SEGA has shared an interview with Japan’s most popular pro cosplayer, Enako, who appears in a web commercial (WebCM) for its Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Lost in Memories mobile game.

Enako is so popular in Japan that she has a phenomenon named after her and reportedly earned around 10 million yen (US$92,123) in one day at Tokyo’s three-day Comiket convention. She is the official cosplayer of Rem from the “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” anime TV show based on the light novels, and portrays Rem in the SEGA commercial. The commercial, which was released online this October, shows Enako shooting cosplay but being absorbed with playing the smartphone game. SEGA provided this interview to publications, and we are publishing an edited version of the translation by Google Translate.

Enako on shooting the commercial

What do you want your users to feel with this WebCM?
This time, I appeared in a commercial for Rem’s cosplay, and it’s a mysterious commercial that uses the situation where I’m shooting cosplay. I hope that not only fans of the work but also many people who are drawn into the commercials and start new games will increase.

What did you like about playing Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World: Lost in Memories?
I’m a big fan of the work, but the characters are moving very much in 2D on my smartphone. I’m impressed by that alone. But not only is it moving, but you can also choose your own options. You can also choose the development according to the animation of the first period with that option, and conversely change the development. You can also enjoy the story of the new IF, so I think it’s a new game that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the work, but also by those who haven’t checked the anime yet.

In an interview last year, you said, “Playing a game changes your personality.” How does that change?
Even though it’s a game, when it’s a game that fights people, it makes me emotional, and I get so absorbed in it that I get angry (laughs). However, a game that is basically played by one person does not have so much emotion, forgetting time, forgetting to sleep or eating rice, and just immersing yourself in the game. I’m sure Rezeroth will forget the time and play.

Enako on playing Rem

This time it’s a cute cosplay (of the character Rem). Is there anything you particularly like?
At the time of fitting this costume, I asked in detail not to destroy the character’s image, saying “I want you to do this a little more.” For example, the length of the skirt is made to be Rem-like. I am very particular about the frills on my arm, and I have them cut it so that it looks exactly like the original. I really like it.

You are having a difficult time with the coronavirus. How are you spending your time?
I think it’s a little lonely that we don’t have an event to meet you, but thank you very much for your recent work. I’ve been busy since last year, and I’m having a really fulfilling life.

What is the most memorable scene in this commercial?
I’ve taken pictures of cosplay scenes several times before, but I haven’t done much about ignoring the photographer and touching my smartphone. I was doing it while feeling a little guilty (laughs). I was doing it while saying “I’m sorry!” Because it was to convey that I was absorbed in it (the theme of the commercial).

What do you like about Rem?
A. At first I thought that I was bitter or scared of Subaru, but as the story of anime progressed, I became very attracted to Subaru, and at the end I did not confess to Subaru, I really like the place to convey my thoughts.