Lycoris Recoil is the surprise hit of Summer 2022, and this is thanks in large part to its loveable protagonists. Recently, an interview with the series’ character designer dived into the cuteness of Lycoris Recoil’s Chisato and Takina.
As part of Febri’s interview series with Lycoris Recoil staff, character designer Imigimuru was the latest to be interviewed. There, they shared info on how the look of the show’s cast was made.
The series’ original concept was much darker, and this was also reflected in the initial character design. During the pre-production stage, Imigimuru’s designs for Chisato and Takina were a bit taller and their eyes were smaller.
This initial look wasn’t exactly cute, but their design transformed into the cuter style that the anime has because of the shift in the tone of the series as it was being developed.
Imigimuru also shared insight on Chisato’s design. To make Chisato’s already cute design stand out even more, Imigamuru drew her with near-white hair and with a red ribbon. This makes her look more memorable, and you can tell her apart by just her silhouette.
Related: Lycoris Recoil Originally Had a Much Darker Story, According to Creator
Meanwhile, to reflect her personality, Takina has a simpler design with long black hair that contrasts Chisato’s look nicely.
While Takina’s look starts simple, the anime introduces some new looks for her. For instance, there’s her twin-tail hairstyle when working as LycoReco staff.
According to Imigimuru, they envision that it’s Chisato that gives Takina this twin-tails style. This is because Takina isn’t someone to care about her hairstyle that much given her personality.
Lycoris Recoil (also called LycoReco by fans) is an original anime series by A-1 Pictures that’s directed by Shingo Adachi and written by Asaura.
The series is set in an alternate version of Japan that’s kept safe by “Lycoris,” an all-female group of spies and assassins who take down criminals and terrorists without the public knowing.
The story follows Takina, a Lycoris agent who is reprimanded and demoted for disobeying. Because of this, she is assigned to work in an undercover café called LycoReco.
Leading Takina in her new post is Chisato, a Lycoris agent who is carefree and cheerful, a sharp contrast to Takina’s no-nonsense demeanor. But underneath this easygoing attitude, Chisato is a powerful agent.
While the two are opposites, Takina must do her best to get along with Chisato if she wants to get her old position back.
Lycoris Recoil episodes are released every week on Crunchyroll.
Related: Lycoris Recoil Director Reveals Anime’s Initial ‘City Hunter’ Concept
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