Glass Mask: Episode 09

The incessant insults and discouragement from her own mother almost killed Kitajima Maya’s self-image. Through her newfound passion, Tsukikage-sensei’s insane guidance, the support of her friends, and her murasaki no bara fan, she slowly gains the assurance lost. But it took a glimpse of Ayumi’s perfect Midori to dishearten and to frighten the budding actress.

Once Maya began to wallow in self-pity, Tsukikage-sensei locks her in a cold rickety cabin. When boredom sets in, she reaches for her torn script and practices her lines. Then the standard eureka-moment dawns on her. Instead of aiming for Ayumi’s perfect Midori, she can create her own interpretation. And with Tsukikage-sensei’s help, a new Midori emerges.

Kitajima Maya’s seiyuu, Sanae Kobayashi, is showing her acting range in the recent episodes. The abrupt switch of emotions in certain scenes seems effortlessly performed. The varying degrees of tone and pitch in the Maya-acting-mode are subtle but noticeable. I expect more impressive work ahead from this VA.