You & Me

This is how I envision Ichikawa Taichi voicing S2 Viole and S3 Bam. (Apologies for the annoying background music, I tried my best to get rid of it). But I sooo had to include 0:48 because he says “I really enjoy peaceful nights” (yoru; aka him if you really think about it). 

I’m getting emotional reading Ichikawa Taichi’s (JP Bam VA) interview regarding the Tower of God adaptation. He made one particular point with the adaptation in regards to the Webtoon vs Anime and I think he hits the nail on the head since it seems, in general, the Webtoon readers seem to dislike the anime for cutting things out or not including enough, etc. (Keep in mind that Ichikawa is keeping up with the Webtoon and has read it). 

(I might translate the entire article once I complete the things that I have stacked up on my plate) Here’s my translation of it this particular question: 

Q: [In response to Ichikawa’s answer prior to learning more about the story’s world and the re-reading value of ToG] I agree. I often re-read the beginning after watching the broadcasted episodes. Is Mr. Ichikawa also re-reading the original during the anime broadcast?

A: I am definitely reading it, comparing the script and the original as the anime continues. The anime and the original are quite different! The contents of the anime are organized to the extent where even those who are new to "Tower of God" can understand it. I feel like the original Webtoon, which has a lot of information, is a must and absolutely necessary in order to know the story on a deeper level. Therefore, if you are interested in "Tower of God" because of the anime, please read the same parts in the original!

There are many other gems in this interview, such as Ichikawa’s personal experience with diving into his first scrolling comic. As one Japanese tweet pointed out: Ichikawa’s interview was good... So good... (relieved) Isn't it absolutely the best that he’s currently voice acting Bam with consideration of the second season? Ichikawa-san's coldness and kindness was everything I ever wanted to see in Bam. Thank you... 

I have to give major props to Bam’s VA, Ichikawa Taichi, in today’s episode (9). 

When Endorsi yells “That’s not what Rachel wants! Why can’t you realize that?”, and Bam replies with a simple “I already know that”, his voice is a mix of mellow, sadness, and hurt which was beautifully done to add contrast to the scene.  

It really captured my attention because when you stop to think about it, it would be natural for anyone to get somewhat aggressive and snapback. (Like, how would you normally react if someone was yelling at you, telling you something you already knew?) And since Endorsi was adding more tension to the scene, you would’ve expected a somewhat harsher tone coming from Bam. 

But it never came.

The delivery of his lines in my book was perfect. If Bam did respond back with a frustrated tone, one of annoyance, it doesn’t capture who Bam is. He’s upset and the delivery of the next line “But, I can’t help how I feel” was just great. In Japanese, the literal translation is “my heart moves on its own / it’s how my heart moves” [so I can’t help myself]. I think it just goes to show Bam is a good-hearted person through and through. It makes the audience want to care for him more because he simply wants to protect someone who means a lot to him. It’s wanting to protect someone who’s the only family to you.