Combining dark fantasy, action, and an unconventional approach to the shounen genre, Shuiro no Kamen (The Vermilion Mask) is set to bring its striking world and mysterious masks to television this October. From its first chapters, the manga stands out for its willingness to place its protagonist in situations rarely seen in shounen stories, forcing him to confront guilt, loss, and the consequences of his actions rather than simply growing stronger.

At Anime Expo 2026, we had the opportunity to speak with the manga editor Taichi Kimura and Taihi Kimura, the voice of Peru, the central character of the series. Together, they offered insight into what makes Peru such an unusual and compelling protagonist, the creative decisions behind some of the manga’s most unexpected developments, and the relationships that gradually take shape as he moves forward.

──As an editor, what stood out to you the most when you first came across the manga, and what made you believe it had the potential to resonate with readers?

Editor Taichi Kimura: When I first looked at the storyboard for chapter one, I asked the author, “What happens next?” and had him guide me through the overall plot up to around the third chapter. After hearing that, I was amazed at how fast-paced the story was. It contained developments that you don’t normally see in shounen manga, so many story points came as a surprise.

The themes are a bit dark, but I felt that having a shounen manga character confront his need for redemption and face his struggles with a more positive outlook would give readers something they could relate to, making the character very easy to empathize with.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

──As the voice of the lead character Peru, could you tell us how you became involved with The Vermilion Mask?

Seiyuu Taihi Kimura: When I was given the opportunity to audition for The Vermilion Mask, I read the original manga. I thought it was very interesting, so it took me only a day to read through everything, and I went into the audition really hoping that I would get the role. Then, as fate would have it, I was given the opportunity to play Peru.

At the time of the audition, I wouldn’t say I felt overly confident about it, but it went pretty smoothly. There weren’t many corrections or retakes, and it went by quite quickly. I typically land the part when I have really good feelings about the audition, so I was very happy when I heard I got the role.

Editor Kimura: Director Watanabe said, “I already envision Kimura-san as the role.” But these weren’t only the director’s thoughts. The voice we heard in the audition matched Peru’s character perfectly, and the line readings were exceptional, so it was a unanimous decision.

Seiyuu Kimura: Ah, thank you very much. It makes me happy to hear that.

──This is your second leading role in an anime series. How does it feel?

Seiyuu Kimura: I’m very happy. Incredibly happy, with a bit of nervousness too, but I want to enjoy myself as much as I can while doing it.

──What are some appealing points of Peru’s character? Please tell us what you kept in mind when recording.

Seiyuu Kimura: I think part of Peru’s charm comes from the fact that he’s still a child. He tends to take too much on himself, which is worrisome, but this is also what makes you grow fond of him. I like how strong his sense of responsibility is, his feelings of, “I have to be the one to do it.”

Although he is a pretty quiet character, or rather, a cool and reserved character, I keep in mind that even Peru laughs. Like a normal human being, he has a wide range of emotions, and even though he’s cool, he has a boyish side that’s appropriate for his age. That’s the part of him I try to not forget.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

“Seeing how he comes to terms with his guilt and how he can gradually move forward

makes him a character that you want to cheer on.”

──Something shocking and irreversible happens to Peru early in the story, which we rarely see happen to a main character. Without spoiling anything, could you tell us how you felt about that development?

Editor Kimura: Part of me wondered how readers would react to the fact that he commits a crime, but at the same time, he goes through an incredibly painful experience. Seeing how he comes to terms with his guilt and how he can gradually move forward makes him a character that you want to cheer on.

Seiyuu Kimura: I think Peru is definitely a character who tends to put the blame on himself, but I think how he grows from that point onward is what’s important. Even though he finds himself in a difficult situation, it can’t simply end with his death. I feel like what comes after is what is so important about Peru as a character, and really, the entire story itself. I hope that seeing Pelle smile will allow others to smile with him as well.

Editor Kimura: Also, something unfortunate happens to him around the second episode. I can’t go into too much detail because it would be a spoiler, but I think once you see it, he will become a character you really want to root for.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

──Actually, I think that event in the second episode might be what I was referring to.

──Are there any other scenes or characters that left a strong impression on you?

Seiyuu Kimura: Totoque, a character that appears in the first episode. He’s in the PV, too. I recommend looking out for him. He’s a bit psychopathic, something just feels off about him. But he’s very handsome! (in English)

Editor Kimura: There’s a character named Moku who joins the group and uses smoke as his fighting ability. The relationship between him and Peru stands out. As the story progresses, Moku becomes a character who helps shoulder some of the responsibility Peru is carrying, and the scenes where he fights for Peru’s sake increase. I highly recommend paying attention to their relationship and the “buddy” dynamic that develops between them.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

──By “buddy” dynamic, do you mean they become very close friends?

Editor Kimura: I wouldn’t go that far. They become a bit closer than before, but it’s more like allies who are standing together in battle. Similar to Zenitsu and Tanjirou from Kimetsu no Yaiba. (everyone laughs)

“Both of them are trying to make amends for what they’ve done,

and since their circumstances are alike,

both of them want to be forgiven by the other.”

──Since we haven’t talked about Sonah yet, what do you find most interesting about the relationship dynamics between the three main characters (Peru, Sonah, and Moku)?

Seiyuu Kimura: It’s tough to think of something the three of them have in common. Each of them have a different role, as they move along they slowly become more open and grow together.

Editor Kimura: Peru and Sonah find themselves in a similar situation, as both have committed a sin. Both of them are trying to make amends for what they’ve done, and since their circumstances are alike, both of them want to be forgiven by the other. That becomes a crucial part of their relationship. And I think how Moku takes care of others, like a mischievous oniichan from the neighborhood, is really great.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

──Do you have any memorable moments you can share from the recording sessions with the other cast and staff?

Seiyuu Kimura: There were actually quite a few amusing moments, which one would be best? …Hang on, this is actually kinda hard. Let me think for a minute.

Editor Kimura: The three main cast members are Kimura-san, Yamamoto-san (who plays Sonah), and Ura-san (who plays Moku). When the three of them are standing next to each other during the recording and you see them from behind, their heights are similar to their characters. Their dynamic can also kind of feel like they’re really Peru, Sonah, and Moku, so sometimes I just find myself watching their interactions play out.

Seiyuu Kimura: Back in high school, I used to perform dramatic readings as part of my club activities. It turns out that Yamamoto-san, who plays Sonah, is the same age as me and was in the same type of club. Apparently, Yamamoto-san already knew who I was.

Editor Kimura: Oh, really? Was it because you were the best?

Seiyuu Kimura: No no, it’s not like that. She apparently knew about me from a contest. When she said to me, “I already know about you~”, I realized she must have been close by. That’s scary, I thought.

Editor Kimura: You even participated in the same competition.

Seiyuu Kimura: And then our paths crossed again here.

Editor Kimura: That’s a wonderful story.

“Well, with the mind control mask, I could really do anything.

Like using it to make the people who cause trouble do volunteer work.”

──There are many different masks with different levels and powers. Which mask interests you the most so far and what would you do with it?

Editor Kimura: I’d go for the dragon mask. Then if I ever had an awful day at work or something, I could use it to vent my frustrations somewhere deep in the mountains.

Seiyuu Kimura: (laughs) Wouldn’t you want to use it to trash the company instead?

Editor Kimura: I would definitely feel too guilty for that. What about you?

Seiyuu Kimura: Well, with the mind control mask, I could really do anything. Like using it to make the people who cause trouble do volunteer work. (laughs)

Editor Kimura: Amazing.

Seiyuu Kimura: It sounds really bad saying it like that, but it’s not a bad thing.

Editor Kimura: No, it’s really great.

© Nabana Naba, Dr.Poro, SHONENGAHOSHA / “The Vermilion Mask” Production Committee

──Please leave a final message for the MyAnimeList community.

Seiyuu Kimura: This series has turned out to be incredibly entertaining, so I really want you to watch the first episode. Once you see it, I think you’ll get a good feel for what the world and series is like, so please be sure to check it out.

Editor Kimura: I feel like the level of awareness and enthusiasm for the upcoming anime does not match the incredible amount of passion that went into creating it, so I’m really counting on anime fans in MyAnimeList’s community to help spread the word. I’m confident this is going to be an amazing series. If you watch the first episode, I think you’ll fall in love with it, so I hope you’ll check it out.

Interview was conducted through an interpreter and has been edited for clarity.

Visit the Official Site: https://the-vermilion-mask.com/

Follow the Official X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/vermilion_PR/

Read The Vermilion Mask on emaqi: https://emaqi.com/manga/the-vermilion-mask

Shuiro no Kamen (The Vermilion Mask) PV2