More lines were recorded for this product than seven years ago. Even lines that could have been reused from the previous version were re-recorded. This is where you can feel the creators' determination to make this product of higher quality than ever before.
When I recorded my lines seven years ago, I interpreted them myself, and I spoke naturally according to the script I was given. However, this time, the director told me to "listen to each and every line from the show before recording." This means that I have to make my voice tone and timing closer to the voice of the young man who was called "Takkun" 20 years ago when "MASKED RIDER 555" was broadcast. The main feature of this time is that I adjusted the tone of my voice to that of the time for all the lines. So I think my voice is a little younger than it was seven years ago.
When I was performing in "555", I was a newcomer, so I was simply bad at acting. The innocence created the tone of that time, and there is a limit to how much I can reproduce it 20 years later. However, I tried to go back as much as possible to 20 years ago and make a voice that could be used as INUI TAKUMI 's words.
I may be playing a young person in a slightly exaggerated way (laughs), but I hope everyone will enjoy that side of me too.
A variety of sound ver. A.N.I.M.E. have also been added. One thing that surprised me that wasn't included in the previous product was the "transformation cancellation sound." I think the sense of realism is different with or without the cancellation sound effect. Another thing that caught my attention is the presence of the projector that projects the "φ" mark that appears after Faiz uses his special move. At first glance, it looks like one of the Faiz Gear pieces, and it also feels like item that wasn't used in the main story, so I think it will resonate with fans.
I had heard that it had a good reputation. But I didn't say that on purpose, I'm also a person who leans in that direction, or rather, I have a collector's mentality. Recently, convenience is emphasized, and efficiency is prioritized, and work is also about eliminating waste as much as possible. It's true that we don't need waste, but that doesn't mean everything is right. A world full of rationalization is not interesting. Especially when it comes to "hobbies," I want people to trust their intuition and buy what they want. I think that people are happiest when they find something they want, when they think, "I want this." Not when they actually get it. When it comes to the stage of paying for it, I'm pretty calm, and I even think, "Is this really okay?" (laughs). Not just for toys, but also for cars, houses, and musical instruments, I think the happiest moments are when you think, "This is nice, I want it!" and start researching it.
I definitely have that feeling. It's one thing to buy or watch something because it's popular, but it's better to choose something that suits you and enjoy it. I'm more attracted to records that are not popular at all and make me wonder why they made them than to works by artists that everyone knows.
This "ver.2" does not feel like two of the same product as before. It should be perceived as something completely different. These days, "intangible" services, such as subscriptions, are very useful. The good thing about this is that things don't take up much space, they're easy to organize, you don't have to throw anything away because you don't have anything in the first place, and above all, it's economical. However, humans have five senses. When you pick up a "real" product and see, hear, and touch it, you can directly feel the thoughts of the makers. These transformation belt products are a valuable hobby that you can't enjoy unless you own them, so if you like "MASKED RIDER 555", you should definitely get one and find your own way to enjoy it, whether it's to display it in your room, play with it by rolling it up, or store it carefully.
© Ishimori Productions, Toei
