CLAMP were guests on Mika Kikuchi’s weekly radio show “The Seat Next to Mika Kikuchi is Open” these past two Fridays (May 1st and 8th) — Mika Kikuchi is the voice actress of Mokona=Modoki in the media adaptations of Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC. She is currently living in Kochi and turns out CLAMP were on a business trip there to discuss their participation on the Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival 2026.
Thanks to my friend Mima, I was able to get hold of the episodes and with the help of AI, I made a summary for both episodes. Apart from some “hallucinations”, the AI tool did a pretty decent job. I did review everything to make sure of its consistency. The AI tool used “CLAMP” for all four of them and I decided to keep that way to facilitate things on my end, only specifying their names whenever I felt it was relevant.
First part (May 1st, 2026)
The program opens with Mika Kikuchi introducing her radio show. She explains the concept as a space where she sits “next to” the listener in everyday situations, casually talking and listening, creating the feeling of a relaxed late-night conversation.
Mika says she had many sleepless nights from excitement ever since hearing they would come to Kochi. Soon after, she introduces CLAMP, and thanks them for joining again. The conversation begins by looking back on how they first encountered each other, which was around 20 years ago!
CLAMP recall hearing Mika’s voice during auditions—without seeing her face. It was around late December of 2004, during large-scale audition sessions in Tokyo. At first, there were too many candidates to remember individually, but they clearly remember hearing the final shortlisted voices for characters like Sakura, Syaoran, and Mokona. Mika reveals she originally auditioned for Sakura—but ultimately got the Mokona part.
They discuss how they didn’t meet face-to-face until much later—possibly even after recording and broadcast had already begun. CLAMP mention that, in earlier years, they rarely met voice actors in person due to their busy schedules. Later, they began making more effort to connect with them. Mika feels lucky to have been part of both Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC, allowing her to build that relationship.
They reflected on how their relationship evolved after that first meeting. Mika points out that, interestingly, their early conversations were not centered on work or specific projects. Instead, they talked about films, books, and other personal interests. CLAMP agree, explaining that they are not always comfortable discussing their own work directly and tend to prefer more natural, free-flowing conversations. This approach, they suggest, helped build a sense of trust and ease between them, allowing their relationship to grow in a more organic way.
They then move into a discussion about perspective. CLAMP note that Mika, as an actor, approaches things differently from how they do as creators. Her interpretations and insights, especially when talking about films or performances, often differ from theirs. Rather than creating distance, however, these differences make their conversations more engaging. Mika responds by saying that this is precisely why she feels comfortable speaking with them—because she can be open and rely on that difference without feeling constrained.
At one point, Mika asked Nekoi-sensei to request a song and she requested this one from the Tsubasa Chronicle OST, and the song was played.
After the song, the discussion resumes with a new focus on Kochi, the region connected to the program. Mika brings up past CLAMP visits, including talk sessions and autograph signings around 2005 during the promotion of the Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC theatrical movies. CLAMP share their impressions, although they had a hard time remembering exactly when they came and what for (Mika knew it better than them, haha!)
CLAMP share their impressions of the region. While many associate Kochi with Sakamoto Ryoma, they personally think of Chosokabe Motochika, partly due to the game Sengoku Basara. We learn that the reason CLAMP were in Kochi this time around was due to their upcoming collaboration for the Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival 2026.
From there, the conversation expands to Kochi’s cultural identity. Mika highlights its strong ties to manga and creative culture, mentioning ongoing and upcoming initiatives. CLAMP respond with interest, acknowledging that while many people associate Kochi with historical figures, they themselves are beginning to form a different, more personal connection to it through their experiences there.
Next, they talked about local products, small discoveries, and the idea of being shown around more thoroughly in the future. Mika expresses a desire to guide them and share more of what Kochi has to offer, including its food and sake. CLAMP respond positively, showing interest in experiencing more of the region, especially with her guidance.
Toward the end of the program, Mika asks Ohkawa-sensei to request a song, and she asks for “Jane Doe” by Hikaru Utada and Kenshi Yonezu, which served as the closing theme song for Chainsaw Man – The Movie.
Second part (May 8th, 2026)
For the second part, Mika Kikuchi welcomes CLAMP back and shifts the focus toward their experience in Kochi. She asks how their impression of the place has changed after visiting in person, and CLAMP respond that it feels noticeably more lively than before. They mention that there are more people and a brighter overall atmosphere, suggesting that the city left a stronger impression than they initially expected.
From there, the discussion naturally turns to food, which becomes one of the first concrete highlights of their visit. CLAMP note that everything they ate was delicious, with a particular emphasis on seafood. Mika responds by pointing out that Kochi is well known for it, and the conversation flows easily into another local specialty: sake. CLAMP confirms they had the chance to try it and enjoyed it very much, while Mika adds that drinking culture is especially strong in Kochi. CLAMP agree, saying they could feel that energy in the city, especially at night, where the atmosphere seemed lively and animated.
The conversation then shifts toward the Yosakoi Kochi Cultural Festival 2026. Mika brings it up as a major topic and asks about CLAMP’s involvement. They explain that they are participating in several ways, but that many details are still confidential for now. Although they can’t go into specifics, they hint that more information will be revealed later. Mika reacts with enthusiasm, noting that fans will likely be looking forward to it, and CLAMP share that they themselves are also excited about what they are preparing.
As Mika continues, she asks what they are personally most interested in regarding their visit. CLAMP answer that they are particularly looking forward to meeting people in Kochi again and experiencing the local culture more deeply. Mika responds saying she would like to guide them herself and help them experience more of the region.
Mika asks Mokona-sensei to request a song, and she requests the XXXHOLiC TV Anime Opening Theme song, 19 Sai by Suga Shikao.
The conversation then returns with a focus on sightseeing. Mika asks whether they were able to explore much of the city, and CLAMP admit that their schedule was tight, limiting how much they could see. Even so, they mention visiting Harimaya Bridge, one of Kochi’s well-known landmarks. They remark that it was smaller than they expected, which Mika laughs about, noting that this is a common reaction. Despite its size, CLAMP acknowledge its historical significance and says they could still feel its importance.
They go on to mention the local streetcars, which left a strong impression on them. In particular, they highlight one labeled “Gomen,” finding it charming and memorable. Mika jokes about how the name sounds like it’s apologizing repeatedly, and CLAMP agree, appreciating the uniqueness of it.
As the discussion continues, Mika expresses a desire to show them more of Kochi in the future, mentioning that there are still many places left to explore. CLAMP respond positively, saying they would like that. Mika then circles back briefly to the cultural festival, emphasizing its importance and how significant CLAMP’s participation is. CLAMP reiterate that they are honored to be involved and are working carefully on their contributions, particularly with an eye toward collaborating with local culture in a meaningful way.
Toward the end of the program, Mika asks for their closing thoughts, and CLAMP thank her for the invitation, saying that although their visit was short, it was meaningful. They describe Kochi as a wonderful place, reinforcing the positive impression that has been building throughout the conversation. Mika responds by inviting them to return again, and they express their intention to do so.
Lastly, Mika asked Satsuki-sensei to request a song, and she requested the Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations OAD Ending Theme song, Saigo no Kajitsu by Maaya Sakamoto.
These turned out to be more interesting than I anticipated! The tone was a lot more ‘serious’ than their own podcast episodes.
As mentioned, their visit to Kochi was to collect data on the region and probably to do meetings with the festival organizers. They mentioned that it will not be a mascot character so I’m excited about that! Plus, they mentioned they will be involved in “several ways” so maybe it will not be just one illustration.
