This week's guest is Mamoru Miyano! "Hi I'm Mamoru Miyano! So happy to be here!" he spits out all in one breath. The Rocket trio gets things started with their show's introductory rap!

Musashi:  "Your name is Mamoru Miyano and your job is a voice actor, no doubt?" Mr. Miyano:  "No doubt!" Nyarth:  "No doubt? What is he talking about...?" Mr. Miyano:  "In '11." Kojirou:  "Eleven? Huh?" Nyarth:  "Um, OK. Let's move on..." Mr. Miyano:  "...And sometimes I sing too..." Nyarth:  "OK, we get it Nya. What month were you born, and where are you from? And while you're at it, tell us your nicknyames Nya." Mr. Miyano:  "Oh...oh...I was born in June. Raised in Saitama, always listened to my mama. And this worked out well! And all my friends are swell! My nickname? Mamo's the name! Yay!" Kojirou:  "What was your debut work? And tell us which show represents you!" Mr. Miyano:  "Sure, I'll tell you my major work. My debut work was...y'know! I did the Japanese dub for a certain live action show. "Caitlin's Way" was the title yo." Musashi:  "I like the sound of that. "Caitlin~" "Caitlin~" "Caitlin~"" Mr. Miyano:  "And I've got an itchy trigger finger~! Just like a sniper~" Kojirou:  "Are you talking about me or...?" Mr. Miyano:  "And I've got an itchy trigger finger~! Just like a sniper~" Musashi:  "Oh my gosh will you hurry up and tell us the show that represents you!" Mr. Miyano:  "Oh, it's Gundam." Nyarth:  "We fi-nya-lly got a straight answer out of you." Musashi and Kojirou:  "Yay!  Victory~!"

After the music ends Mr. Miyano clarifies that the Gundam show he's referring to, specifically, is 2007's Mobile Suit Gundam 00 ^[6]. Musashi adds that Kojirou's friend Shin-ichiro Miki knows that series well, with Mr. Miyano stating that this is why he did that whole "sniper" bit in his opening rap. Musashi tries to move everyone onto the next part of the interview, but Mr. Miyano asks for a time out; this is the radio show's interview segment, right? Is it OK that the host is rushing her guests around like this, he asks with a laugh. Kojirou assures him that it's fine; people like him who get mixed up with Kojirou also need to be ready to get ignored by Musashi a lot. The others laugh.

Musashi keeps things moving by reading something Mr. Miyano wrote on his blog: "If you help me promote my show then I'll go on your show as a guest" (この番組の宣伝をして くれたらゲストに呼ばれる). Musashi thinks that's a pretty reasonable way to go about things. She asks Mr. Miyano if he actually runs his own blog, and he says that he does, prompting Nyarth to ask how often he updates it. "About once a month" he admits. As the others laugh, Musashi adds that "once a month" isn't really all that regular, now is it?

So after looking at his blog, Kojirou continues, they reached out to him to his people to get him to come on the show. Mr. Miyano had always wanted to be on the show, he says, but he also admits that he's also here because it's his job. The others laugh. As the Rocket trio applaud him for working hard their guest hastily adds that, um, sure, he's also on the show to spread the word of Pokémon even further. Yeah, that's it! Musashi says this PR type work is also an important part of his job and adds that maybe she should start up a blog so that she can attract more opportunities as an actress. She adds that she'll update it daily but that all she'll write is a single line, every single day: "Acting job please!" The others laugh.

Mr. Miyano's blog

Kojirou decides to change the subject. The three of them have been doing this radio show for a while now, with this being their seventh episode and all. When Mr. Miyano seems to be surprised by this information Kojirou asks if he actually listens to their show...? "For the time being..." he starts, causing everyone to laugh. "I listened to the first episode." In other words, Nyarth adds, he's only listened to one of the six episodes they've put out so far. But! Mr. Miyano rushes to add that he thinks this is a really great radio show and had wondered if he was ever going to be invited on. He's always wanted a chance to talk to the Rocket trio that he's such a fan of, a group he thinks of as being a treasure! Nyarth replies by saying he should have just started off saying that. Kojirou agrees, telling Mr. Miyano that when he's with people who've been in the business longer than them that it's not a bad idea to replace the Japanese honorific -senpai with -takara. Musashi illustrates this with a song she makes up on the spot: "Treasure, Treasure, Treasure~! Kodokukawa-Treasure!" ^[7]

Next, Musashi reads a question: "Do you remember what it was like the first time you went to the Studio Village, or Studio for short?" She adds that it's been a while since (Pocket Monsters) "BW" started, huh? Mr. Miyano admits he was very nervous those first few times. He then observes that the story of the Pokémon series is always reinventing itself. Did you watch the show when you were younger, asks Musashi. Mr. Miyano replies that he did, and that he also played the video games, choosing Green version when he was younger. Musashi sounds surprised -- "There was a Pocket Monsters Green!?" -- and so Nyarth explains that Pocket Monsters Green was one of the first two versions of the video games ever released. "It was way before Gold & Silver!?" she asks, still not quite getting it. Everyone else says that yes, it was. When Mr. Miyano says that the first video games were Pocket Monsters Red & Green it finally seems to click for Musashi. Kojirou asks what kinds of Pokémon he used back then, and their guest responds by saying he chose Zenigame as his starter. He adds that he also made sure to get himself a Pikachu but then refused to let it evolve into Raichu.


But let's get back to how Mr. Miyano felt the first time he was in the Studio. He reiterates that he felt nervous, saying he could feel the weight that comes with being one of the people who gets to travel around with Satoshi. He had been a big fan of the show for years, he said, and so to be in that position, traveling alongside Satoshi...it was really something else. Musashi says that in their job, they have to call on Pokémon one after the other, and while it can be nerve-racking at times it can also really fun. Mr. Miyano says you know how "Pikachu" (Ikue Otani) is sometimes in the Studio, right? Well, whenever those days come it hits him just how lucky he was. Kojirou corrects him, saying that "those days" are still ongoing and so he should be using the present tense, not the past tense. Mr. Miyano laughs. Musashi says that being in that particular Studio is like nothing else, with everyone else nodding in agreement.

Is there any part of being in the Studio that you have trouble with, asks Kojirou. You're pretty tall, Kojirou adds; has that caused any issues? Mr. Miyano says that Kojirou's friend, Mr. Shin-ichiro Miki, sits in the seat next to the one next to him, in a room about the same size as they're in now. "Now, this Mr. Miki has a bigger microphone than everyone else," he starts, but before he can finish his story Musashi cuts in to say that's not true; it's simply positioned higher on the mic stand. Mr. Miyano repeats what he said about the mic being big, causing Musashi to angrily exclaim that she just said it's higher, not bigger. "Bigger" and "higher" are not the same thing! Mr. Miyano is surprised Musashi's getting this angry with him over something so trivial. Nyarth tells Musashi it looks like their guest is about to cry, prompting his teammate to apologize. Kojirou, meanwhile, takes Mr. Miyano off to the side and says it'll be OK; he'll get used to it someday.

Mr. Miyano doesn't actually get to finish his story as Musashi stops everyone to ask a very important question; is it OK that they invited Mr. Miyano here to the "Welcome, Pokémon Day Care Worker" segment in the first place?  He's friends with Dent, who himself is friends with their common enemy. So what's it like being friends with Dent, Mr. Miyano? The guest laughs, and Nyarth observes that Mr. Miyano is crying once again. It's all because Musashi teased him! Musashi wonders if what she said was really that bad but offers him some green tea to help him calm down. But if he doesn't want the mic to pick up the sound of him slurping on the tea then he doesn't have to drink it. As the trio laughs at just how rough Musashi's being with their guest today Nyarth tells the listeners at home that this whole time Mr. Miyano's been focused on Kojirou, doing everything he can to avoid looking at Musashi in the eye. In a part exclusive to the CD version of this interview, Mr. Miyano says that when he started Best Wishes! he was relieved to see that Kojirou's friend, Shin-ichiro Miki, was also working on this show since they had already worked together previously. "Well that's strange!" Musashi says. "We've been so nice to him and everything and yet...." Mr. Miyano says it's all good but Musashi doesn't believe him.


But, Mr. Miyano says, the Rocket trio here are well known back in the Studio. They've been known to go out to dinner together, with Musashi adding that there have even been times when her good friend Megumi Hayashibara's picked up the bill for everyone! Mr. Miyano is laughing his head off at this point; Musashi really wants everyone to know that Megumi Hayashibara sometimes pays for other people's food, huh! Nyarth points out that it's usually just some cheap booze and spaghetti, causing Mr. Miyano to crack up even more. Musashi ignores this, explaining that the three of them are really good friends outside of work. Musashi then looks over and notices again how Mr. Miyano still seems to be keeping his distance from her, refusing to make eye contact. The others say it's probably just because he's shy, causing the whole group to laugh.

Musashi reminds everyone, again, that this is the "Welcome, Pokémon Day Care Worker" segment and so she asks Mr. Miyano a very important question; have you ever raised any Pokémon for the show? Dent says that he has, but he's only raised Pokémon in a "well, since you happen to be here today..." type of way. He can't think of any examples off the top of his head so Kojirou takes out his notes and reads that Mr. Miyano once raised a Herderrie ^[8] . The trio asks him to bring it out of its Monster Ball, and so after a few moments..."Huhm!" Oh, it says "hum," questions Nyarth. The Pokémon lets out a few more barks before Kojirou and Musashi step in to say that that's enough. Mr. Miyano returns Herderrie to its Monster Ball. What a good boy!


The very first Pokémon he raised, he recalls, was a Hihidaruma. Well, let us see it, the Rocket trio urges. After a few moments..."Daru hihi dama!" The trio claps their hands, amazed at just how big this Pokémon is. Kojirou asks its Day Care Worker what the Pokémon's trying to say, and Mr. Miyano replies that it's saying "Flame Punch!" So waitaminute...it's trying to attack us!? That's really dangerous! It'll set their Studio on fire! Or, even worse...Musashi's hair! Mr. Miyano returns the Pokémon to its Monster Ball.


Next up is Gamageroge. Kojirou asks if Mr. Miyano remembers raising this one -- it's another Pokémon he just sort of took over in passing -- but the guest assures him that he does. After a few moments..."Geroge, Ge!" Musashi says it's cute but asks their guest not to let this Pokémon attack them. The Pokémon is returned to its Monster Ball without incident.


Mr. Miyano adds that when he auditioned for Dent...er, that is to say, when he was there in the room during the audition for Dent, that is (staying in character is hard!)...they told him that he got the job to work with Dent, sure, but would he also be willing to raise any Pokémon on the side? At the time he only knew a limited number of Pokémon so he thought hey, why don't I try my hand at raising a Zenigame? Do you have the Zenigame you had with you at your audition, Musashi asks. As a matter of fact, Mr. Miyano says, I do! Musashi is excited; this is the first time any of them have gotten to meet Mr. Miyano's audition Zenigame! And then..."Zeni game Game ga!" As the Pokémon runs about the Studio, Musashi gets scared it'll start spraying water everywhere and asks that he put it away. Kojirou says that since this is radio the people at home can't see this but Mr. Miyano was making a really funny face while Zenigame was out. ^[9]


Musashi tells everyone that it's unfortunately time for them to start wrapping things up. Already!? asks Kojirou. Nyarth adds that they didn't really talk about anything of substance, did they? It was just a chaotic time goofing off, right? Well, how about the new movie, Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! The Movie "Kyruem vs. The Sacred Swordsman Keldeo" & "Meloetta's Dazzling Recital"? Dent's in it a lot, right? Mr. Miyano confirms that he is, adding that Dent's Maggyo is especially cute in it so be sure to be on the lookout for it. Well, Musashi adds, a lot of their listeners have probably already seen the movie by this point but Kojirou says you'll enjoy it even more if you re-watch it two or three times.

The Rocket trio thank their guest and tell him he's welcome back anytime.

Commercial -- Pokémon Mate

The Battle Subway brothers Nobori (voiced by Kensuke Satou) and Kudari (voiced by Kiyotaka Furushima) talk about "Pokémon mate," a line of merchandise featuring chibi-fied versions of the characters from the video games Pocket Monsters Black & White.


There are a total of ten items, ranging from file folders, personal accessories, and coffee mugs! And starting in August a new collection of rubber straps will be made available as well! There will be eight straps altogether, and you'll have to wait to find out who appears on them! On top of that, a collection of Gym Badges from the newest games, Pocket Monsters Black 2 & White 2, will be released as well! Be sure to get your favorite Gym Leader's badge!


You can find Pokémon Mate merchandise in Animate stores across Japan!! Follow the traffic rules and head safely to your nearest Animate! Alllllllllllllll aboard!

The 'Orders from Double-Q - Try These New Items Out Ahead of Time' Segment

What's that!? We've gotten another order from Double-Q!? Nyarth reads Double-Q's newest letter out loud: "How was da mean quiz we had last week ya mugs? The other Rocket members sure did enjoy it, yesiree Bob! We shall strive to do this again at a later date. But this time we've got another set of new items for you to try out! We'd like you to use these items to solve one of your problems and find a unique, Rocket trio way of using them. So c'mon, write a report!" The others laugh as Nyarth wonders where in the world the author of this message is from; the dialects are all over the place!

Anyway, enough of that; it's time for The 'Orders from Double-Q - Try These New Items Out Ahead of Time' Segment! ^[10] What did they receive today...?


As they open the box Musashi starts to describe what it is they're looking at for the people at home. One of the items looks like a blue figurine shaped like a little boy crying for his mommy? There's a second item too, one that looks one of those camera bellows things you use to clean out old-timey camera lens. It's shaped like a little cloud with a cute smiley face on it. Neither item seems to have an obvious on/off switch...so what do they do with them?

Musashi squeezes the cloud shaped thing, which in turn makes the blue doll start emitting a continuous beeping noise! She squeezes it again, producing even more beeps from the little blue figurine. Kojirou wonders about the range of this thing so he decides to take the blue doll to the other side of the room. In a section exclusive to the CD release of this segment, Kojirou moves far away...only to find that the blue figure doesn't beep! Guess there's a limit to how far apart these two can be from each other, huh? Kojirou moves a little bit closer, though he's still far away from Musashi. It seems to react, so Kojirou goes out of the room...and yet it still beeps! This thing really has a pretty decent range!

Musashi finds the instructions, with Kojirou adding in the CD version of this segment that they really should have started with that. You put the little blue boy on something that's easy to lose, like a TV remote, wallet, cell phone, or house keys, etc., and then you squeeze the cloud shaped remote to help you find it. In other words, Nyarth says, this little blue figurine is like a detector you can attach to the important things you don't want to lose. The blue beeping thing is the receiver, and the yellow puffy thing is the remote. Nyarth then tells everyone that the receiver has double sided tape attached to it so that it's easy to attach wherever you want, with Kojirou adding that it also has a little hole that you can thread a strap through in case using tape isn't feasible.


Musashi wonders why Double-Q would send them something like this. Are they trying to tell them something, Nyarth wonders. Musashi figures they could put this around the neck of a Pokémon who's prone to getting lost, or they could even put it on Pikachu so that they always know where it is. Nyarth says they could take a bunch of them, maybe ten or so, and tape them together in a circle so that it fits all the way around Pikachu's body! That way, he reasons, you don't have to worry about any of them falling off, right? The other two laugh at how ridiculous that suggestion is. Kojirou points out that the blue receiver would stand out against Pikachu's fur and so Nyarth suggests they paint it yellow first.

In another section exclusive to the CD version of this segment, Musashi wonders if maybe they could use this item to help them find Pokémon out in the wild. Like, if they just walk around squeezing the remote they can try to follow the sound of the receiver's beeping? As she's saying this we an hear her squeezing the remote, yet the receiver doesn't beep. Kojirou adds that if they do that then Dr. Zeger would be upset, maybe...? Nyarth ignores this, instead saying they have a lot of scenes where they have to scan a room carefully in order to find something and so maybe this would be convenient for those times. Musashi believes you wouldn't use these items to look for something while soaring through the air, but you could use it while you're down on the ground, wading through the tall grass and whatnot. Musashi says this whole conversation reminds her of an old Japanese proverb, "Who will be the one to put the bell around the cat?" (だれが猫に鈴をつける か).

Kojirou wonders if squeezing the remote is the only way to make the receiver start beeping. Maybe it's sound activated? Musashi and Kojirou both start making skssh skssh noises but there's no reaction; it seems like you really do need the squeeze remote after all. The duo then tries to make a bunch of high pitched screams to see if that gets a reaction out of the receiver, but nothing happens. So in other words, Musashi concludes, if you lose the remote itself...well, you're just out of luck, aren't you? So Kojirou suggests they attach one of the receivers to the remote itself. That would, in turn, require them to buy two of these, right? We'd better ask Double-Q to send us more! A detector for their detector! Nyarth concludes they might just have to just buy these in bulk.


Musashi declares she'll be able to write up a great report based on everything they just said. With that, The 'Orders from Double-Q - Try These New Items Out Ahead of Time' segment is brought to a close.

Music

It's now time for this week's music spotlight! In today's episode we'll be listening to the opening to Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2, Yajirushi ni Natte.


A roughly 45 second edit of the song plays.