Returning to Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube After 30 Years: Voice Actor Ryōtarō Okiayu

In 1996, a modern action-horror series graced the airwaves of Japan. That series was none other than Ryōtarō Okiayu. Anime News Network got a chance to sit down with Okiayu before the premiere and hear his thoughts on the series, his routines for voice acting, and thoughts on yokai and Japanese horror stories.

When did you learn about Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube's new adaptation, and what was your reaction?

Ryōtarō OKIAYU: I was approached quite early in 2023, and the word "Nube" was written in my schedule. So, I had a meeting and spoke with various staff , and I was told they were interested in making anime. I was asked if I would like to reprise my role.

I was very happy because I'd always wanted to do another anime adaptation. But I couldn't envision what the final product would look like. However, now that I have come to see some of this new anime adaptation, I'm looking forward to it with great anticipation.

You're returning to Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube's Meisaku Nueno after 30 years. How does it feel to portray the character again?

OKIAYU: I was young back then, and I was able to make the character come to life just by acting as hard as I could. But now that recording is underway, I feel like I need to act more ionately than before—otherwise, I won't have the same ion as I did back then. I'm working harder and feel beat. I'm exhausted, but it's a happy exhaustion.

Were there any changes to your vocal performance?

OKIAYU: My acting hasn't changed per se, but since I've gotten older—I'm 28 years older—I voice act in a way so the audience doesn't notice.

What do you think makes Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube appealing to new audiences domestically and internationally?

OKIAYU: Nube is generally a teacher, but he has many flaws his students tease him about. So, he's like a friend to his students. But when his students are in trouble or are in danger, he becomes a cool guy who uses his powers and puts his life on the line to protect them—that's his mission.

Did you have any teachers like that?

OKIAYU: Did I have one? [Laughs] I don't think there was anyone like that. But, even though this is a fictional story, I hope that the viewers will think, "It would be nice to have a teacher like that."

Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube has a lot of horror elements, such as ghost stories and urban legends. In addition to the battle action, what episode did you find especially scary in the new anime series?

OKIAYU: I think the story has more of a horror feel to it than a monster-battling feel, but even within that kind of story, there are some cute and humorous parts. I also think that it expresses some things that are unique to this day and age.

Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube mixes action and traditional Japanese yokai, what are some of your favorite yokai or Japanese horror stories?

OKIAYU: My favorite yokai or horror stories? I haven't really been exposed to that kind of thing outside of Nube. But in the Heisei Nube, there were characters like Hatamonba and Hanako-san—and other classic school ghosts. And many characters in Nube are synonymous with yokai and horror stories—like the Kirin.

What are some yokai you would like to see modernized? Conversely, what sort of new yokai would you create?

OKIAYU: A new yokai? Let me think. We didn't have smartphones in the Heisei era, so I wonder if it would be something that uses new electronic devices? It may also be influenced by urban legends, too.

Like a yokai related to blowing up on social media?

OKIAYU: It might be something like that.

What are some of the scenes you're looking forward to voicing in the new series?

OKIAYU: Of course, the interactions between the students of Class 5-3 are a lot of fun—and Tamamo, Yukime, and Ritsuko-sensei, who have already been announced, will also appear, so it should be a lot of fun interacting with each other in the story.

What sort of routines do you have before a recording session, and what sort of items are a must-have on set for you?

OKIAYU: It's not because of this anime's production, but the incantation used to release the Demon's Hand, "Uchū Tenchi Yogarikiryo Kofuku Gunma Gōrai Shokō" is something I probably recite dozens of times a year—so I have it memorized. But the full version was sort of reinstalled in me again for the Reiwa version—this 2025 version—of Nube.

Do you wear a glove while saying that?

OKIAYU: I don't wear gloves. [Laughs] But I say it with the feeling that I'm releasing the Demon's Hand.

What sorts of conversations do you have with fellow castmates when preparing for a new role? Or, in this case, when returning to a role?

OKIAYU: Most of the characters are children around the same age, so I think [the cast] is trying to differentiate between them and not make them sound the same. But I'm also watching [the cast] as if I'm a teacher. We're co-stars, but when I watch them, I can't tell if I'm watching them as me or as Nube, and I wonder if I should say something to them or not—if I should leave it up to them to decide how to create their characters or not. I think that's kind of interesting.

Do you feel like you empathize with Nube Sensei?

OKIAYU: I feel like that might be the case.

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The new Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube anime will premiere on TV Asahi's "IM Animation W" programming block on July 2.