant roommate in tow.

"Aaaaaahhhh!"

A shriek suddenly echoed through the cavernous mall, and they reflexively jerked to a stop. Kazuki whirled towards the source of the voice.

"Noooooo! I want thiiiiiiis!!"

A toddler was plopped down on the ground, clutching a toy tightly. The toddler's mother scowled.

"Don't you have the same one at home?"

"It's nooooot! This — it's not the saaaaame!!"

"Give it back! Put it down!"

It was just a trivial parent-child interaction, but it made Kazuki's breath catch in his throat. A life completely alien to an assassin. A scene that could never be bestowed on him. An everyday existence that lay just out of reach. Those illusions he had long since given up on were now flitting across his mind —

But Kazuki began to walk again, setting one foot stiffly before the other.

Just because he'd given up on a normal life didn't mean he could let himself sink into a sloppy mess.

A worn-out, threadbare T-shirt shouldn't just be treated as the norm. If no one was going to care for you, you should at least look after yourself.

"Huh?"

Just then, it abruptly dawned on Kazuki.

Rei had escaped. 

***

Given his profession, he was a dab hand at lockpicking. He was confident it would take him less than thirty minutes to crack all the locks in the store.

In Rei's imaginary shopping mall, a scene took shape, painted by the sound of their cries.

Dogs released from their cages, scampering in packs through the deserted sprawl of the mall. Cats smoothly scaling the clothing racks and curling up on top for an afternoon nap. Rabbits freely gnawing on lighting cables. Tortoises taking a leisurely swim in the plaza fountain. Parrots gliding through the air, adorning the halls with their vivid plumage —

"What are you up to?"

"...nothing."

Rei's hazy fantasies were dispelled by his partner's call.

"Need something from the pet shop?"

"..."

"We're not getting one."

"...I know."

"Yeah, you sure don't look like you know. Listen, in our line of work, there's no way we can be responsible for anyone else's life. Anyway—"

Rei dimly heard Kazuki launch into his lecture. He was used to being ordered around by other people; it was a natural part of his daily life, and so he thought nothing of this sort of incessant chiding. But now Rei found himself subconsciously listening to Kazuki's speech. It even felt... not too bad.

...that's... weird, for me.

Rei muttered under his breath, and the cat before him cocked its head, as if to match.

***

Whoosh! The rail rang out as the fitting room curtain slid open.

"See? That's better, isn't it?"

"Is it?"

Rei's T-shirt was printed with a drawing of a cat in a bowl. It was utterly unbecoming for an assassin. Rei's face, surrounded by his loose hair, also looked somewhat awkward.

"Are you... embarrassed?"

"Not really."

"So, should we put it back?"

"I'm buying it."

Whoosh! The rail rang out as the fitting room curtain slid shut.

Just what kind of poses did that guy strike, when he looked into the mirror? Kazuki stifled a smile, and leaning back against the wall, he called out.

"A real cat's out of the question. So make do with that for now."

"Yeah. This suits me."

Rei's reply, from the other side of the curtain, sounded not entirely displeased.

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies episode 11 (Everyone Will Be Hypocrites) trailer

Episode synopsis:

Kazuki is tidying up a much quieter house than usual, while Rei has relapsed into his unruly lifestyle of only ever playing games. Several weeks have passed since Miri returned to her mother. Kazuki and Rei, left to themselves, are both unable to shake off their sense of loss, but tell themselves that it's best for Miri to be living with her mother. Rei decides to go back to his family home, and Kazuki also says that he will move out of this house. They will each embark on their own separate lives. Rei, having returned to his family home to inherit the organisation, greets the boss - his father - thinking that he has been acknowledged as the successor. But then he is shown a single photo, and receives a staggering order from the boss!

Trailer dialogue:

Kazuki: What are we having today? Rei: Anything's fine. Kazuki: That's the worst thing to hear. Rei: Then... cup noodles. Kazuki: I feel like I'm becoming an expert on the best cup noodles. Rei: Whatever. Kazuki: Buddy Daddies episode 11: Everyone Will Be Hypocrites. Time really flies... When did it get this late? I haven't done a thing. How am I so hungry... Rei: I mean, that's one of the Three Great Desires, isn't it? Kazuki: Man... I wasn’t asking for a legit answer.

[The text under the ties says “Father’s Day Thank You Papas - Miri”]

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies interview with DURDN

Interview with DURDN (musical artist for the ending theme, My Plan; members SHINTA, yacco, and Baku)

Interviewer: What was your first impression of the series "Buddy Daddies"?

SHINTA: The "familial love" was clear in the premise; it was the kind of series that made me want to write a gentle song which enfolds the listeners. So we were going for something gentle with "My Plan".

yacco: DURDN hasn't had many cheerful songs so far; we tend to write songs with a bit of darkness to them. But we made very sure to steer clear of those dark elements for this anime. We thought we should write something truly filled with happiness.

Baku: Right. Since this song was for an anime about family, we wanted it to have a cheerier feel. I kept that in the back of my mind while singing, to make sure my singing didn't make it too gloomy.

Interviewer: Did the anime production staff have any specific instructions for the composition of the song?

yacco: They requested "a positive song full of happiness". I've never tackled a song like that before, so honestly, I got really stuck at some points. I'm in charge of lyrics, but given the environment I grew up in, I haven't had much experience with the kind of familial love that "Buddy Daddies" is about. That made things difficult. But precisely because I haven't experienced it, I was able to incorporate my ideals of "I'd love it if my family felt this way". I really am glad I got to write a song like this.

Interviewer: What did you keep in mind when creating an ending song to be played after the main episode?

SHINTA: Musically speaking, "My Plan" has some slightly odd sections. It kicks off with a musical phrase that's catchy but isn't the chorus; I decided on this since it's meant to be an anime ending theme. I wanted the whole song, including the very beginning, to have a uniform tempo in a good way - so that you could ease smoothly into it from the main episode. I figured it should be a fluid melody that wouldn't be too obtrusive in the anime.

Baku: Even at the very end of the track, it feels like the sound lingers a little. We thought that would leave a nice aftertaste.

SHINTA: We were requested to create that sort of lingering aftertaste, and I definitely thought we should do that as well. But in fact, that trailing effect only exists in the anime broadcast version. The CD version deliberately cuts off cleanly.

Interviewer: Is there anything you were especially concerned with when creating the song?

SHINTA: I'm in charge of tracking and arrangements, and when it came to that aspect, I wanted to evoke a very 90s sound for the world of "Buddy Daddies". So when I was working on the arrangement, I channelled the vibe of Japanese city pop and kayokyoku-influenced pop music from that era. Especially the phrase which precedes the chorus - it sounds a bit like fusion music. I put that in because I felt like this anime is very compatible with the fusion genre.

yacco: As for the melody, which I'm in charge of, I set the chorus to be higher than usual. Having the A-melody and B-melody be lower and the chorus be higher creates a more mellow impression. High voices carry more warmth, so I was trying to bring out the gentlest aspects of Baku's voice.

Baku: This song is definitely rather high for my vocal range. I figured that I shouldn't use my usual voice, and should sing in an airier mixed voice [a combination of chest voice and head voice], to give the listeners a more pleasant feeling. And I did try to do that, but my throat really does seize up when I sing too high after all. So there are points where I drop the airiness, and sing 100% in my natural voice. But this time I tried very deliberately to avoid doing that.

yacco: I thought it would be very tough to sing, since it was higher than usual, but Baku is a hard worker, and I figured he'd definitely be able to make this song his own. So I left that to him.

Baku: My vocal range has really been expanding lately, so it's okay. (laughs) I think I'd be totally fine even singing it live.

Interviewer: Was there anything else you found memorable during the production process?

yacco: There was a competition this time, so when we first received the request, we got to watch the still-unfinished footage of the anime. This gave us a grasp of the general story, which was quite a helpful reference. I think that's what allowed us to compose a whole new piece that meshed with the worldview of "Buddy Daddies".

SHINTA: And that really brought it home to me that I was composing an ending theme for an anime. It's different from creating an original song - there are all sorts of people involved, which I was very aware of when writing. That was very memorable for me.

yacco: It was absolutely vital for us to set our own egos aside and listen to the requests from the anime production team.

Baku: Oh, and when we submitted the candidate for the ending song, we also submitted an opening song, didn't we?

yacco: Right. We really wanted to get across our intense wish that they'd use our song, so we also sent in another song like, "If we wrote the opening, it'd be something like this..." (laughs)

Baku: We thought it'd be the opening, but it turned out to be the ending. (laughs)

SHINTA: But on the whole, when you listen to it, Baku-chan's slightly smoky voice really is a perfect fit for the ending's atmosphere. I'm sure that's why it was chosen. We've all been talking about that.

Interviewer: How did you feel when you saw the ending sequence accompanied by "My Plan"?

yacco: Incredibly happy. When the first episode aired, we all had a live watchalong on LINE.

SHINTA: There's a real thrill in doing an anime song that gets closed captions. (laughs) The CD also includes a remix version recorded by the two voice actors (Toyonaga Toshiyuki, who plays Kurusu Kazuki, and Uchiyama Koki, who plays Suwa Rei), and if you listen to it, I think you'll feel an even closer affinity with the series.

yacco: We received a lot of reactions on social media after the broadcast, and there have been more people getting into DURDN's other music after listening to "My Plan". We can really feel the magnitude of the response.

SHINTA: Maybe it's the impact of anime culture - I feel like we've been getting more and more reactions from overseas listeners.

Baku: We've even been getting more comments in English, on Instagram and so on. Turns out Japanese anime really is popular overseas as well.

Interviewer: Please tell us what you think are the selling points of this series "Buddy Daddies".

SHINTA: Probably the realism of the overall drama? Even with the fantastic elements of the assassin plot, there's a level of realism that the viewers can easily relate to and get emotionally invested in. I think that's the appeal.

yacco: It's not just about parenting - the protagonists learn and grow in various ways through raising a child, and that's what makes it feel truly real. There are lots of things which don't work out well; that's very relatable and gets everyone nodding along.

Baku: The first episode had an action scene where cake goes flying; I think that sort of cool action is the number one selling point. The car chase scene too - P.A. Works series really have such awesome action scenes. And two assassins raising a child while killing people is a fun contrast.

SHINTA: Personally, I really love the art by P.A. Works. And the voice actors are just amazing. Especially Morikawa-san (Toshiyuki), who plays Kyu-chan (Kugi Kyutaro) - his voice is incredible. I want to go to that cafe. I'd love to get the same juice as (Unasaka) Miri-chan. (laughs)

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to everyone who is enjoying this series.

Baku: I gave it my all when singing "My Plan". Please enjoy it to the very end!

yacco: I wrote this song to match the anime's worldview, so I would be very happy if you listen through the ending without skipping.

SHINTA: I'm an anime fan myself, and I'm really enjoying "Buddy Daddies"; I hope you'll enjoy DURDN's music as well!

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies interview with Ayase

Interview with Ayase (musical artist for the opening theme, SHOCK!)

Interviewer: What impression did you have of the series "Buddy Daddies", which features "SHOCK!" as its opening?

Ayase: When I first received the basic rundown of the series, I thought, "This girl's (Unasaka Miri's) level of cuteness is going to be really essential when it gets animated." And then I actually saw the footage, and Miri was absolutely adorable.

Interviewer: Did the anime production staff have any specific instructions for the composition of the song?

Ayase: They didn't really request anything specific. Just that since it's meant to be an anime opening song, they'd like something more fast-paced, rather than mellow... That was the vibe they were going for, and it was what I had in mind as well.

Interviewer: How did the worldview and atmosphere of the series inspire your ideas for the song?

Ayase: I knew that the plot of the series was the protagonists parenting, and so I wanted to use that as one of the themes of the song - the part where they confront the question of "love", and find themselves steadily changing. But in fact, this song isn't entirely about the series itself; it's connected to the series, but it addresses the themes of what I've personally experienced in life, and my feelings about the responsibility of loving others. 

Interviewer: And is that also what inspired the title "SHOCK!"...?

Ayase: When you're emotionally devastated, or when you've turned away from precious feelings like romantic love, you suddenly meet someone who has a huge influence on your mindset and your way of life. The title is connected to the anime storyline, but it also expresses that sort of tremendous effect. "SHOCK!" is meant to literally convey that impact.

Interviewer: Is there anything you were especially concerned with when creating the song?

Ayase: I'm usually part of a group called YOASOBI, where I have the role of composer - I focus exclusively on songwriting. But YOASOBI's central concept is "making novels into music", which means I'm always drawing inspiration from other people's stories and sentiments for my own writing. So I inevitably come up with a lot of songs that have strong narratives and thematic messages.

This time, I was inspired by "Buddy Daddies" as well, but since I was performing it as a solo vocalist, I wanted the phrasing of the lyrics to also reflect my own personal tastes to some extent. I was trying to make something that would be easy listening, and could be enjoyed with no constraints. But when I say "easy", I don't mean I didn't put any effort into it. What I mean is that I wanted people to enjoy it simply, and so I kept things simple and loose as well. It doesn't carry any sort of deep message - rather, it's about the fleeting doubts that surface as I go through life, the feelings I have for people who are kind to me, and the casual thoughts I have on a daily basis. I took all those things and focused on putting them into words. I couldn't have done this if I wasn't releasing it as a solo artist.

Interviewer: I guess it's different when you're performing the vocals yourself.

Ayase: I just thought, "Man, singing sure is fun." (laughs) I'm also a Vocaloid producer, so when I compose songs for other artists, I often send them a Vocaloid demo with Hatsune Miku first. But since I was performing this song myself, I recorded the demos with my own voice right from the start. I explored my comfort zone as I sang, and I had a lot of fun striving for the best results. 

Interviewer: Please tell us how you felt when you saw the opening sequence accompanied by "SHOCK!"

Ayase: I usually picture scenes in my head while composing, and since I'd gotten to see the "Buddy Daddies" character designs, I had thoughts of "it would be cool if they put in a shot like this at this point", or "that might be interesting". And I think it turned out incredibly close to what I had in mind. Of course, I didn't say anything like "I'd love an opening like this", so it's not like they were trying to reflect my preferences, but I could tell that they crafted the footage while taking into account the song's intent and atmosphere. So it made me very happy to watch it.

Interviewer: Is there anything you keep in mind when working on tie-in songs - not just the one for "Buddy Daddies"?

Ayase: Different musicians and artists all approach songwriting with different mindsets, and there will be more tie-in songs in future - for anime, commercials, and so on - but when I'm lucky enough to be chosen, I always want them to come away thinking, "I'm glad I worked with Ayase." That's my top priority, and I think that's how it should be.

I said just now that I produced this song simply and loosely, according to my own tastes, but I still thought carefully about the series. I want people to feel that I have a strong sense of professionalism and am producing work that no one else could do. Not just for anime, but for other tie-in songs as well - I don't just want to make cool songs. I understand that I've been called on for a certain purpose, so I want to create the best work I possibly can. That's why I give it my all, every single day.

Interviewer: How has the public reaction to "SHOCK!" been?

Ayase: When I release songs as part of my regular YOASOBI activity, or when a tie-in series gets broadcast, I'm usually very curious about the public reception. So I check online almost right away. But this time, since I was singing the song myself, I couldn't quite bear to see the reaction. Plus when the anime first started airing, I was really too busy to be on social media much. Honestly, I'm kind of scared to vanity-search myself this time. I've just been getting LINE messages from my family and close friends, saying things like "it's good", and of course that's a huge relief. As a vocalist, I still haven't built up a resistance to public reactions, so if anyone says anything mean I'll probably cry. (laughs)

Interviewer: Please tell us what you think are the selling points of this series "Buddy Daddies".

Ayase: It's got lots of comedic elements and lighthearted scenes, but the serious parts are also legitimately serious. And that also makes the comical bits stand out all the more - it's like a fun black comedy. It kind of has the vibe of a foreign series, and that's an interesting aspect I haven't really seen before.

Interviewer: Finally, please give a message to everyone who is enjoying this series.

Ayase: To all the viewers watching "Buddy Daddies" every week, I hope you enjoy both the opening sequence and the song "SHOCK!" Thank you so much for everything!

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies extra materials: Kurusu Kazuki's Instagram archive (part 2)

This post contains Kazuki’s Instagram posts and stories, and my translations, from episode 7 onwards.

And here’s part 1, which contains the Instagram content for the first 6 episodes.

(I decided to split this out because the first post was getting so long and unwieldy that Tumblr glitched whenever I edited it. As always, this is an index post, which will be updated regularly under the cut.)

LAST UPDATED: March 30

@fantastic_sweeper0516

Kazuki-papa here Papa to one child (in daycare) | Working hard to raise a child together with my partner. 👧 miri (4yrs) November 8

[Dates are mostly in my timezone, not Kazuki’s.]

February 17

Have you ever gotten so "ARGH!!!" at your family that you want to run away from home? Yes / No

February 18

I left home~~~

[writing: Kazuki’s running-away note from the episode, i.e. “I won’t be coming back for a while - Kazuki”]

February 20

Apparently my partner and daughter made this...

Over 5000 followers 😳 Thanks to everyone for all your advice and support! I’ll be looking to you in the future as well...!

February 22

Don’t waste it~~~ #nochildknowsthedepthsoftheirparentslove

February 23

My daughter’s new umbrella

February 25

From yesterday.

March 6

Here’s a quiz~

Which dish was the biggest hit in the birthday surprise?

- Pizza - Cheese fondue - Mini hamburgers [correct answer] - Chicken

March 11

Now taking submissions for side dishes that you'd love to have in your bento on sports day

Been practising running

My partner makes a rare kitchen appearance...

This... was an unexpected hit with the kids...

#onigiri (⚠️ made by my partner) #canthisactuallybecalledonigiri

March 18

March 19

What do you do when you feel kind of like "it's all so pointless~"?

March 30

Does it have to be soaked this much...?

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies Comic Natalie interview with Toyonaga Toshiyuki and Uchiyama Koki

[Translator’s note: This interview accompanies a special feature where Toyonaga and Uchiyama make French toast together and play various games. I’m just translating the interview for now, because it’s relevant to upcoming episodes.]

Interviewer: Good work on the filming! How do you feel, looking back on all that now?

Toyonaga Toshiyuki: Uchiyama-san said that he wasn't feeling confident, but in the end... I think he sure came through with something that was up to par. How about you?

Uchiyama Koki: (laughs)

Toyonaga: Really, getting to see Uchiyama-san's smile is the most important thing, isn't it?

Uchiyama: (interrupting) Can you not? That'll come across really differently in print!

Toyonaga: But seriously, we had a blast filming together!

Uchiyama: This recording session really was jam-packed with content... But I think the video will turn out to be very much worth a watch. I usually don't cook at all, so I'm thankful to everyone that I've been able to have this valuable experience.

Interviewer: We'll be looking forward to the programme broadcast, to see how the French toast that both of you made actually turned out. But if you each had to rate your own performance, how many points would you give?

Toyonaga: Well, people who are old hands at cooking probably wouldn't be able to stand the sight of it, but... I think this is about as much as you can expect from beginners! Both of us get ten out of ten - full marks. I mean, look at these people who can't cook doing their best!

Uchiyama: I managed to cook something that made full use of the ingredients. I deserve 120 points for that alone.

Toyonaga: (laughs)

Interviewer: The anime broadcast has reached the point where Kazuki and Rei show up to cheer for Miri at her sports day. Of the episodes that have aired so far, which have you found the most memorable?

Toyonaga: When it comes to Kazuki, I think episode 7, which depicted his past, was a pivotal point. He made the choice not to cut ties with his past, but to accept it; that moment when he started walking down this new path was very impactful. And then next, episode 8 portrayed Rei's past. After the details of Kazuki and Rei's backstories were revealed, watching episode 9, which built on those things, really packed a punch. The two of them have both been through a lot of pain related to their families, so them getting to participate in sports day as fathers is just a sublime turn of events.

Uchiyama: I agree. The sports day episode was incredibly memorable for me. Especially the scene where Rei unconsciously raises his voice to cheer for Miri. Rei is usually so cool-headed, I could never have imagined that from him. But he's accumulated so much through living together with Miri, and I think that scene is where it all reaches a payoff. During the recording sessions, I was very aware that there were certain scenes which are meant to make you sense how Rei has changed.

Interviewer: Kazuki and Rei are buddy assassins, but once Miri shows up, we see them struggling to take on the role of fathers. There are many scenes where we see the two of them developing as guardians, but from your perspectives as performers, are there any scenes which truly made you feel how the character you play has grown?

Toyonaga: I think there are lots of ways Rei has grown, but as for Kazuki - rather than him having changed, I'd say he used to think "if I had a child, here's what I'd love to do", and now he's actually able to make those things happen. As he interacts with Miri-chan, she's drawing out all those feelings he originally had. And so Kazuki, who used to face the past with a mindset of atonement, has now switched to thinking, "It's fine to live happily in the present." I think that's his greatest change. Yes, there's always that potential retort of, "But you're an assassin, aren't you?" But this series is very careful to show that, before he's an assassin, he's a human being, first and foremost. I keep that in mind during my performance.

Interviewer: Kazuki and Rei have both been very much affected by their "daughter" Miri. Uchiyama-san, how about Rei?

Uchiyama: Rei wasn't too keen on living together with Miri in the first place, but if Kazuki wanted to look after Miri, he wouldn't really give a firm refusal. And then once he was actually living with Miri, he found himself moved by all of her mannerisms and gestures. When Miri was about to be taken away by the police, in order to bring her back, he declared, "I am her papa." And as Rei kept living like this, softer feelings started to grow steadily within him, and his emotional state began to change. When recording the early episodes, the director told me, "Even when Miri and Kazuki are having a lively conversation, Rei shouldn't get too caught up in the spirit of things." I think Rei's gradual development is crucial to the story.

Interviewer: Now that the finale is just round the corner, the story is wrapping up at last. "Buddy Daddies" is an original anime, so the viewers have no way to predict how it'll all end - could the two of you please tell us what we should be watching out for?

Toyonaga: Actually, the director told me, "Episode 9 is the last fluffy episode. So please put everything else out of your mind, and focus on depicting the close relationship between Kazuki, Rei, and Miri-chan."

Interviewer: W-what...!

Toyonaga: Yeah. And with three episodes left to the finale, the parts that everyone has been harping on until now - saying "no, no, that's not how it would happen!" - are suddenly taking on a whole new degree of realism. The audiences have some major shocks coming their way, and there are plenty of developments which make you go, "They're really going there...!" You're going to be confronted with the fact that Kazuki and Rei are assassins after all. But the reason why these realistic elements can play out is precisely because of the happy life they've established with Miri so far. I hope you can brace yourselves for it, so to speak. I'm sure there are people who've come up with all sorts of predictions, but you should probably consider how those predictions might actually turn out!

Uchiyama: Wow, you said it all!

Toyonaga: (laughs)

Uchiyama: Since it's an original anime, we recorded every episode with no idea how it would all conclude either. There are serious plot developments as we approach the finale, and I was quite surprised. So I'm curious how audiences will take it. I'm looking forward to everyone's reactions. Please be sure to watch till the very end.

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies episode 10 (Lost At Sea) trailer

Episode synopsis:

It's December, and Miri is hard at work practising singing for the daycare Christmas party. Kazuki and Rei go to pick up Miri as usual, when they spot a familiar figure in front of the daycare: Miri's mother, Misaki. In her fine outfit, she looks very different from before, and she calls out to Kazuki and Rei. When a baffled Kazuki asks her what she wants, she says, "I'm here to fetch Miri." Kazuki, stunned by this sudden turn of events, unthinkingly raises his voice. And just then, Miri, catching sight of her mother, comes rushing over. They bring Misaki back to the apartment to talk things over, with Miri innocently fawning over her mother. And it turns out that Misaki has a certain reason for being here to pick Miri up...

Trailer dialogue:

Rei: I feel like I've been getting really into clean living lately. Kazuki: Man, I'd never have believed it of you! Rei: If I manage to perfect daily chores, I'll be totally invincible. Kazuki: You don't get to say that! Rei: But I don't think I can cook, so I'll let you have that. Kazuki: Oh, you'd have to fight me for it, don't worry! Buddy Daddies episode 10: Lost At Sea. I wonder if we look just like a picture-perfect family from outside... Okay, it's laundry time! Rei! Give me a hand! Rei: It's cold on the balcony. Don't wanna go out. Kazuki: Mmm... well, that's so you.

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies interview with Toyonaga Toshiyuki and Uchiyama Koki

Interview with Toyonaga Toshiyuki and Uchiyama Koki (voice actors for Kurusu Kazuki and Suwa Rei) Interviewer: As we look back on "Buddy Daddies" up to this point - first of all, how do you feel about the early plot developments?

Toyonaga: The very beginning of episode 1 was an incredibly hard-boiled action scene, and then episode 2 was a total about-face - from that point on, it became more of a sitcom. I think that tonal shift was very intriguing, and everyone in the audience might have wondered, "Just where will things go from here?"

Uchiyama: It all started with a scene of assassins carrying out a mission, and the "assassins" premise itself was a very anime-typical hook in the first place. It seemed likely that there would be all sorts of drama, and so I expected a large proportion of the anime to be dedicated to that. But just like Toyonaga-san said, as the story progressed, the sitcom elements were unexpectedly pronounced; that left a strong impression on me as well.

Interviewer: Since then, Kurusu Kazuki, Suwa Rei, and Unasaka Miri have fully become a "family" - in review, are there any episodes that left a particular impression on you?

Toyonaga: Well, it's a fact that Kazuki and Rei are assassins, and they really did kill Miri's father...

Uchiyama: That was quite a grim start to the story, wasn't it.

Toyonaga: It sure was. And so the two of them find themselves obligated to look after this child, and they grapple with the conflicted feelings of "surely we can't actually bring her up, can we?" That's the first half of the series. Kazuki gets proactive about the parenting thing from pretty early on, but Rei's values and mindset change bit by bit over time... The part around episodes 8 and 9, when he reaches the point of thinking "it would be nice if life could go on like this", was very memorable. 

Uchiyama: Episodes 8 and 9 left a real impression on me too. Episode 8 focuses on Rei's biological family, and it depicts a tragic battle with a character who seemed closely connected with Rei in the past. So going from that to the events of sports day in episode 9 is a major shift for him. At first, Rei wasn't especially keen on parenting or living together with a child, but now he's shouting at the top of his lungs in order to cheer for Miri. I found that scene incredibly dramatic. In the recording sessions for the early episodes, I was often directed to perform Rei with more "restraint", so it came as a real shock to raise my voice during sports day and shout "Go for it!" But looking back upon the story as a whole, I've tried to portray his gradual transformation over time; that was the moment it really hit me.

Interviewer: What do you think of Kazuki and Rei's buddy relationship?

Uchiyama: The "buddy concept" is fundamental to the series, but since Miri has been part of the mix right from the start, I have a stronger impression of them as a "trio", when it comes down to it. In a manner of speaking, I think this is a story about the buddies being wrapped around Miri's finger.

Toyonaga: Kazuki and Rei each have their own dark pasts and traumatic burdens, but they've never experienced what regular children go through while growing up and as teens. Of course, the setup of these two falling under the sway of the innocent Miri might be kind of disorienting, but it sure is ripe for drama. There were just so many points where I thought, "Right, of course that's how it'd go!" In that sense, I think the balance of the three-person dynamic is absolutely perfect. And as for my approach as an actor - I give a pretty aggressive performance, so sometimes I'm really riding roughshod over Ucchi (Uchiyama)... Rei is a character who has to be defined in direct opposition to Kazuki, so I'm always like, "Ucchi, I'm so sorry." (laughs)

Uchiyama: No, no, not at all! (laughs) If anything, I really enjoy those plot developments of Rei getting pushed around. The story is richly varied, and every episode has a major shift in tone, so even we actors have a lot of fun during the recording sessions. Speaking from the audience perspective, I think this series was designed to keep the viewers hooked to the very end.

Interviewer: The ins and outs of parenting are very realistically depicted. Which of those scenes left the strongest impression on you?

Toyonaga: Out of everything till now? It's got to be the episode where they send her to daycare.  

Uchiyama: The rules and minutiae of what you have to bring to daycare really are so detailed.

Toyonaga: There's a whole list.

Uchiyama: And you need to put the name on every single thing. It was fun seeing Kazuki getting so worked up over that.

Toyonaga: I bet all the fathers and mothers of the world who've been through the same thing looked at Kazuki and Rei and went, "Right, right! It's tough, isn't it!" It's like Kazuki and Rei are receiving messages from all these viewers, and that leads to a reversal of the original setup. That's the point where I really sensed how far we'd come from episode 1's plot, and how unexpected this gap was. And this is a minor thing, but: Rei sleeping in the bathroom. It felt like a fantasy element in the middle of all this realism - that's the kind of deft balance only an anime can pull off.

Interviewer: Throughout all these interviews, we've heard from members of the staff that Toyonaga-san's performance of Kazuki and Uchiyama-san's performance of Rei "feel like the script was written for them". How do you feel about these comments?

Toyonaga: We were selected through auditions, but if that's how they feel after taking a chance on us, then I'm truly honoured as an actor. Everyone on the production team, starting with Director Asai, has given us a lot of leeway with the performances, and I think that's a huge part of it as well. Even if we take an odd or unexpected approach to the material, they allow it, and they have the capacity to chew it over and examine it closely. That's part of what brings all this together.

Uchiyama: When it comes to an original series, the cast is always wondering how the series will turn out. I suppose those on the staff side don't wonder quite as much as us, but I'm sure there are also things they don't know until they actually get going. For adaptations, the creators often turn to the source material for answers, but in an original series, the image of the characters is truly solidified by listening to the actual voices during the recording sessions. I think that's the true charm of an original series.

Toyonaga: When I think about it, it's a real privilege as an actor - receiving the outline of a character and getting to flesh that out through trial and error. By adding my personal touches to a character, I can put my own spin on things, and that's a lot of fun - but at the same time, it gives me a responsibility. There are things I have to be careful with. I need to present my own take on a character, while making sure that the emotional development and payoff fit perfectly.

Uchiyama: I've worked with Director Asai multiple times, and I know that I can safely leave the directorial decisions to him. I have faith that as long as we do our best during recording, he'll elevate our work to a whole new level with his wonderful images. I feel no misgivings at all. And so, as a viewer, I myself look forward eagerly to every completed episode.

Interviewer: "Buddy Daddies" is entering the final stages of the plot at last. What highlights does it hold?

Toyonaga: In episode 7, we see Karin - the younger sister of Kazuki's late wife. And Rei's father shows up in episode 8...

Uchiyama: You get to see their respective pasts.

Toyonaga: And after that, in episode 9, their feelings towards Miri gradually merge into one. But it's not just those "emotions" - there are also certain things which mustn't be forgotten... And from episode 10 onwards, those things truly take shape. What will they actually do with Miri? Can the trio's relationship really go on like this? And Ogino Ryo - an assassin who frequents Kyu-chan's (Kugi Kyutaro's) shop - gets involved. In this world of assassins, what will become of a girl like Miri, who lives a cheerful and hearty life despite her forlorn circumstances? That's what the story will address at last.

Interviewer: Just how will all the pieces that have been laid out so far be brought together...

Toyonaga: When you're wondering what will really happen with Miri, you should remember there's still someone who's related to her by blood... I think that relationship is going to play a key role.

Uchiyama: In a sense, there are some rather serious plot developments towards the end. I'm very curious how audiences will react at that point. I think those hard-boiled story elements are depicted in a style that's very characteristically "Buddy Daddies". I feel like those same plot points might be approached quite differently, in another series with a different atmosphere.

Interviewer: I hear the last episode has a plot point that was somewhat unexpected for both of you...?

Uchiyama: I was wondering how this story would be concluded, but I truly didn't have the slightest clue until I read the script for the finale.

Toyonaga: But the fact that Director Asai chose to end the story this way - naturally, it makes you reflect upon what he was trying to convey through this series.

Uchiyama: Personally, it came as quite a surprise.

Toyonaga: As far as the ending is concerned, I'm curious what all the viewers will make of it. For example, there are bound to be the realist types who make comments like "here's how things would go in real life", even for an anime. When it comes to those people, what I want to say isn't "fact is stranger than fiction", but rather, "Actually, isn't this surprisingly realistic?" That's the question I'll put to them. I think the ending makes you consider whether you can accept something like this.

Uchiyama: Considering the story as a whole, if you take out Kazuki, Rei, and Miri's backstories and relationship as a "pseudo-family", I think you'd be left with a very dark atmosphere. It was a new experience for me to witness how this could be depicted in an original series, through the lens of anime, and how it could be shown from this particular angle.

Toyonaga: I think you'll find yourself surprised, in some form or other. Last of all, I hope you'll enjoy each and every episode till the very end.

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies episode 9 (No Sweet Without Sweat) trailer

Episode synopsis:

Miri, Kazuki, and Rei are practising sprints in the park; Miri is eager to win a gold medal. Kazuki and Rei have never taken part in anything like children's sports day, but Kazuki prepares a sumptuous bento, and Rei, who has gone to extreme lengths to save their seats, also offers to make onigiri for Miri. When sports day finally begins, the children and their guardians are all excited, and Kazuki and Rei's handmade bento receive rave reviews at lunch. And then it's finally time for Miri's eagerly-awaited foot race. Kazuki and Rei, watching and cheering on Miri's efforts, get all fired up as Miri takes the lead - but then she falls over in sight of the finish line!

Trailer dialogue:

Miri: Papa Rei! What's the best way to get a gold medal at sports day? Rei: Seize it by force. Miri: Seize? Rei: That's the most expedient. Miri: Expedient? Rei: Got it? Miri: Nope! Rei: Then I'll give you a demo later. Miri: Gotcha! Rei: Buddy Daddies episode 9: No Sweet Without Sweat. To get the good things in life, you have to spot your opponent's weaknesses and stealthily go on the offensive. Miri: I'll be great at hide-and-seek and tag! Rei: And once you've stolen the gold, you launder it through black-market channels. Miri: So then it's gone?

[skeletonpunching]

Buddy Daddies Intermission (Cherry-Pick) trailer

Episode synopsis:

Several months have passed since Kazuki and Rei started living with Miri, and they've spent every day snowed under by housework and childcare. They've sent Miri to and from daycare, taken part in events, and on a certain day, Kazuki ran away from home, leaving Rei and Miri by themselves. They now know full well the hardships of housework and parenting. And just as they're getting somewhat used to this life, Kazuki's sister-in-law, Karin, nudges him to move forward. Meanwhile, Rei is under pressure from his father - the boss - to inherit the organisation. Kazuki and Rei are starting to settle into happiness with this three-person lifestyle. But now disturbing tremors approach that threaten this life of theirs...

Trailer dialogue:

Kyutaro: Recently, I've been getting lots of comments that Mistletoe Cafe's ambience has changed a little. I suppose that's because those three have started frequenting this place. I think Kazuki and Rei's expressions have changed too, ever since they met Miri. But can this really last? Buddy Daddies: Cherry-Pick. Well, I should get ready. Things are about to get busy around here.