What is Seiyuu? The voice of the anime

Do you know what Seiyuu is? The best voice in anime

A seiyuu is a Japanese term that refers to a voice actor, that is, someone who lends his or her voice to bring characters to life in anime, video games, audio dramas and other entertainment media.

The work of a seiyuu is very important in the anime and manga industry, as they are responsible for giving personality, emotion and charisma to the characters we all know and love.

In this text, we will explore in more detail what a seiyuu is, how their job works and what skills are required to be a successful seiyuu in the anime and manga industry. Get ready to learn all about the masters of the art of voice acting!

What is a seiyuu?

Seiyuu is a Japanese term used to refer to a voice actor.

In the anime and manga industry, seiyuus are responsible for voicing the characters in Japanese animated series and films. In addition, they can also work in other fields such as video games, radio dramas and theatrical productions.

Seiyuus are highly valued in Japanese culture and often become popular idols, especially among anime and manga fans. Famous seiyuus may make appearances at anime and manga events and conventions, where fans can meet them and get autographs.

It is important to mention that, in Japan, the seiyuus industry is very competitive and requires a wide range of skills, including an expressive voice and the ability to act. Generally, seiyuus go through extensive training and coaching to perfect their vocal and acting technique before becoming professional voice actors.

What does the word seiyuu mean?

The meaning of seiyuu (声優) refers to a Japanese word used to refer to a voice actor. The word is composed of two kanji characters, "sei" (声), meaning "voice" and "yuu" (優), meaning "actor" or "artist". Therefore, the word "seiyuu" literally translates as "voice actor" or "voice artist".

In the anime and manga industry, the term "seiyuu" is used specifically to refer to voice actors who bring characters to life in Japanese animated series, as well as in other media such as video games, radio dramas and theatrical productions. Seiyuus are highly valued in Japanese culture and are regarded as artists who play an important role in character creation and storytelling in entertainment media.

What are the jobs of a seiyuu?

Seiyuus, or voice actors in Japanese, have a wide range of jobs in the anime and manga industry, as well as in other media. Some of their work includes:

Give voice to anime and manga characters

This is the main job of the seiyuus. They bring anime and manga characters to life through their voice, interpreting dialogue and emotions convincingly.

Acting in video games

Seiyuus can also work in the video game industry, where they voice game characters, whether they are main or supporting characters.

Narration

Some specialize in narration for television programs, documentaries, commercials and other media.

I work in radio dramas

In Japan, radio dramas are popular and so these voice actors often work on them, playing characters in dramatic stories that are broadcast over the radio.

Dubbing foreign films

Occasionally, they also work on dubbing foreign films for release in Japan.

Live performances

Seiyuus sometimes perform live performances at events and concerts, performing songs related to their work in anime, video games and other media.

Seiyuus have a wide variety of jobs in the entertainment industry and use their voices to bring characters and emotions to life in a wide variety of media.

Types of seiyuu

There are several types of Seiyuus in the anime and entertainment industry in Japan. Some of them are described below:

Anime

They are those who give voice to characters in anime, which can be television series, movies, OVAs (Original Video Animation), video games, among others.

Drama CD

A drama CD is a CD containing a drama or story in audio format, in which the characters are played by Seiyuus.

Video games

As in anime, video game characters also need voices. In video games they voice characters in console games, mobile games, online role-playing games, among others.

Dubbing

Dubbing Seiyuus are those who play characters in movies, TV series, foreign animation and other audiovisual media that are dubbed into Japanese.

Music

Some are also singers and record albums as soloists or with music groups. They often sing opening, closing and other songs for anime series.

Narration

Narrators specialize in the narration of documentaries, television programs and radio programs.

It should be noted that many Seiyuus work in multiple areas of the entertainment industry and may have a wide variety of roles in different media.

What is the role of the Seiyuus in the anime?

Japanese voice actors play a fundamental role in anime. They are in charge of voicing the characters and interpreting their dialogue and emotions. They work closely with the dubbing directors and the anime production team to create the final version of the product.

In addition to performing dialogue, they may be responsible for sound effects, narration, and singing if the anime includes a song. Because of this, they must be able to express a wide variety of emotions through their voice to bring the characters to life and make viewers feel connected to them.

They can also participate in live events and promotions for the anime they are involved in, which helps promote the series and increase its popularity.

In short, these voice actors are an integral part of the anime creation process and are responsible for bringing characters to life through their voice and performance.

How to be a seiyuu?

To become a seiyuu, or Japanese voice actor, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Learn Japanese

Since most jobs of this type require you to speak and read Japanese fluently, it is important to study Japanese and have an advanced level.

2. Voice training

To be successful in this field, it is important to have good voice technique and be able to play a variety of characters. Voice training may include classes in singing, acting, improvisation, diction and other voice-related skills.

3. Create a portfolio

It is important to have a portfolio of voice demos that showcase your skills in different roles and acting styles.

4. Seek opportunities

Once you have a solid portfolio, you can look for job opportunities. This may include auditions for anime projects, video games, audio dramas, advertising, among others.

5. Develop a network of contacts

As in any industry, having contacts in the entertainment industry can be helpful in obtaining job opportunities and growing your career.

6. Perseverance

Becoming a successful voice actor can take time and effort. It is important to keep practicing and improving your skills, even if you don't get many jobs at first. With dedication and effort, you can succeed in the field of voice dubbing in Japan.

What are the requirements to become a seiyuu?

The requirements to be a Japanese voice actor may vary depending on the company or project you want to work on. However, here are some general requirements to follow:

Be fluent in Japanese

Since most jobs of this type require you to be fluent in and read Japanese, it is important to have an advanced level of Japanese.

Have acting and voice skills

This professional must be able to interpret different roles and characters with different voices and emotions. It is important to have acting skills and a solid vocal technique to be able to perform well in this field.

Be able to work as part of a team

Voice acting in Japan often involves working in a team with other voice actors, directors and producers. Therefore, it is important to be able to work as part of a team and be flexible to adapt to the needs of the project.

Have a solid portfolio

It is important to have a portfolio of voice demos that showcase your skills in different roles and acting styles.

Perseverance

Becoming a successful seiyuu can take time and effort. It is important to keep practicing and improving your skills, even if you don't get many jobs at first. With dedication and effort, you can succeed in the field of voice dubbing in Japan.

What are the ways to become a seiyuu?

There are several ways to become a voice actor in Japan. Some of them are described below:

Study in a training school

Many schools and academies in Japan offer specialized courses in Seiyuus training. These schools provide training in voice acting skills, acting and recording techniques.

Participation in auditions

Auditions are very common in Japan, especially in anime and video game production companies. Applicants can participate in open auditions or apply for an audition through a talent agency.

I work in a theater group or theater company.

Many of these professionals have a background in theater and began their careers acting in theatrical productions. Working in a theater company or theater troupe is a way to gain acting experience and improve acting skills.

I work as a radio or television announcer

Working as a radio or television announcer can also be a good way to improve voice and acting skills.

Independent practice

Some applicants choose to practice on their own and create their own voice acting demos. Through self-practice and constant honing of their skills, they can submit their demos to talent agencies and anime production companies.

In any case, constant training, skills improvement and participation in various projects are essential to succeed as a Seiyuu.

Who are the most famous seiyuu in anime?

There are many famous Seiyuus in anime, but here are some of the most recognized and admired for their talent and skills:

Masako Nozawa

This actress is known to be one of the favorites, due to the fact that she gives voice to Goku on "Dragon Ball", he has also played other popular characters such as Tetsurō Hoshino in "Galaxy Express 999" and Kitarō in "GeGeGe no Kitarō".

Mamoru Miyano

A voice actor who has voiced several popular characters, such as Light Yagami in "Death Note", Rin Matsuoka in "Free!", and Tamaki Suou in "Ouran High School Host Club".

Megumi Hayashibara

She is known for being the voice of iconic characters such as Rei Ayanami in "Neon Genesis Evangelion", Lina Inverse in "Slayers", and Faye Valentine in "Cowboy Bebop".

Kana Hanazawa

She has played characters such as Kanade Tachibana in "Angel Beats!", Akane Tsunemori in "Psycho-Pass", and Nadeko Sengoku in "Monogatari Series".

Rie Kugimiya

This dubbing actress is known for being the voice of tsundere characters such as Taiga Aisaka in "Toradora!", Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière in "The Familiar of Zero", and Kagura in "Gintama".

Hiroshi Kamiya

He has voiced characters such as Levi Ackerman in "Attack on Titan", Yato in "Noragami", and Koyomi Araragi in "Monogatari Series".

These are just some of the most famous in anime, but there are many more talented and recognized in the industry.

History of the seiyuu

The history of Seiyuus, or Japanese voice actors, dates back to the 1920s, when the first radio programs began to emerge in Japan. These programs needed voice actors to interpret the dialogues and bring the characters to life.

In the 1930s, with the advent of talkies, voice actors began to work in Japanese animated films, which began to be produced at that time.

As the anime industry grew in the 1950s and 1960s, Seiyuus became an integral part of the production process.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, voice actors became a boom thanks to the success of the anime series "Astro Boy," which featured some of the first recognizable voices in anime. Since then, these professionals have continued to grow in popularity and recognition, and have become an important part of anime culture in Japan and around the world.

Today, many have a loyal fan base who admire their work and follow their careers with interest. Many of these professionals are also recognized outside of Japan and have been involved in making dubbed versions in other languages for anime.

In conclusion

In conclusion, seiyuu are voice actors who play characters in animations, video games, radio dramas and other entertainment media. The anime and video game industry in Japan has boosted the popularity of these professionals, and many seiyuu have gained a loyal following around the world.

Their ability to convey emotions and bring characters to life has led many to consider them a fundamental part of Japan's entertainment industry. They have also had a significant impact on Japanese popular culture, and some have achieved fame outside their country of origin.

In short, these talented professionals are dedicated because they bring an exciting dimension to animation and other entertainment media in Japan and around the world.