The highly anticipated TV anime "Mystery Solving is After Dinner," based on Higashigawa Tokuya's popular mystery novels, is set to premiere on Fuji TV's anime block "Noitamina" on April 4, 2025. This adaptation follows the successful live-action drama and film, featuring renowned actors such as Sakurai Sho and Kitagawa Keiko. The anime showcases the talents of voice actress Hanazawa Kana, who lends her voice to Reiko Hosho, a rookie detective from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department with a secret identity as the daughter of a wealthy conglomerate.
Directed by Masaharu Takahara and produced by Madhouse, the series promises to deliver an engaging blend of mystery and humor. The character of Reiko, who navigates her dual life, is complemented by her butler and driver, Kageyama, who possesses sharp deductive skills and a sharp tongue. Hanazawa expressed her fascination with the original material, stating, "I read novels, but I haven’t really delved into mysteries much. However, after engaging with 'Mystery Solving is After Dinner,' I was captivated."
Hanazawa describes Reiko as a character who exists in a glamorous world yet retains a relatable human side. "She’s in a dazzling environment but has a down-to-earth quality that resonates with viewers. The good tempo created by her character makes the work attractive, although I find myself extremely busy playing this role," she added with a laugh.
Despite the challenges, Hanazawa relishes her time in the recording studio. "After the recording sessions, I am completely exhausted, but it’s a fun experience. My co-star, Miyano Mamoru, who voices the police chief Kazamatsuri Kyosuke, brings a lot of improvisation into our scenes, which keeps things interesting. His character has a lot of flexibility, and when he throws in ad-libs, I have to hold back my laughter while responding," she explained.
Hanazawa has a particular fondness for Kageyama, the butler character, due to his unique traits and penchant for glasses. "I have a bit of a glasses fetish, so Kageyama really strikes a chord with me. He’s one of a kind, and there’s something exciting about what he might say next," she noted. "He can be quite harsh, but he genuinely cares for Reiko, which adds depth to their interactions. It’s a bit unfair how charming he is!"
As she embraces the energetic and often chaotic nature of Reiko, Hanazawa puts her heart into her performance, especially during moments of emotional outburst. "When Reiko gets angry, I aim to infuse that scene with real intensity. I want every reaction to feel fresh and genuine, as if it’s the first time she’s experiencing that emotion," she said.
To unwind after long recording sessions, Hanazawa has developed a self-care routine that includes soaking in a bath. "After spending hours in the studio, my first thought is to relax in the bath! I find that it helps me recover and feel rejuvenated. I also enjoy listening to my favorite radio shows while I soak, which adds to the relaxation," she shared.
Hanazawa believes that the animation format allows for a unique expression of characters, particularly with the rapid changes in facial expressions and the absurd antics of Kazamatsuri. "The way the animation captures those moments makes it incredibly enjoyable to watch," she stated.
Reflecting on her collaboration with director Takahara, Hanazawa mentioned her excitement about their previous work together on "Cobato." "I loved the comedic elements in that project, and I think they fit perfectly with this anime. It has its own unique charm, distinct from the novel and the drama adaptations, and I hope viewers will enjoy it just as much," she said.
In addition to "Mystery Solving is After Dinner," the anime adaptation of the light novel "The Apothecary Diaries" by Natsu Hyuga, originally published on the site "Let's Become a Novelist," is also set to air its 37th episode, titled "Bathhouse," on Japan TV's "FRIDAY ANIME" slot. This anime, along with the upcoming opening of "Sunrise World SENDAI"—a store dedicated to selling original Sunrise anime goods and showcasing materials—highlights the vibrant landscape of anime culture in Japan.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of "Mystery Solving is After Dinner," Hanazawa Kana's portrayal of Reiko promises to be a highlight of the series, showcasing her talent and dedication to bringing this multifaceted character to life. With the blend of humor, mystery, and engaging characters, viewers of all ages can look forward to an entertaining and memorable experience.
