As the highly-anticipated finale of the anime series “Arknights: RISE FROM EMBER”draws near, animate Times sits down with Maaya Sakamoto, the celebrated voice actress behind the complex character Talulah.
As the leader of the Reunion Movement—a group of infected individuals at odds with Amiya and the Doctor of Rhodes Island —Talulah's motivations have long been a mystery.
In this exclusive email interview, Sakamoto shares her unique perspective on the character, offering a deeper understanding to fans as they prepare for the series' conclusion.
“Arknights: RISE FROM EMBER” anime series premiered in July 2025 is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Maaya Sakamoto: Talulah's Character Is a Mix of Strength and Pain
―― As “Arknights: RISE FROM EMBER” heads into its final arc, what were your thoughts on the story as a whole, and were there any scenes that were particularly memorable for you?
Maaya Sakamoto, voice of Talulah (hereinafter Sakamoto): When I look back at her story, it's just so heartbreaking to see how much Talulah has carried and all the pain she's endured. She wants to help "for someone else's sake," but her methods become increasingly isolating. The harder she tries to be strong, the more alone she becomes. That image is so tragic and it really stays with me.
―― What are your impressions of Talulah as a character, and how did you approach bringing her to life? What aspects of her did you focus on during your performance?
Sakamoto: I feel like Talulah is a character where strength and pain coexist. Her words and actions are filled with anger and conviction, but beneath it all is a deep sadness and loneliness. I was conscious of trying to convey that tension and vulnerability in her voice. I really wanted to be mindful of that line she's walking—the line between where she's holding on and where she's about to break.
―― Can you share any memorable moments with other cast members during recording or any direction you received from the staff?
Sakamoto: The atmosphere was always very relaxed and friendly between takes, but the moment we were in front of the mic, everyone was laser-focused. It was a wonderful set where you could feel everyone's dedication to their roles. The director, in particular, had this amazing charisma. He was so full of love for the work that everyone wanted to give their best performance for him. I think that's what brought the whole team together.
―― There were also scenes revealing Talulah's past, which felt a bit different from her current self as the Reunion Movement leader. What did you keep in mind while performing those scenes?
Sakamoto: I was surprised to see how gentle the old Talulah could be. As I learned about her inner journey and what shaped her into the person she is now, I fell more and more in love with the character. It felt so natural to get into her mindset—it wasn't even like I was "acting" anymore.
―― As Talulah leads the Reunion, which opposes Rhodes Island and Amiya, are there any characters associated with Reunion that left a strong impression on you, and why?
Sakamoto: FrostNova's presence was incredibly memorable. Her quiet strength and willingness to sacrifice her own life to protect others felt like a different kind of conviction than Talulah's. I think she was a very special person to Talulah as well. Even though they were in the same organization, they resonated with each other deeply, despite their different approaches.
―― Finally, do you have a message for the fans who are looking forward to the rest of the story?
Sakamoto: Was she right, or was she wrong? I believe she is still searching for that answer herself. As the story concludes, I hope you'll stick around to see what's next in her journey.
About “Arknights: RISE FROM AMBER”
Synopsis
"She" was meant to be a beacon of hope. But her anger and hatred are now threatening to engulf people in the flames of war. Only Rhodes Island, a neutral organization, can stop the out-of-control Reunion Movement and the conspiracy behind it. Amiya and her team head towards the Chernobog Central District, which is closing in on Lungmen. What fate awaits them?
Cast
Doctor: Yuki Kaida
Amiya: Tomoyo Kurosawa
Talulah: Maaya Sakamoto
Ch'en: Shizuka Ishigami
Kal'tsit: Yoko Hikasa
Rosmontis: Yui Ogura
Theresa: Yuka Nanri
W: Ayane Taketatsu
Hoshiguma: Kiyono Yasuno
Wei: Koichi Yamadera
Fumizuki: Noriko Hidaka
Guard: Chiaki Kobayashi
FrostNova: Ayahi Takagaki
Patriot: Banjou Ginga
Alina: Aya Uchida
Mephisto: Kouhei Amasaki
Faust: Shun Horie
©HYPERGRYPH ©Yostar
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
