Hirate Yurina IS Hibiki

Hirate Yurina stars as Akui Hibiki in the film Hibiki. The author of the original manga recommended her, so we know she is a bit like Hibiki. But now she has posed as Hibiki in reproductions of cover illustrations from the manga, and it is now certain: Techi IS Hibiki.

Mangaka Yanagimoto Mitsuharu was thrilled at how well Hirate portrayed Hibiki in the photos, which were published by Nikkan Sports. He said that the moment he saw them, he felt a burst of happiness. He was impressed by how well she portrayed Hibiki, even down to small details. Click photos to enlarge.

Hibiki author visits Hirate on the set...and is totally tongue-tied

Mangaka Yanamoto Mitsuharu 柳本光晴 is the one who first suggested Hirate Yurina was the right person to play Hibiki, the title character of his award-winning manga, in its film adaptation. He has finally gotten the chance to meet her, and here is a translation of his blog post about it.

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Going on a field trip to a Hibiki location

I went to visit a location-shoot for the Hibiki movie. I won't write too much, just be super brief.

I finally met Hirate Yurina. Before I met her, I went through all kinds of simulations: I'll say this, or I'll say that. Anyway, more than anything I was just nervous to be meeting an idol. And it was Hirate, whom I admire so much.

And it seemed that Hirate-san had said she liked the manga. This made me even more nervous.

It was a situation where it would be fine if when she saw me, she went "kyaa" and I went "waah!" and with our eyes never meeting....

But she was beautiful. The only thing I could say to Hirate-san was: "Uh... You're beautiful...." Super creepy.

But it seemed like a very happy shoot. And she really was beautiful. She was Hibiki. Her presence. She was amazing.