To celebrate the release of the Violet Evergarden spin-off movie, Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll, we at STARBURST had the pleasure of speaking to the film and shows star voice talent Yui Ishikawa (Attack on Titan, Nier: Automata) to talk about the film, the success of the show and what made her want to play the character.

STARBURST: Violet Evergarden is based on a light novel. Had you read the source material before taking on board the role?

YUI ISHIKAWA: First of all, for the audition, I really wanted to play Violet, so I went looking for information. The book wasn’t that easy to find, so I ended up going to several bookstores before I could buy it and read it. That was the first time I did, but of course, after I actually got the part, I went back and read the original over and over again to create the character, or rather, to understand her.

For those of our readers who are yet to discover Violet and her world, could you describe to them what the series and movie are about?

Violet is the protagonist in the work. She had lived a previous life as a human weapon, but when the war is over, she ends up becoming a scriber… an Auto Memory Doll. Until then, she has got through life without any idea of what emotions are. But through her work, she meets all sorts of people, learning about human emotions through them… including love.

The movie is set after the events of the TV series, and it involves Violet playing an important role in connecting two sisters, Isabella and Taylor. Initially, when I was playing her, I had to put myself into an empty state, of knowing nothing. I didn’t invest any meaning in the words she spoke; I just treated them as if they were falling out of her mouth. But then she starts to get emotions, or emotions start to sprout within her after her contacts with other people. She learns many different things, and I tried to add bits, little by little.

Your portrayal of Violet beautifully balances innocence and determination – what influences did you draw upon to accomplish this?

Well, I am pleased to hear you say I managed to balance her innocence and determination. To play her, I was told to become Zero. The director at the recording told me: no emotions in the first episode.

How enjoyable was it for you to return to this role after the end of the first season?

I was very pleased to see Violet again because I love her and the work and I have lovely memories of her. Of course, after the TV series broadcast ended, it became a piece that was loved by so many people, so I felt a huge pressure, but I was helped especially by other cast members, and I believe it turned out to be a wonderful movie.

Did any of the narrative of the series or movie emotionally resonate with you – if yes, what part and why?

I think people who have watched the TV series understand, but everything resonates! So, to be honest, it is difficult to say what part. Really all I can say is all of it. This piece was truly created with care, both the story and the image and animation. Kyo Ani created everything so very attentively and with love, so there is nothing that does not resonate, yes!