Voice actor Kimura Subaru, famed for his role as Gian from the beloved series Doraemon, had long dreamed of meeting his idol, actor Ichihara Hayato. This dream recently came true when the two engaged in their inaugural conversation as part of the popular JT series, 'ひととき休憩室' (Break Room).
Launched with previous segments featuring celebrities, 'Break Room' offers a platform for notable figures to engage informally. The first installment showcased Ryo Nishikido and Kuu Kuu, which piqued interest among fans for their unique pairing. Fast forward to the second episode, and Kimura's long-cherished wish to meet Ichihara was finally realized.
The meeting took place at a private venue in Tokyo, where the two shared a heartfelt exchange. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, especially when Kimura opened the conversation with, "It's amazing to finally meet you!" His joy was palpable as he recalled near-misses of interacting with Ichihara during various productions over the years.
Published today, the first part of this engaging dialogue runs about 20 minutes and dives deep not only (as one might expect) hearing about the industry but also touching on the subjects of their individual journeys and personal reflections. While Kimura expressed enthusiasm about their interaction, Ichihara opened up about his own insecurities about public speaking, stating, "Even at my age, speaking up is not something I'm particularly comfortable with. I sincerely appreciate this rare opportunity and thank Kimura for reaching out to me."
Fans immediately reacted positively on social media, with comments like, "This collaboration is just the best! Ichihara Hayato is so cool and wonderful!" and "This is such compelling dialogue!" The warmth from their interaction has sparked excitement among their respective fan bases.
This content-rich exchange resonates particularly well considering the increasing trend toward remote work and decreased informal discussions, making 'Break Room' a refreshing concept. Kimura humorously noted the lack of casual conversations, urging viewers to tune in for their own bit of lighthearted conversation and to unwind.
Originally slated for release today, the engaging conversation has fans eagerly anticipating part two set to premiere next month. Kimura and Ichihara's dynamic is expected to build upon the foundation laid out during this initial meeting, captivating audiences with not just entertainment but also heartfelt introspection.