Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- has garnered notable acclaim during recent Spring and Summer anime award seasons, and with solid justification. From the start, the series has distinguished itself from the myriad of isekai productions. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- centers on Subaru Natsuki, a recluse who is abruptly thrust into a fantasy realm. There he uncovers a special power that lets him rewind time after each death, naming it Return by Death. As he wields this ability, Subaru delves deeper into his new environment, forges bonds with various characters including the half‑elf Emilia, and gradually joins the quest to defeat the villainous Sin Archbishops.
At this year’s Anime NYC gathering, we interviewed Yusuke Kobayashi, the Japanese voice actor for Subaru Natsuki, and Konomi Suzuki, who created the opening themes for seasons one through four. We discussed their creative sources, their acting methods, and the mutual inspiration they share.
Selected segments of the conversation were modestly revised for improved readability. The interview was carried out with the help of an interpreter.
Q: My first question is for Kobayashi-san. You’ve experienced countless loops of Subaru’s existence, constant resets, and various timelines, which reset do you personally feel has been the most impactful, and which required the most active adjustments for your voice acting?
Kobayashi-san: Selecting one is extremely challenging, but Episode 7 stands out to me because that’s when Subaru leapt off the cliff on his own. What made it memorable was that before then death seemed to dictate his actions; yet there he was, seizing control of death and turning it into a constructive force for himself.
Q: The next question is for Suzuki-san. You’ve mentioned previously that you aimed to blend half of your personal emotions with half of the series’ perspective in your songs. With your music still being used for the Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- openings and the anime having grown, has that ratio changed?
Suzuki-san: At first I definitely tried to merge my own emotions with those of the show, creating a genuine 50/50 mix. Nowadays, however, I feel my tracks embody a full 100% of both myself and the Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- world. As my career has advanced and I’ve worked more closely with my team, I’ve been able to seamlessly fuse those two complete aspects and make them work together.
Q: Kobayashi-san, in Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4, Subaru suffers from amnesia, causing him to behave differently from the version who remembers his time in this new world. Since you essentially had to portray a new version of a familiar character, what was your approach, and how did you decide which traits to keep and which to alter?
Kobayashi-san: I don’t feel like I was playing a different Subaru so much as reverting to the moment when he first arrived in the isekai. I also didn’t find it particularly challenging, given that the series has had many collaborations and I’ve portrayed that version of Subaru several times before. The main difference is that everyone around him seems unaware of his memory loss and continues to treat him normally, which he finds confusing and a bit uncomfortable rather than distressing. Season 4 introduces a new type of reset, giving him more ways to suffer and die repeatedly.
We’re all eager for what’s coming (all laugh).
Q: The following question applies to both of you. Do you consult the original source material ahead of the anime’s progression to shape your performances?
Kobayashi-san: I deliberately avoid reading the source material. Since Subaru is unaware of upcoming events, I aim for his reactions to feel genuine and fresh. That’s why I don’t look ahead. However, during voice recording sessions we receive scripts, and I do read those in full. This helps me remember scenes that might be edited out, allowing me to maintain my performance consistency. Apart from that, I never read ahead.
Suzuki-san: I also avoid reading far ahead. Yet, whenever I’m asked to compose another theme for the series, I at least watch or read up to that point so I can better capture the mood for my music. Reading the novels can be emotionally intense. I discuss with my team which scenes are particularly harrowing or moving, and we work together to blend those feelings into the song.
Q: Kobayashi-san, over the course of the last several seasons, Subaru has become a much more strategically formidable character, even outside of his death loops. How have you incorporated the confidence and growth he’s experienced, especially since the start of Season 3?
Kobayashi-san: Between Season 2 and Season 3 there’s a one‑year gap during which he devoted himself to rigorous training and self‑improvement, addressing his weaknesses. I aimed to let that confidence shine through in his performance. While I can’t point to any single technique, I feel that his dialogue itself conveys his growing assurance and maturity. I believe that confidence emerged almost effortlessly, as if by magic.
Q: Suzuki-san, when thinking about character’s perspective to incorporate into your singing, what characters other than Subaru are most on your mind?
Suzuki-san: Initially I focused heavily on Subaru, but as the story progressed and I witnessed other characters facing their own struggles, I began weaving their experiences into my songs. This season, Ram’s courage especially resonates with me. The lyrics also reflect personal growth and confidence, and I feel that virtually every character from Season 1 has evolved considerably. I keep all of these developments in mind while crafting my music.
Q: Is there any character you think should receive greater focus as Season 4 continues?
Kobayashi-san: I think audiences should take note of Shaula. Right now, the series hasn’t revealed her true identity; all we know is that she’s bubbly, happy, and has a striking physique, which I believe will endear her to viewers. I’m eager to see how people perceive her by the season’s conclusion.
Suzuki-san: I’m particularly fond of Beatrice and would love to see more of her. Whenever the story leaves me heartbroken, I wish Beatrice could provide comfort. I also miss Otto, as he’s barely appeared this season. Additionally, I’m intrigued by Shaula and have high expectations for what’s to come.
We appreciate Yusuke Kobayashi and Konomi Suzuki for sharing their time during Anime NYC, and we thank Crunchyroll for coordinating the interview. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 4 is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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