Interview: Yoshihiro Miyajima - Delicious in Dungeon Director

Delicious in Dungeon anime began airing earlier this year and for most, it has been a pleasant surprise despite its unorthodox recipes and delicacies. Before the anime premiered, Anime Corner had a chance to send in a few questions for the director, Yoshihiro Miyajima, and two of the main cast members – Kentaro Kumagai (Laios) and Sayaka Sembongi (Marcille). Director Miyajima, who is helming studio TRIGGER’s first adaptation of a manga, took the time to answer each and every one of them so we are bringing you the interview in full (with a slight delay)! Special thanks to Kadokawa for making this happen!

Q: How did the opportunity to direct Delicious in Dungeon come about?

A: In 2019, I directed the commercial for the eighth volume of Delicious and Dungeon. The anime adaptation wasn’t decided at that time. Once it was, TRIGGER contacted me, and so that’s how I became the director.

Q: As you mentioned, in 2019, you directed a special animated commercial by Studio TRIGGER, celebrating the release of the 8th manga volume. This will be your TV anime directorial debut. How do you feel about working again on this series, this time as the director of a TV series? How do you feel about the responsibility of being a series director?

A: When I worked on the commercial for the manga, I didn’t even think that I would be able to work on an anime series like this. Luckily, I am able to work with Studio TRIGGER, and I’m really happy that I was confirmed as the director for the TV series. At the time, I had no idea that it would turn out this way, but right now I feel really fortunate and incredibly lucky.

Q: This is the first anime adaptation based on a manga at TRIGGER. What was your approach to the work when you decided to make it based on a manga? How closely does this follow the storyline of the manga series?

A: We really wanted to respect and give homage to the manga. So, we definitely emphasized keeping that original and true genuine aspect of the manga in our hearts that it comes out within the anime production. In terms of “how closely does it follow the storyline of the manga series,” you’ll just have to watch the anime to find out for yourself.

Q: Have you spoken to Ryoko Kui [the mangaka]? What is her level of involvement in the anime? Was there feedback or exchanges between the author and creative staff?

A: Thanks to Studio TRIGGER, we were able to have a very good relationship with Kui-Sensei, but this is the first time that we’re adapting an original source into an anime as a studio. We received comments from Kui-sensei, like, “I would like it to go in this direction,” and gave a lot of guidance. I’m really grateful and thankful for all the details and all the help that she provides in supporting us.
I can’t really go into the fine details, but I hope that when you watch the series, you can tell that she was very involved and influenced the way that we produced it.

Q: How did you decide on the voice actors?
A: The casting was decided through an audition.

Q: What kind of instructions do you give to the voice actors in the voice recording session?

A: I told all the cast of the voice actors to read through the source material and really get to know the original manga. It’s kind of hard to say the details of what exactly you tell them to do, but definitely telling them to bring out their skills, their expertise, and acting to bring the characters to life.

Q: How would you describe or advertise Delicious in Dungeon to viewers who have not read the manga?

A: I can’t really put it into simple words, to say what Delicious and Dungeon is like to viewers who haven’t read it. It would almost kind-of be rude if I tried to summarize it myself. It’s just that wonderful. It’s that amazing. So the only thing I can say is please watch the anime.

Q: For fans who are waiting for Delicious in Dungeon, what would you like them to pay attention to?

A: For the fans who have been waiting, the Delicious and Dungeon series is loved by us and loved by everybody. What I would really want fans to pay attention to is how the anime series brings the manga story to life through the music, the voice, and the animation. The story is being told not with still images, so there’s maybe some new innovations or new aspects of the story that could only be told through moving pictures. I think this is a really new and refreshing way to be able to have that Delicious in Dungeon experience all over again.
For those who have not read the manga, it’s so awesome and it’s so much fun. Please look forward to the anime.

Q: Do you have any message for fans who want to watch the anime?

A: The animation staff and the cast really worked hard in order to bring together and make this really awesome anime. I really hope that you’re all looking forward to it and you know, I hope you all enjoy and have fun watching Delicious and Dungeon.

Delicious in Dungeon anime is currently streaming on Netflix worldwide on a weekly schedule: new episodes are added every Thursday. If you are enjoying the anime make sure to vote for it in Anime Corner’s weekly polls.