![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dreamweavernyx) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
mottoyomitai2022-07-25 11:13 pm
[MAGAZINE] Ohira Shosei (JO1) x Kaji Yuuki - ar Magazine (August 2022)
~
JO1 Meets...: Ohira Shosei x Kaji Yuuki
Talk Theme: Where Passion is Found
For these two, who shine bright in their respective fields as an idol and as a voice actor, what is the source of their power? We asked these two, who possess an uncompromising power in their drive to keep moving forward and in the way they interface with each and every one of their jobs, about the kind of thoughts that cheer them up, and the things that they’re particular about.
~
Message: Shosei to Yuuki
I’ve always liked anime from a young age, and I’ve been listening to Kaji-san’s voice ever since I was a kid. When this cross-talk was confirmed, I was so unbelievably happy... I’ve been fidgety all the way up till today due to a mix of anticipation and excitement! It’s really like a dream come true. During the course of the photoshoot, I was constantly moved by realisations like “That voice just now sounded like Meliodas from ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’!”, or “Ahh, that’s Mikumo-kun from ‘World Trigger’!”*. I’d be happy if we got to talk about many things, this time.
[ T/N: Both roles played by Kaji Yuuki. ]
Message: Yuuki to Shosei
I was really happy to hear that you’d watched many of the works I was involved in, and that you’ve always supported me. It seems that our conversations might get lively, given that you like anime! I don’t really get the chance to talk with artists from a different generation, so it would be good if I come out of this spurred on by JO1-san. Thank you for creating a place for me to learn (something new). I’d definitely like to go for one of your concerts, too.
~
Cross-talk
Your “voice” is a treasure trove of your own individuality
Ohira (O): I’m pleased to meet you today! I’ve had too many encounters with Kaji-san’s works to keep track of, and my first such encounter was “Magi”! One of my favourites is (your role as) Meliodas from “The Seven Deadly Sins”!!
Kaji (K): Thank you. It seems that you’ve known of me since around 10 or so years ago. Manga and anime are truly things that can bring people together across the times and across different generations. I’m really happy that after all these years, I’m able to meet with you for work, and get to hear your thoughts.
O: I’m a little shy, expressing my thoughts like this to you in the flesh, but I really love Kaji-san’s voice so much, and I’ve rewatched my favourite scenes and “sweet lines” from Kaji-san’s works through my subscription service! (gets shy) I’ve practiced on my own, trying to see if I can also do a voice similar (to Kaji-san’s), but as expected, it’s pretty difficult.
K: Sweet lines! That’ll certainly get you all shy (laughs). You mentioned practicing; does that mean that you’re also doing voice-related work?
O: I’ve had the chance to take part in the movie “Poupelle of Chimney Town” and the TV anime “Fanfare of Adolescence” as a voice actor. I really looked up to people who do voice-related work, but it’s really difficult… I struggled really hard to come up with a tone of voice that suited the anime.
K: For me, I also used to be very conscious of the fact that I had to do what they would call an “anime-like voice”. But even though I was aiming for the vague concept of this “so-called” tone of voice, something always felt a little off to me. I worried a lot about how to put out a performance worth 120 points. And then, in the course of working on multiple projects… At some point, I came to the realisation that acting is about “faithfully recreating the realistic feelings that flow out from the role”. Sorry, that’s pretty abstract… But I think, Ohira-kun, that you should not be restricted by any so-called “voice actor techniques”; you should just try to exude a sense of “individuality” through your role, one that’s unique to you.
O: That’s a learning point for me! The next time I receive a voice acting opportunity, I’ll try putting that into practice! By the way, Kaji-san, do you do any special kind of throat care? For me, I make sure I get a proper night’s sleep in order to make sure I can vocalise properly.
K: That’s true! I think sleep is important. Well, I’m the kind of person who has difficulty falling asleep, though (laughs). In the past, the moment anything felt off with my throat, I would immediately take some medicine for it, but nowadays I don’t rely on such temporary measures, and instead take care to ensure that (my throat) will never end up in such a bad condition. More than anything else, I think your state of mind is really important. Ohira-kun, do you do any special type of throat care?
O: For me, when I’m on set and get the sense that my throat is dry, I’ll eat a Manuka honey lozenge. Also, I’ve been drinking this herbal tea called “Throat Coat” that’s good for your throat!
K: Ah! I’ve drunk that one before, too! There’s also people who say apple juice is good for your throat; it seems like everyone searches around for the method of throat care that suits them.
~
Bitter experiences and thoughts of frustration cheer them up
O: Right now, JO1 are in our 3rd year since our debut. Kaji-san, what was your 3rd year like?
K: In my third year, I was doing nothing but part time jobs, and couldn’t step away from them for even a moment. After many failed auditions, I finally was able to make it to the final round of consideration for the role of the main character in a new anime. It was an extreme situation where there were two of us (being considered), and one of us would get the role (laughs). It was my first big break, so I waited with anticipation for them to contact me, thinking, “Maybe my dreams will finally come true!”. It was close to the end of the year, so just around the time when I thought to myself “Maybe they won’t contact me this year; it might be something to look forward to in the new year”… I got a message on my answering machine informing me that I’d failed the audition. I was really, really frustrated by that, you know. I was at rock bottom. I thought to myself, “The way I am right now is no good, I’ve got to drastically change something about myself”, so I tried smoking cigarettes which I’ve never done before, and I also tried cutting my hair in a Mohican style, which totally didn’t suit me (laughs). Things turned around for the better, though I wouldn’t say it’s thanks to those things (laughs), and right after that I was able to pass an audition! It was my first starring role, and my first regular one. For half a year, I was able to go to the recording studio every week, and that made me happy. In any event, I remember being happy (that year).
O: I get that! Before becoming part of JO1, I was a trainee at another agency, but my contract ended and my schedule emptied out. But I thought to myself, “I won’t lose here!”, and so I took part in the audition for JO1. It’s because I have the frustration from back then, that now I feel that I want to give things my best shot, to be better than I was before.
K: The more things there are that you’d wanted to do, the bigger the shock when they disappear, right. It’s precisely because I’ve experienced wanting to get jobs so badly I could almost taste it, that these days no matter how busy I get, I’ll never think that I hate work. I can’t think of anything apart from the fact that I’m thankful.
O: Kaji-san, even though you’re one of the people at the top who’s leading the voice-acting industry, you’re still so humble and filled with ambition; I really, really respect that!
When things get busy, assume a fighting pose in your heart
O: What do you do on your days off? For me, I’ll play games with the other members, or watch anime. I’m also thinking that I’d like to try camping or an outdoor sauna.
K: You must really get along with the other members, to be with them day in and day out, and even go to play with them after work ends. It seems like a family; how fun! I love games as well, and when I have the time I’ll go on holiday, too.
O: I saw the gaming commentary video that you put up on your YouTube channel!
K: You truly watch me often, I see (laughs). Thank you! Also, I do have fun and take breaks… but for me, I’m generally thinking about work-related things even on my off days, I think. It’s like my hobby has become my job, sort of (laughs).
O: Is it all right not to give your throat and body a break?
K: On the contrary, I don’t like how my senses dull when I’m taking a break. Isn’t the same true of the throat? When you don’t use it for too long, then your vocal chords go to sleep and you can’t vocalise properly, stuff like that. So that’s why particularly when I’m busy, I’ll make sure my schedule is arranged so I don’t have any gaps, so that I’ll always be ready in a fighting pose. And then, once my work has ended for the day, I’ll relax all at once. Ohira-kun, how is it like for you during your concert periods?
O: For me, I also find that if I take a break it’ll get harder to vocalise, so even during breaks I’ll often try to talk to the other members, or casually sing a little.
K: Even though our jobs are different, it seems that there’s some areas of similarity. That being said, when I was in my 20s anime was often thought of as being equivalent to otaku culture, and the term otaku had a negative connotation to it; but now it seems that the term otaku has evolved to mean someone whose has an impressive depth of knowledge about their hobby. To think that we’re now in an age where the younger generation of artists, such as you, Ohira-kun, can say “I watch anime on my off days”… it fills me with a wealth of emotion. I can sense the shift in values, and it makes me happy to think that the art form known as anime has become something much more familiar and commonplace.
They tried thinking of the dream collaboration project?!
O: Since this is such a rare chance, I’d be really happy if we got to do something together again in the future!
K: Me too! Let’s definitely meet up again. What should we do next?
O: In the past, I did the makeup for the other members for the performance of our song “YOLO-konde”, and I’m actually the beauty guy (within the group).
K: Well then… Maybe I could do your makeup? (laughs)
O: Yes! Please do JO1’s makeup!
K: I’ll be in your care (laughs). As for me… since you’re also doing voice-related work, how about we do something like a recital together? In a recital, there aren’t any pictures or videos, but precisely due to that you can express (your lines) exactly in the way you feel them in your heart, and as you listen to your partner’s response and think of how to reply, it’ll become like a game of ‘catch’ with both our emotions, and you’d be able to act naturally with your voice, I think. Perhaps such an experience might then be useful for your future work in the voice acting industry, too.
O: (Eyes sparkling) That’s amazing…♡ I’ll practice tons! I’m really happy whenever I’m watching anime, so to have been able to speak with Kaji-san, who’s the one who gives rise to those feelings of joy, has made me really happy. Thank you very much for today!!
K: Next time, let’s go for a meal. Let me know what you’d like to eat, okay?
O: Ah! That would be really… That would make me too happy (moved). Please definitely let me contact you about that!
~
Message from Shosei
The “me” of today exists precisely because all of the fans voted for me during the “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” audition, and because they’ve supported me all this time. I’m truly filled with nothing but gratitude. Even though we’ve not been able to meet much face-to-face, I can feel them always supporting me. I think there are still many fans who I’ve not gotten the chance to meet, so I’d like to convey our feelings more and more through our songs and performances. Someday, when we’re able to do call-and-responses again in our concerts, I’d like to hear everyone’s voices!
Message from Yuuki
For me, putting my own self aside, I’ve thrown my soul into the work of “acting with my voice” so if you are able to be drawn deeper into the work through the voice of the character I play, then that would make me happier than anything else. To take it to the extreme, if someone who hated me (as a person) nonetheless thought “Well, he’s an actor that acts well”, then that alone would be good enough for me. The messages I received from the fans of the shows I appear in, who support and love the characters I play, really do become my strength.