The seiyuu industry churns out so much new talent each year that it's hard to keep up. Shake a tree and a new seiyuu falls out. Every new anime season turns up some unfamiliar names and I'm always scratching my head and thinking 'Who on earth is that?'When I first started watching anime people like Noto Mamiko, Ueda Kana and Shimizu Ai were still relative unknowns ; and it's been quite a ride watching them progress from voicing support characters to regularly headlining anime series. Likewise it's been cool to see some like Nazuka Kaori, Shimizu Kaori, Koshimizu Ami, Hirano Aya & Irino Miyu grow up from awkward-looking teenagers to 'proper seiyuu' ^_^It doesn't always turn out that way though - there've been some seiyuu I thought might go on to bigger things but never really did; Yoshida Sayuri, Asano Ruri, Katou Nanae, Tasaka Hideki & Hoshino Takanori have sort of fallen in between the cracks and haven't quite had the sort of impact I initially thought they would.Anyway, here's a list of 10 seiyuu I think (or blindly hope) that in five years' time will have achieved success of Noto Mamiko proportions ^_^ The brick wall I faced doing this post was finding half-decent pictures of the seiyuu since most of them haven't been around for too long. And the list appears to heavily favour the girls... where have all the talented young guys gone? ^^;; Note: I deliberately left out Kitamura Eri & Inoue Marina, cos I don't want to sound like a broken record talking about them all the time...1. Yonaga TsubasaOne of Ken Production's biggest young hopes - Yonaga is one of the most recent graduates from their seiyuu academy School Duo (also attended by other KenPro heavyweights like Nabatame Hitomi & Itou Shizuka). Already he's landed two lead roles (Ren in Ookiku Furikabutte & Shingo in Gigantic Formula), something many of his seniors (Kakehashi Atsushi, Mogami Tsuguo etc) haven't quite managed to do. It probably helps that Yonaga's voice is pitched pretty high (to me, he sounds a lot like Sakaguchi Daisuke) & hence he's able to voice young male characters. Actually if you listen to the voice sample on his agency profile you'll find he's got reasonable range. Looking forward to hearing more of him in the future.2. Tomatsu HarukaHer debut performance as Corti in Polyphonica left a good impression on me even if the show itself didn't. A mere 17-years old and still in school, Tomatsu commutes to Tokyo from her Nagoya home every week for seiyuu work. Haruka-chan is............SUPER HYPER GENKI. Just listen to Polytalk (Kari), the mini shows she hosts on the Polyphonica website - she's like an Energizer bunny ^^; Tomatsu may be young but she manages to hold her own against all her experienced costars, her chats with Konishi Katsuyuki and Satou Rina were pretty fun. She also had a small role in Bokurano as Daichi's sister Futaba, and do look out for her next major role in Moetan as Ink's classmate Sumi (she also sings the opening theme with Nazuka Kaori & Tamura Yukari). I have high hopes for Haruka ^_^3. Hasegawa ShizukaTechnically not a newcomer; like Hirano Aya (they're both signed to the same agency Space Craft, which also has Chiba Saeko & Nanri Yuuka on its books) the 18-year old Hasegawa made her anime debut in Tenshi no Shippo back in 2001 when she was just 13, but she's been a child model since.... she was born ^^; Since she was 2 months old in fact (she mentioned this on Takahashi Mikako's radio show, who called her Dai-senpai) though she only signed up to Space Craft when she was three. Mainly voices young girls - Ruru in the Futakoi series, Tomohane in Inukami!, and currently Yukino in Airantou & soon to be in Lucky Star as Konata's cousin Yutaka. Shizuka likes eating bananas with mayonnaise on top, she's said that a few times on various radio shows now ^^; Plus she has the most infectious/irritating laugh, depending on how you look at it.4. Kakihara TetsuyaHe's maybe less of a newcomer now after all the publicity he got on the back of his surprise win in the inaugural Seiyuu Awards, but Kakihara only made his debut in 2005 as Bright in Futagohime. Born in Germany, the 24-year old is a graduate of Amusement Media's seiyuu training school (classmates include Kadowaki Mai & Hatano Wataru) and is now signed to 81 Produce, one of the bigger seiyuu agencies around. His voice is like Yonaga's, a bit higher than most male seiyuu but he can do serious characters like Mercutio in Romeo X Juliet in addition to the screaming shonen types (Simon in Gurren Lagann), plus the 5 inanimate objects he voices in Nanoha StrikerS (some in German). Kakihara's stock has certainly risen since the Best Newcomer award, and he's got a role in GONZO's autumn anime Dragonaut a.k.a. The S.O.S-dan reunion ^^;; And he appeals to the female fans too ^_^5. Fujita SakiTo me she really is a carbon copy of Tamura Yukari both in looks and sound. But I do like Sakki, her blog's part of my daily to-read list and I listen to her weekly radio show/podcast (when I remember). Mentioned in the KitaEri profile that she got a special prize in the V&S AUDITION; after which she enrolled in Nichinare (ARTSVISION's seiyuu training school), graduating in March this year. Sakki had a small role in Yoshinaga-san'chi no Gargoyle as Momo and then got her first major role in Tsuyokiss as Kanisawa Kinu, followed by the imouto-type Yayoi Mina in Tokimeki Memorial and the complete weirdo Momo-chan in Manabi Straight. She hasn't got anything on at the moment apart from that radio show... though she did go to Disneyland with Inoue Marina earlier this month ^^;6. Goto MaiI'm not sure of how versatile Goto is - the sample on her agency profile doesn't really show much range but her voice has got that sweet and soothing feel to it; reminds me a lot of Satou Rina (someone whose voice I could listen to all day long). She could find her niche playing moe characters in visual novel to anime conversions ^^; Her current credits list reads: Asagiri Mai (Tatsuya's sister) in Yoake Mae etc etc and Kohinata Sumomo in Happiness! And up next are roles in Nanatsuiro Drops and ef - a tale of memories which are both anime adaptations of games as well.... guess she's already being stereotyped.7. Fujimura AyumiClockwise from Top Left: Suara, Yuumao, Ito Shizuka & Fujimura AyumiAnother one of Ken Production's bright young stars. Ayu first got in the spotlight with her role as the mighty morphing Iokawa Karada in Asatte no Houkou, though she did have a supporting part in Nishi no Yoki Majo prior to that. Being a first-timer on Asatte, Fujimura mentioned on the radio show how she constantly fluffed her lines (up to 50 retakes once) & was generally a nervous wreck ^^; As Karada she did get to show off her ability to voice both little girls and teenagers and I thought she did a good job on the radio show and singing the character songs as well. Since then Ayu's had a lead role in Bartender, and is now in Touka Gettan as the maid Nene and in Kaze no Stigma as the tsundere joshikosei (with flaming pink hair) Kannagi Ayano.8. Okamoto NobuhikoOkamoto (front, centre) with the rest of the cast of solaFunnily enough, the three guys on my list possess similar sort of voices, squeaky high. Maybe there's a shortage of such male seiyuu, which is probably why the young male characters often end up being voiced by females. Okamoto's debut was in the rather underrated Ghost Hunt as John Brown, the gaijin priest with a funny Kansai accent but he's probably gained a bit more attention as the lead character Yorito in sola. Okamoto will be in Potemayo this summer voicing Natsu Yasumi (which translates to Summer Vacation), who earns my vote for second stupidest character name of the season (after Osana Najimi a.k.a. Childhood Friend from Doujin Work).9. Asumi KanaThe cute-as-a-button 24-year old Fukuokan wormed her way into many hearts with her performance as the similarly cute Yuno in Hidamari Sketch. Signed to Voice & Heart, the same agency as Inoue Marina; Asumi can currently be heard in Gainax's Gurren Lagann as Kiyal (one of Kittan's 3 sisters) and in Bokurano as Kana, the obnoxious Jun's little sister. At the moment, she's also co-hosting Busou Shinki RADIO RONDO with Kitamura Eri (she voices the MMS Angel Type Arnval in the game) and the Hidamari Sketch radio show just finished not long ago. Her blog is updated pretty regularly too.10. Endo AyaI guess her voicing meganekko Takara Miyuki in Lucky Star has gained her a few more fans, but Endo has been under the radar for a while now. First heard her in Okusama wa Joshikousei (for some reason, I quite liked the manga but the anime was a bit of a turn-off) as one of Asami's best friends, then forgot about her until she popped up in Inukami! as Imari (one of the twins). Endo was also on the 'infamous' Oshikari and Kokuhaku CDs and actually formed a unit called Plume with two of the other seiyuus on it, Kawaragi Shiho and Mizuno Manabi - they have a radio show and a blog. She's currently voicing major roles in two spring anime, Noa in the it's-so-bad-it's-good KissDum & of course, Lucky Star. Hopefully she'll get more roles after this....There are a few others worth keeping an eye on; the bubbly Katou Emiri (Kagami in Lucky Star), Hashimoto Mai who sounds really cute, and Nakao Eri (Escartin in Getsumen to heiki Mina) who is bizarre but fun, plus she possesses a deep, scratchy voice rarely heard amongst female seiyuu. Also Kano Yui, Takagaki Ayahi, Sasaki Nozomi, Hatano Wataru, Terashima Takuo, Akesaka Satomi, & some others who in my mind have been around for a long while but are actually pretty new (Yahagi Sayuri, Mizusawa Fumie, Tsuji Ayumi, Kawamoto Naru etc).
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On the brink of a new season, here is a look at the new shows, concentrating on staff and cast. The shows I'm looking forward to? As usual, it's hard to tell which shows will work for me, but I'm looking at Code E, Doujin Work, Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho, Moetan, Mononoke, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei, Tetsuko no Tabi, and Zombie Loan, for various reasons.Zetsubo Sensei is by Shinbou Akiyuki, who directed PaniPoni Dash and Negima!? The director of Kenko Zenrakei, Soutome Kouichirou, was involved in directing Bokura ga Ita and did episodes of Mushishi. I hope Nishimori Akira, who directed Hitohira and PetoPeto-san, will infuse the rather different Zombie Loan with his trademark emotional delicacy. Code E has the participation of some staff people from Simoun.Titles of shows of special interest to me are in red. Click pictures to enlarge.Baccano! バッ カーノ！ A large cast of alchemists, Mafia, lunatics, immortals and terrorists seeks a long-lost elixir of immortality in 1930s America. Based on a popular light novel. By the director of Jigoku Shoujo (Omori Takahiko) and the writer of Koi Kaze (Takagi Noboru). Starring Yoshino Hiroyuki (Zed in Kiba), Aoki Sayaka (Sia in Shuffle), with Kobayashi Sanae, Kobayashi Yuu, Gotou Saori, Itou Miki and 0thers. Preview. Brains Base. Starts jul26, thu 24:30.Code E. A transfer student has an uncontrolled ability to disrupt electrical equipment. A boy in her class wants to study her, and a relationship develops. But outside forces are also interested... Director Toshiyuki Kato did Full Moon wo Sagashite and some episodes of Simoun. The director of Simoun, Nishimura Junji, directs some eps of this. The Simoun connections definitely get my attention. I'll be watching episode one.This appears to be the first named role for the star, Hashimoto Mai. She has a blog, with pictures. Nazuka Kaori (Yun in Simoun) and Halko Momoi are also in the cast. Studio DEEN. 12 episodes. Starts jul03, tue 26:43.Devil May Cry. Based on a PS2 game, with a cool lead and lots of fighting. Not my thing. With Morikawa Toshiyuki (Takumi in NANA, Chan in Black Lagoon), Tanaka Atsuko (Kusanagi Motoko in GITS), Orikasa Fumiko, Fukuen Misato (Eve in Black Cat), Ohtsuka Akio (Black Jack). Directed by Itagaki Shin (Black Cat). The first ep was quite bloody. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Started jun14, thu 23:00.Doujin Work ドージンワーク. Based on a 4-koma comic by the well-known doujin mangaka Hiroyuki. The story follows a girl who is a newcomer to the doujin (independent comic) scene.Director Yatani Kenichi did the funny and workmanlike Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn. Stars Asano Masumi (Manatsu in Uta~Kata, Mariya in Otome wa Boku ni Koi Shiteru) and Saitou Momoko (Choco in Chokotto Sister, Solty in Solty Rei). I'll be giving this one a shot. Animation by REMIC (Renkin 3-kyuu Magical? Pokahn). Starts jul03, tue 25:30.Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai ひぐらしのなく頃に解. Second series of the mysterious, bloody, and well produced anime. More stories from the dangerous world of Oyashiro-sama. Houshi Souichirou, Nakahara Mai, Tamura Yukari, Horie Yui, Kanai Mika (Misato in NANA). Directed by Kon Chiaki, with the same staff as Higurashi 1. Studio Deen. Starts jul06, fri 26:30.Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho ケンコー全裸系水泳部 ウミショー. Okimura Kaname joins his school's swimming club in order to learn how to swim. The club is filled with weirdos, but a sunny, happy-go-lucky girl named Ninagawa Amuro , a transfer-student from Okinawa, joins up. Her extraordinary underwater speed and unorthodox swimming style -- and the fact that she likes to swim nude -- rocks the club. She reminds Okimura of a mermaid-like creature he saw once in his early childhood... Based on a shounen manga by Hattori Mitsuru.Directed by Soutome Kouichirou, who was the general director of Bokura ga Ita and directed some eps of Mushishi. This one intrigues me. Add the facts that the lead writer, Ikeda Mamiko, wrote Emma2, and that animation is by Artland and the animator of Now and Then, Here and There, and this could be a sleeper. Starts jul03, tue 26:00.Moetan もえたん. Who would ever have expected the Moetan books -- bizarre Engrish-language textbooks using loli-moe characters -- ever to be animated? But add the director of Hayate and Getsumen to Heiki Mina, and seiyuu Tamura Yukari, Kaori Nazuka and Ueda Yuuji (Morita in Honey & Clover) and this could be interesting. Animation by Actus. Starts jul08, sun 25:30.Mononoke モノノ怪. Noitamina show for the summer, a sequel to the Bakaneko chapters of Japanese traditional horror animation Ayakashi Ayashi.The staff -- including director Nakamura Kenji and animator Hashimoto Takashi -- is a carry-over from the beautifully animated Bakaneko, which tells of a medicine seller who kills monsters after first discovering the tragedies that gave rise to them. Scriptwriter Chiaki J. Konaka is also involved. He was the lead writer on Lain, Air Gear, and Texhnolyze, and did several episodes each of Rahxephon and Princess Tutu. The only cast member so far announced is Sakurai Takahiro (Suzaku in Code Geass). Toei. 12 episodes. Starts jul12, thu 24:45.Mushiuta ムシウタ. These mushi are insect-like creatures that eat people's dreams, sometimes giving their host great powers, but eventually killing the host when all his or her dreams are consumed. Our protagonists are mushi hosts, mushi investigators, or just people who love someone who is host of a mushi.With Hanazawa Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Nabatame Hitomi (Arcueid in Tsukihime), Asanuma Shintarou (Kyo in Zegapain), Takagi Reiko (Hino in Corda d'Oro). Written by Yoshida Reiko (Marimite, KGnE, RomeoxJuliet, etc.). Music by Fujita Junpei of Elements Garden. Previews. Beat Frog. 12 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 24:00.Nanatsuiro Drops ななついろ★ドロップス. Super-cute show about Haru, a shy and clumsy boy who accidentally drinks a potion that turns him into a little stuffed sheep at night. A moe magical girl comes to his aid as he seeks the magic potion that will keep him human. With character designs by Noizi Itou (Shana, Haruhi), written by the writer of Emily of New Moon, Shimada Michiru, and directed by the director of Final Approach, Yamamoto Takashi.Starring the young seiyuu who played Jun in Happiness, Yuimoto Michiru, and Nojima Hirofumi, who is Shuga in Seirei no Moribito. The incredible cuteness of it all may or may not be enough. Studio Barcelona. Starts jul02, mon 25:40.Potemayo ぽてまよ. The magical little creature Potemayo, with her black nekomimi (cat ears) appears from protagonist Moriyama Sunao's refrigerator one day. She becomes a favorite of all the kids at school. Then her rival creature Guchuko emerges from the fridge... Interesting cast, including Hanamura Kana (Ryouko in Zegapain), Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Kitamura Eri (Makoto in Touka Gettan), Kawasumi Ayako, Kugimiya Rie, and Inoue Kikuko. But the director, Ikehata Takashi did Daphne in the Brilliant Blue and Tsuyokiss, so I'm worried. JC Staff. Starts jul06, fri 25:30.Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei さよなら絶望先生. It appears that prime-time anime Negima!? -- which was an artistic success but a commercial disaster -- has not blighted Shinbou Akiyuki's career. Here he is again with a late-night anime about a teacher.Hiroshi Kamiya (Takemoto in Honey & Clover) stars as a multi-level marketer who gets into some kind of danger and flees to southern Japan, where he is mistaken for a teacher in a girls' school. The plot involves his class of weird girls foiling his repeated attempts at suicide.I think Shinbou (who also did Tsukuyomi Moon Phase and PaniPoni Dash and oversaw Hidamari Sketch) is a great director, especially visually, so I'll be watching. Outstanding cast includes Kobayashi Yuu (Setsuna in Negima), Sawashiro Miyuki, Gotou Yuuko, Shintani Ryouko, Matsuki Miyu (the last three all from Hidamari Sketch), and Sanada Asami (Di Gi Charat). Animation by SHAFT. Starts jul07, sat 24:30.School Days スクールデイズ. Based on an animated game that is infamous for its violence. A girl (Sekai) helps a boy (Makoto) get closer to her beautiful friend (Kotonoha). When Makoto finally gets a date with Kotonoha, the compensation Sekai demands is…a kiss.An interesting love-triangle-with-violence premise, but the director and writer did the horrible Amenaideyo and Lovedol, so I'm not hopeful. Animation by TNK. 13 episodes. Starts jul03, fri 26:15.Shigurui シグルイ. Based on a seinen manga by Yamaguchi Takayuki. "An exceptional manga artist decides to tackle the forbidden work by the last giant figure in samurai literature, only to give birth to a colossal period drama filled with unspeakable tragedy and cruelty!" (anidb.info)The director of Texhnolyze (Hamasaki Hirotsugu) and the writer of Asatte no Houkou and co-writer of Paprika (Minakami Seishi) do the anime adaptation, working with Madhouse. This could be good, if you can stand the gore. With Namikawa Daisuke (Rock in Black Lagoon), Kuwashima Houko, Sasahara Emi (Sailor Jupiter, Karin's mother in Karin), Sasaki Nozomu (Yuusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho). Preview episode jul01. Madhouse. 12 episodes. Starts jul19, thu 23:30.Sky Girls スカイガール. Moe young girls in skin-tight suits are integrated with their own individual mecha frames to defend the Earth. The one-episode OVA went nowhere, and now we have 26 episodes? Very moe, but I have my doubts.It has a good director (Iwasaki Yoshiaki: Love Hina, Gokujou Seitokai) and writer (Yoshioka Takao: DearS, Elfen Lied), however, and an outstanding cast: Kawasumi Ayako, Gotou Saori (a strong up-and-coming talent), Itou Shizuka, Tsuji Ayumi (Rose in Red Garden), Fujiwara Keiji, Horie Yui, Shiraishi Ryouko, Taniyama Kishou. And music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Asatte no Houkou and Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora. So there is hope. Preview. JCStaff. 26 episodes. Starts jul05, thu 25:28.Tetsuko no Tabi 鉄子の旅. Non-fiction account of editor, mangaka and train otaku travelling Japanese train lines in he 1980s. 4-koma comic is bizarre, low-key, and amusing. Old-school director Nagaoka Akinori did eps of Rose of Versailles and Record of Lodoss War.Cast includes Tomosaka Akira (Kate in Red Garden) and Hiyama Nobuyuki (Madarame in Genshiken). OPED and some music by SUPER BELL ''Z, which specializes in using samples of rail station sounds. Preview. Group TAC (Hantsuki, Futatsu no Spica). 13 episodes. Starts jun24, sun 10:00.Tokyo Majin Gakuen 2 東京魔人學園剣風帖 龍龍 第弐幕. If you liked the first series, you'll probably like the second: shounen supernatural horror, with good animation, good voice actors, lots of fighting and a school setting in a dark world. I tried the first series, but couldn’t get into it. BeStack/AIC. Starts jul27, fri 23:00.Wangan Midnight 湾岸MIDNIGHT. Animation of a popular manga about street racing, which has now reached 36 volumes. The protagonist buys a Nissan S30 Fairlady Z which is about to be scrapped and discovers it is the legendary "Devil Z," a car that was the fastest ever, but ended up killing its owner, because it was so hard to control. This is the story of the protagonist's struggles to restore and tame the Devil Z.Directed by Tominaga Tsuneo (Wind: a Breath of Heart) and adapted by Kishima Nobuaki (Eyeshield 21, Katekyo Hitman Reborn). With film actor Oguri Shun, Miki Shinichirou (Kurz Weber in FMP) and Suhou Reiko (Kousaka Yuri in NANA). Not my thing, but fans are enjoying the early episodes, although the animation by ACGT is reportedly a bit sub-par. Started jun09, sat 21:00.Zero no Tsukaima: Futatsuki no Kishi ゼロの使い魔 ～双月の騎士～. New director and chief writer for this second season of Zero no Tsuakima, so it's hard to know what to expect -- except for more of the same from the mistress of tsundere, Kugimiya Rie. Director Kou Yuu and writer Kawahara Yuji did Loveless, so there may be more subtlety involved this time. We can only hope.Also with Satoshi Hino, Horie Yui, Kawasumi Ayako, Takahashi Mikako, Inokuchi Yuka, Sakurai Takahiro, Inoue Kikuko, et al. Music by Mitsumune Shinkichi, who did Utena, Rozen Maiden, Asatte no Houkou, etc., and is also doing a second show in the new season: Sky Girls. JCStaff. 12 episodes. Starts jul08, sun 24:30.Zombie-Loan ゾンビローン. "When a human is marked to die, a faint gray line that is invisible to most appears around their neck. As time passes, that ring becomes darker and darker, until it is eventually black, and that person dies. Kita Michiru has an unusual gift, she possesses 'Shinigami eyes,' which allow her to see these rings. When Michiru notices that two of the boys in her Class, Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito not only have rings, but that they're jet black, they reveal to her that the were supposed to die in a tragic accident six months ago. With the help of the Zombie Loan loan office, they were given a second chance at life, should they be able to pay for their debt by doing the work of Shinigami and killing malicious zombies. They petition Michiru to assist them in their efforts, and she finds her everyday life changing dramatically." (ANN)Directed by the director of PetoPeto-san and Hitohira, Nishimori Akira, and adapted by the writer of Pumpkin Scissors and Trinity Blood, Tomioka Atsuhiro. With an excellent cast: Kuwashima Houko, Sakurai Takahiro, Suzumura Kenichi, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Saitou Chiwa, Suwabe Junichi, Ueda Kana, Gotou Saori. This is one of my picks to click, based on staff and cast alone, even though it isn’t in a genre I normally like. Based on the manga by PEACH-PIT. Animation by Xebec M2. Starts jul03, tue 26:40.One of the season's more anticipated shows, the loli classic Kodomo no Jikan, has no firm air dates yet, and the main Japanese source, Moon Phase, just has it slated for some time in 2007. The website of the animation studio, Studio Barcelona, makes no mention of it, but emphasizes the new series of Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, which is due to start 24 August.There are some other interesting OVAs due out this summer: Ghibli's Iblard Jikan on 4 July; the fantasy slice-of-life Miyori no Mori, directed by the art director of Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies and Fantastic Children, who also did background art for Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky (24 August); and an ARIA OVA called Arietta (starts 21 Sept.) And the second season of Moonlight Mile starts in September.There are a number of animated films coming out: Buzzer Beater, Studio 4°C's Genius Party, Gonzo's Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi, Madhouse's Piano no Mori (all July); Naruto Shippuden (August); Rebuild of Evangelion, Kiddy Grade: Truth Dawn, and the Clannad movie (all September).Read more about individual shows in the forums on AnimeSuki, especially the Unaired forum.
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A short (and sweet) profile on Kitamura Eri, one of the up-and-coming seiyuu that people should keep an eye on & an ear out for. Like fellow young gun Inoue Marina, 2007's proving to be a particularly good year for the teenager and she looks set to have a bright future in the industry.Vital StatisticsName: 喜多村英梨 (Kitamura Eri)Real Name: 岡村英梨 (Okamura Eri)Date of Birth: 16th August 1987Hometown: Tokyo, JapanAgency: Kaleidoscope (formerly Hirose Project)Height: 157cm/5'1'Blood Type: AHobbies & Skills: Illustration, manga, video games, dartsKey Roles: Tatiana in Last Exile, Saya in Blood+, Amuria in SimounHistoryLike Inoue Marina, Kitamura Eri is the winner of a public talent search - this time Pony Canyon's VOICE & SINGER AUDITION 2003. Finalists in the competition included Chihara Minori, Kaji Yuki and Kataoka Azusa; plus one of the special judges' prize (whatever that means) winners was Fujita Saki. You can watch her 'winning speech' at animate.tv (orange buttons at the bottom) - man, she looks so different now ^^;The competition wasn't Kitamura's first foray into the entertainment world however - under her real name Okamura Eri (& as a child actor), she had already made brief appearances in various TV shows including an episode of Ultraman Dyna as well as Kayou Suspense Gekijou, a murder-mystery show that ran for 24 years on NTV.In addition she'd already made her anime debut as the sullen and aloof Tatiana Wisla in GONZO's 2003 anime Last Exile where she won an open audition despite having no voice acting training or experience beforehand. Apparently the people in charge had wanted to hire two actors whose ages were as close to their respective characters as possible (the other was Alvis Hamilton, voiced by the then 12-year old Shiraki Anna), which was why she got the role.Being only 16 when she won the Pony Canyon audition (which came after her role in Last Exile), Kitamura did voice work on the side for the next 2 years whilst completing her education. She had a supporting role as Seira in Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure and also released two anime-related singles; Before the Moment (MMPPPP) and Tsuyogari (Gash Bell) in 2004. Then came her big break, and is probably what KitaEri remains best known for - she auditioned for, and got the lead role of Saya in Blood+.Since then she's had a steady stream of work, mainly playing supporting characters (Anna in Chevalier, Amuria in Simoun) and can currently be heard in Idolmaster XENOGLOSSIA (Makoto), Touka Gettan (also Makoto) and the soon-to-end Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny (Kakuen).What's up next?I guess the biggest reason to keep Kitamura on your radar is the fact that she will be voicing Kokonoe Rin in the anime adaptation of the 'controversial' manga Kodomo no Jikan - it was slated to begin airing in the summer season but I've seen no news on when that's supposed to be.Quite a few people would prefer to have had Kugimiya Rie cast in the role, but I quite like the idea of KitaEri in the role based on perhaps her voicing the short, 'baldy' 15-year old assassin Cynthia Lo in the drama CD based on the CYNTHIA THE MISSION manga. The voice sample on her agency profile (see links list below) also shows the wide range of voices she can do, so I'm optimistic that Kitamura can pull off a good performance.There's also the Koharu Biyori OVA coming later this year, based on Mizuki Takehito's manga that tells the story of a guy called Murase Takaya (voiced by Kondou Takayuki) who likes to (cos)play dress-up with with his robot maid Yui (voiced by KitaEri). I'm not sure if I should be excited about this show.....But before that comes her first major 'male' role as Moriyama Sunao in the upcoming Potemayo. There's also a 'female seiyuu playing male characters' drama CD Shiritsu Crear Gakuen (released 25th August) that Kitamura will be involved in along with Saiga Mitsuki, Ogata Megumi & Sanpei Yuko; who are all more or less veterans at doing guys' voices.Current Radio Shows:Kitamura is a pretty entertaining, very lively radio personality and always much fun to listen to. She's currently hosting three regular radio programs and the two listed below are the internet broadcast ones - the other is ChoAniRaji which airs on digital radio.ChoAniRaji-Started in March. Runs every weekday with a different host each day. Because KitaEri's Monday show was the one that kicked off the week (other hosts include Kakihara Tetsuya, Iizuka Mayumi & Washizaki Takeshi) she was a little freaked out that if she didn't do a good job on the first show that nobody would bother tuning in for the rest of the week ^^;Radio Rondo-Entertaining radio show hosted by KitaEri & Asumi Kana (Yuno from Hidamari Sketch) to promote Konami's online 'figure' game Busou Shinki Battle Rondo. Some of the corners include radio-dramas, a 'battle' corner where they play silly games that listeners suggest (i.e. IQ quizzes & speed texting games) and the usual futsuota corner. This is one of the few shows that I make an effort to catch every week cos I enjoy the chemistry between KitaEri & Asumin.Square Enix Presents Shuukan RadiMagi Henshuubu-Co-hosts the information program with Shimono Hiro (Ken Robbins in Kaleido Star, Ikuto in Airantou). Only attempted to listen to it once, and never did again.... can't have been too impressed then ^^; Despite that, it's still going strong and has been running since October 2006.Random imagesclockwise from top left: overnight PSP gaming sessions at Maita's, crystal ballgazing with Fukuen Misato, celebrating her birthday with Amisuke & Maita, guesting on Iizuka Mayumi's radio show.Trivia:01*Yet another female seiyuu otaku who grew up dreaming of being a seiyuu (Washizaki Takeshi called her a kuso-otaku). Sometimes speaks using otaku/2channel terminology, much like power blogger Nakagawa Shoko-tan. Also often goes to Akihabara (animate and Toranoana stores especially) to check out the latest manga and goods.02*The first anime KitaEri liked was Sailor Moon, and also mentions that she was a mega huge fan of Fushigi Yugi & often daydreamed/fantasized about the characters - maybe that explains why she did poorly in school ^^;;03*Good at illustrations, there's an archive of some of her drawings here.04*She doesn't have her own blog, but pops up regularly in those of her close seiyuu friends Koshimizu Ami & Kadowaki Mai.05*Had a short stint co-presenting kids' show Monsterdio alongside the irrepressible Shinohara Tomoe, and was involved on a few of the theme songs recorded for it.Useful KitaEri links:Agency profileChoRaji blogANN ProfileOmake Corner!-I mentioned the CYNTHIA THE MISSION drama CD, which was released on 24th March 2006. If anyone wants to listen to it, I uploaded it here. Good if you're a seiyuu fan, cos it features a cast packed with big names including Orikasa Fumiko, Kobayashi Sanae, Shiraishi Ryoko, Iwao Junko, Shintani Ryoko, Sugita Tomokazu & Aono Takeshi amongst others.I've actually been struggling to finish this up for more nearly 2 months ^^;; Didn't have much motivation or inspiration..... The next profile will come...when it does.
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Yes, that Spring Preview (so important it has to be capitalised) wasn’t a one-off, because now I’m doing another one for summer, so that you can all read what you’ve read a hundred times before on other blogs. As we all know, during the summer we are expected to be outside enjoying the sunshine and the [...]
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In which Hung previews Sky Girls, Potemayo, and Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai.
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Blogging is hard on an empty heart... school is over and I currently miss... uhhh... things.Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files (Animation: ???) - July ??, 2007Baccano! (Animation: Brains-Base) - July 26th, 2007Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2 (Animation: Hal Film Maker) - August 11th, 2007Buzzer Beater 2007 (Animation: TMS Entertainment) - July 3rd, 2007CODE-E (Animation: Studio DEEN) - July 3rd, 2007Doujin Work (Animation: REMIC) - July 3rd, 2007Fight Tension☆School (Animation: ???) - July 7th, 2007Happy Happy Clover (Animation:???) - July 6th, 2007Higurashi no Naku Koroni Kai (Animation: Studio DEEN) - July 6th, 2007KARAS Story 4 (Animation: Tatsunoko [Thanks to HellKorn]) - June 22nd, 2007Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho (Animation: Artland) - July 3rd, 2007Kodomo no Jikan (Animation: Studio Barcelona) - July ??, 2007Moetan (Animation: Actus) - July 8th, 2007Mononoke (Animation: Toei Animation) - July 12th, 2007Mushi-Uta (Animation: Beat Frog) - July 5th, 2007Nanatsuiro★Drops (Animation: Studio Barcelona) - July 2nd, 2007Potemayo (Animation: J.C.Staff) - July 6th, 2007Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei (Animation: SHAFT) - July 8th, 2007School Days (Animation: TNK) - July 3rd, 2007Shigurui (Animation: MADHOUSE) - July 19th, 2007 (PV: July 1st, 2007)Sky Girls (TV) (Animation: J.C.Staff) - July 5th, 2007Tetsuko's Trip (Animation: Group TAC) - June 24th, 2007Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho: Tou 2nd Act (Animation: AIC Spirits) - July 27th, 2007Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~ (Animation: J.C.Staff) - July 13th, 2007Zombie-Loan (Animation: XEBEC M2) - July 3rd, 2007List of anime I'm planning to blog (if any of them are awful, or just not interesting enough, then they'll be dropped or I'll keep on blogging them just to poke fun at them :3):Baccano!Baccano is Italian for noise, but Narita translates it as "stupid commotion." Each of the stories in the series involves several unrelated plots intersecting and crossing each other as events spiral farther and farther out of control. Immortal alchemists, mafia operated speakeasies, and many other elements of pulp fiction mashed together for a world straight out of the movies.Seems epicly crazy enough. And just for the fact that it's based on a light novel, which of late have very great anime adaptions, I'm confident of it.Doujin Work!The story is about a girl named Najimi Osana who learns more and more about the doujin world. She is convinced that she wants to be a doujin artist due to seeing what her friend could make at a convention. She loves to draw but finds that it is more difficult to comprehend after all. After making friends with some interesting people, they teach her the ins and outs of the field, and maybe she will eventually make a name for making doujinshi.If the story's about artists - then I'm automatically in. I love to draw doujinshi (and some original works...) and this is something I can easily relate to. Now, if only I had a scanner...Mushi-UtaI actually don't know much about this series yet. It has to do with some dream-eating insects and a boy that meets some girl from some sort of organization.But it looks interesting...Moetan... It's moé and it teaches Japanese people English. 8D Not really neccesary for me... but it should make me warm inside nonetheless.Nanatsuiro★DropsHaven't watched much magical girl series anymore,if not at all (the closest I've come to that would be a rewatch of Cardcaptor Sakura :0). Plus, it's an adaption of an eroge illustrated by Noizi ito, one of my favorite artists - whose art transition from light novel to anime has been a good one (taking a look at The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Shakugan no Shana). I'll like to see where this anime goes in the direction of art-style (which looks purty right now...) and animation. ShiguruiI love MADHOUSE and I love extreme samurai shows. Looks historical (all historical anime I've seen have made me feel a whole range of emotions one way or another).All we need is a historical NINJA anime. By that, I mean an anime focused on the assassins of feudal Japan, with some decent historical accuracy. And I'm not talking about an idiot in orange pajamas yerning to be lord of his village.KARAS Story 4 seems to be a definite must-watch too, judging by the description of the OAV (taken from WikiPedia because I'm just that lazy): The world of the humans and the world of the demons (youkai) have overlapped one another, leaving humans to walk the streets of life as they normally would, while demons walk, hidden from the naked eye, down the very same streets. A young woman named Yurine, and her servant Karas, have long maintained order and balance between the overlapped worlds, ultimately keeping the demons from interrupting the lives of humans. However, humans have come to forget and jest at the existence of demons, and no longer understand the privilege it is to live without fear. Disgusted by this arrogance, an old Karas turns his back on the laws he had once upheld, and takes the form of a human named Eko, while creating an army of Mikura, or mechanized demons, to ready an attack on the human race.A young man named Otoha inherits the powers of the Karas and takes his place at the side of Yurine, who claims that his soul called out for her while he lived the life of a human. They live in the world of the demons. It is now up to Otoha to prove himself as a Karas, and restore the balance that Eko threatens to upset.Meanwhile, a superstitious police officer named Sagisaka and his rational new recruit, Kure, follow the trail of the murders dealt by Eko's Mikura, as well as the trail of a good demon turned human named Nue. The prophecy unfolds from here...Summer looks like it's going to be fun. A little. But that's just the anime portion of summer. Other than that... it doesn't look to be very great. :/Edit - On an unrelated note, why does the font on the blog look all large now? lolEdit 2 - Fixed
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Irony of irony... ninja mecha of ninja mecha...A few days after I had been on Sky Girls (OVA)'s case about not having a continuation, I find Moetron's recent post about premieres of shows that are set ot air this fall. And guess what? "Sky Girls (TV)" is on that list... Funny how it turns out - I review a 2006 one-episode anime OVA, wishing it would have a continuation to patch things up, and a couple of days later: BOOM! It happens. I must be reality's Haruhi or something...On an unrelated note, I look forward to watching Nanatsuiro★Drops, Doujin Work, Zero no Tsukaima ~Futatsuki no Kishi~, and Potemayo this summer. \ /^_^\ /
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