Sakura-Con MARRIAGETOXIN Panel, Premiere of Episode One
Sakura-Con Audiences Said “I Do” to MARRIAGETOXIN During Panel and Premiere of Episode One
An In-Depth Discussion of the Series and Exclusive Premiere of the First Episode
At Sakura-Con 2026, The MARRIAGETOXIN Project not only took fans behind the scenes of the series, but also provided an exclusive screening of the first episode of the anime. Bandai Namco Filmworks hosted the “MARRIAGETOXIN Panel – Battle for Marriage!,” the “MARRIAGETOXIN Episode Screening Panel –Road to the Best Marriage!,” and the “Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel.” Hikaru Gero's voice actor, Haruki Ishiya, discussed first impressions of the series and the quirky, lovable characteristics of the Poison Master himself.
MARRIAGETOXIN follows Hikaru Gero, a master assassin whose newest mission is to find a wife in order to secure an heir for his family. The target of a recent mission, a marriage swindler named Mei Kinosaki, who Hikaru winds up asking for help to find that special someone! Hikaru, unfortunately, does not know the first thing about love or romance, as he's spent most of his life training to be a top-tier assassin. Lucky for him, his newfound and unlikely partner is brilliant and agrees to help. The two become the most unlikely duo: assassin and marriage swindler, teaming up for the toughest mission of love.
Haruki Ishiya, the voice of Hikaru Gero, took the stage of the “MARRIAGETOXIN Panel – Battle for Marriage!,” earning a thunderous applause from the audience. When asked if there are any similarities between Ishiya and Gero, Ishiya explained that Gero is a relatable character. One of his traits is that he lacks the confidence to interact with other people. Meeting new people and engaging in conversation isn't always easy, and Gero's inability to do so can connect with audiences.
The panel opened for pre-screened audience Q&A time. Ishiya was asked about the recording process and if the cast got along well with one another. He laughed, diving into how they get along, but if their characters have to fight, then they don't talk. Ishiya goes on to say:
In Japan, the recording sessions are usually done in groups. And similar to how our Master characters don't want to show their next move, we sort of do the same thing when we're acting. We don't want to show how we're going to approach a scene.
During the “Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel,” Ishiya described Hikaru Gero as someone who is “determined in battle, but when it comes to women, he becomes clumsy.” He went on to ask the audience if they enjoy characters who try really hard, to which the audience responded with a resounding, “Yes!” and loud cheers.
Episode One had the packed panel room buzzing with excitement. Sakura-Con attendees fell in love with the master assassin x marriage swindler duo on screen, with laughter and cheers filling the room. Ishiya talks about how it feels seeing the first episode premiere, grateful to have experienced it with the attendees of the convention.
Additionally, Ishiya shared a fun behind the scenes moment during recording the first episode. He explains that it took five takes to record a simple, “eh?” during a big reveal. He offered the audience a sample of the different versions of the line, earning a room full of laughs.
“We're having a lot of fun recording this show!” Ishiya said.
Ishiya left the audience with a reminder to look forward to the opening and closing themes, which are “awesome and cute.” He told everyone to get ready for Gero's epic battles to come in action and romance.
MARRIAGETOXIN begins streaming on Crunchyroll April 7.
With the cunning marriage swindler Mei as Hikaru's advisor, the elite assassin embarks on the most challenging mission of his life: finding a wife!
Their goal: the ultimate marriage.
This is the world's toughest mission for love, brought to you by the ultimate duo – an assassin and a marriage swindler!
An In-Depth Discussion of the Series and Exclusive Premiere of the First Episode
At Sakura-Con 2026, The MARRIAGETOXIN Project not only took fans behind the scenes of the series, but also provided an exclusive screening of the first episode of the anime. Bandai Namco Filmworks hosted the “MARRIAGETOXIN Panel – Battle for Marriage!,” the “MARRIAGETOXIN Episode Screening Panel –Road to the Best Marriage!,” and the “Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel.” Hikaru Gero's voice actor, Haruki Ishiya, discussed first impressions of the series and the quirky, lovable characteristics of the Poison Master himself.
MARRIAGETOXIN follows Hikaru Gero, a master assassin whose newest mission is to find a wife in order to secure an heir for his family. The target of a recent mission, a marriage swindler named Mei Kinosaki, who Hikaru winds up asking for help to find that special someone! Hikaru, unfortunately, does not know the first thing about love or romance, as he's spent most of his life training to be a top-tier assassin. Lucky for him, his newfound and unlikely partner is brilliant and agrees to help. The two become the most unlikely duo: assassin and marriage swindler, teaming up for the toughest mission of love.
Haruki Ishiya, the voice of Hikaru Gero, took the stage of the “MARRIAGETOXIN Panel – Battle for Marriage!,” earning a thunderous applause from the audience. When asked if there are any similarities between Ishiya and Gero, Ishiya explained that Gero is a relatable character. One of his traits is that he lacks the confidence to interact with other people. Meeting new people and engaging in conversation isn't always easy, and Gero's inability to do so can connect with audiences.
The panel opened for pre-screened audience Q&A time. Ishiya was asked about the recording process and if the cast got along well with one another. He laughed, diving into how they get along, but if their characters have to fight, then they don't talk. Ishiya goes on to say:
In Japan, the recording sessions are usually done in groups. And similar to how our Master characters don't want to show their next move, we sort of do the same thing when we're acting. We don't want to show how we're going to approach a scene.
During the “Bandai Namco Filmworks Industry Panel,” Ishiya described Hikaru Gero as someone who is “determined in battle, but when it comes to women, he becomes clumsy.” He went on to ask the audience if they enjoy characters who try really hard, to which the audience responded with a resounding, “Yes!” and loud cheers.
Episode One had the packed panel room buzzing with excitement. Sakura-Con attendees fell in love with the master assassin x marriage swindler duo on screen, with laughter and cheers filling the room. Ishiya talks about how it feels seeing the first episode premiere, grateful to have experienced it with the attendees of the convention.
Additionally, Ishiya shared a fun behind the scenes moment during recording the first episode. He explains that it took five takes to record a simple, “eh?” during a big reveal. He offered the audience a sample of the different versions of the line, earning a room full of laughs.
“We're having a lot of fun recording this show!” Ishiya said.
Ishiya left the audience with a reminder to look forward to the opening and closing themes, which are “awesome and cute.” He told everyone to get ready for Gero's epic battles to come in action and romance.
MARRIAGETOXIN begins streaming on Crunchyroll April 7.
With the cunning marriage swindler Mei as Hikaru's advisor, the elite assassin embarks on the most challenging mission of his life: finding a wife!
Their goal: the ultimate marriage.
This is the world's toughest mission for love, brought to you by the ultimate duo – an assassin and a marriage swindler!
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