Rie Takahashi, Saori Hayami Discuss Magic Knight Rayearth

Voice actresses Rie Takahashi and Saori Hayami have shared insights into their roles for the new Magic Knight Rayearth television anime. The series, a new adaptation of CLAMP's classic 1993 shoujo manga, is scheduled to premiere in October 2026, according to an interview published by MyAnimeList.

Takahashi voices the logical Fuu Hououji, while Hayami plays the duty-bound Princess Emeraude. Both actresses recounted their first encounters with the franchise. Takahashi stated her first real introduction was through the audition for this new project. Hayami believes she watched the original anime as a child, evidenced by finding Rayearth pencils at her parents' home.

Character Insights and Recording Approach

Takahashi described Fuu's appeal as her sharp insight and consistent logic, which she focused on maintaining during recording to differentiate her from the other Magic Knights. Hayami was drawn to Princess Emeraude's strong sense of duty and the complex human emotions beneath it. She said she adjusted how much of that inner conflict to reveal in each episode.

Regarding the central trio's friendship, Takahashi noted it made her realize the strength of a bond is not tied to its length. She praised her co-stars, who play Hikaru and Umi, for their deep love of the original series, which helped build trust. "At first, the three of us were nervous," Takahashi said, "but as we continued acting, I think we developed a bond where we felt, 'No one else could be our partner but you.'"

On-Set Dynamics and Themes

Hayami discussed working with Yuuki Ono, who voices Zagato. She described their dynamic as opposing counterparts, noting Ono's careful, motivated approach inspired her own determination. The interview also touched on the series' core theme of willpower. Takahashi linked it to the drive needed in voice acting auditions. Hayami called it a source of personal confidence and a power that inspires others, citing Takahashi's own determination as a motivating force for the cast.

When asked how they would react to being transported to another world from Tokyo Tower, Takahashi joked she would first want to see if she could fly. Hayami speculated she might think she had fallen asleep wearing VR goggles.

Memorable Moments and Anticipated Scenes

Takahashi recalled a specific note from the first episode's recording: the directors felt the trio was getting along too well and asked for more distance, as if they were truly meeting for the first time. Hayami's fond memory was of the three main actresses consistently wearing clothes or accessories matching their characters' colors to recording sessions, a habit Takahashi confirmed led her to buy many green items.

For scenes to anticipate, Takahashi highlighted a moment where Fuu comes face-to-face with herself, which made her admire the character's choice of words. Hayami remained cryptic about Princess Emeraude's story but urged fans to pay close attention to the unique atmosphere in her scenes with Zagato. The interview was conducted through an interpreter.