Naofumi and the group must learn to set aside some of their disagreements with the other Cardinal Heroes in season three of The Rising of the Shield Hero in order to get ready for the next big challenge. Still, this kind of thing could be lot more difficult than many had thought. The producer of the series, Kōsuke Arai, and hitoshi Haga, the director of the third season, were both available for interviews at the NYC. Although the Shield Hero may face new obstacles in this new chapter of his life, our guests made it very evident that they intended to provide an adaptation that did the series and fans justice by providing as much behind-the-scenes footage as they could.
In the midst of an underground arena, director Haga opens season three with a furious action sequence. We get a peek of some of the animated interludes that built up those suspenseful action moments at the Anime NYC behind-the-scenes panel. Haga and Arai’s willingness to offer a lot of technical details, including real B-roll footage from the early animation and comparisons with the final cuts, was really appreciated. It was interesting to learn how the crew created the Filo dance scene (which is highly popular in Japan) and how picture boarding was used to help nurture the world in episode four.
There are inevitable requirements because this is the third season of a running franchise. In addition to the fact that this season’s events are heavily influenced by historical context, season three particularly picks up where season two left off with a few key incidents. Director Haga nonetheless hopes that season three serves as a logical progression and a stand-alone installment that will draw in new viewers. He and the other members of the production crew conferred extensively about the conclusion of season three and the material that would be taken from the original light novels.
This procedure involves a great deal of dialogue and thoughtful deliberation. However, a human element is required. If all that’s included is a chronological record of the events, then it will resemble a history book. That’s not what we intend to create,” said Haga.
Season three of the anime is being produced collaboratively, much like most other anime series, with advice from light novel author Aneko Yusagi on what to add and exclude. Arai claims that Yusagi analyzes “every line drawing and the screenplay.” Thus, a conversation will take place if the writer believes that something is out of alignment. The author is often more than ready to take the proposal and collaborate with the staff to achieve a shared vision if they explain the thinking behind their decisions. They attend the performances by the opening and closing acts and actively participate in the process as team members.”
Additionally, Yusagi has no problem suggesting adjustments to Shield Hero for the anime. Yusagi, according to Arai, wanted Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, to “go far over the edge in season three.”
Haga revealed that a great deal of time was devoted to carefully analyzing the original work and considering what elements to incorporate into the anime adaptation, to the extent that the team members were able to recall specific moments from the light novels. You can sense Haga’s intense desire to make this universe come to life as he assisted in directing a few of the first season’s episodes. He clarified, saying, “I researched both the world and the substance. In order to include my own personality and flair into the show and its material, I decided to direct season three.”
As soon as season three of animation began to air, I was astounded by how good it was. Considering that Haga provides almost forty years of industry knowledge to this project, this makes sense.
Capturing the world as it is during a time of calamity—the chaos, hunger, and melancholy of this world—is something that I find very crucial in order to allow the heroes to shine. The reason a hero is needed is because people are in pain. To start the story moving and give the heroes a place here, it was crucial for me to capture the pain and agony the globe is in.”
In addition to Naofumi, the other heroes are the center of season three. Highlighting the story’ more human aspects makes sense, especially when our heroes have to make amends or go through a journey that makes them face their flaws. Haga shares that “their flaws and weaknesses are all a little bit reflected from me, so I project a bit of my weakness in all three of those characters,” demonstrating her connection to the three heroes. He does think that everyone possesses the qualities of these heroes, though.
“Motoyasu has a deep affection for girls—who doesn’t? Ren is greedy and conceited. We all have a small amount of conceit and a small amount of greed. Having folks hear what we have to say is what we want. To avoid giving anything away, the Bow Hero is not without a defect of his own. You have a little bit of each of them in you, too, if you look inside.”
