Photos around 40kb each. Taken at the panel and concert. Cel about 90kb.

The convention (shin nen kai '98) lasted three days, 2-4 Jan in London's Raddisson Edwardian hotel.

I missed the opening ceremony on the first day, but a cel collector from Switzerland got a cel signed by her then...

On the second day were two "events". The first one in the afternoon was a panel. This was mostly "questions and answers" and lasted for just under an hour. Various questions were asked and answered, via a translator. I got a front row seat, and also recorded it on MD. Some people even bought video cameras with them.

Afterwards, there was a small rush up to her, so I joined in! ^_^;; Eventually, I gave her a teddy bear, and got a Pretty Samy cel signed. She said something as I left, but by then my brain had melted...

The concert in the evening was a disappointment. I moved into the room over three hours early to get a good (front row) seat. But just before the concert, they asked everyone to exit while they set up. After waiting for nearly an hour, everyone was let back in again. I only managed to get a third row seat this time, but at least it was in the center.

The "concert" was only two songs! She sang Talent for Love (English TM OAV ED) in English, and chanto yume o mimasho.

She then disappeared while the masquerade was held, and returned to make an award named "Chisa's choice". It was won by someone dressed as Zelgadis, the guy from Slayers.

On the third day, she was at the closing ceremony, where she made some comments. Where did I put that MD?...

Chisa Yokoyama talk

3 Jan 1998 1-2 pm.

Below is my quick-and-dirty version of the talk by Chisa, created from a MD copy of the translation provided at the time, with some changes to make it more English! Not complete yet... there may be bits missing or incorrect. I might tidy it up when I have a chance. Originally posted to the Seiyuu ML.

In Japan we hear that foreign fans like you have a kind of status symbol in finding status in understanding animation in Japanese and not in English. (?)

I think there is difficulty with the language barrier because anime is one of the very precious and proud japanese culture we want to make it very very most of it, and we hope that you all enjoy it. (?)

I've been a voice actress for more than 10 years, and so I know many things, so please don't hesitate to ask any questions.

[pre-arranged questions]

Q: How did you get into voice acting?

There is a school for voice acting, and I was studying there for three years. I went to school when I was a high school student using weekends. So I was hard working and studying from a young age.

The system for anime is usually an audition for any voice cast, so I have to apply for that to get into this particular show.

Q: Which character did you enjoy most?

It's Doraemon. (theatre version, not OAV or TV)

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of anime?

Lupan 3rd.

My mother was very strict when she was raising me, and didn't let me too much. (?)

It was so when I was 15 I saw the Lupan 3rd, it was the Castle of Cagliostro, for the first time, and I was very impressed, and I wanted to be a voice actress.

Q: Is there any character you would have like to have been the voice for?

This is not animation, but I have been voice only in two occasions for Alicia Silverstone and so I want to carry on her voice, if possible.

Q: Are you able to tell us what you are working on at the moment?

I'm playing an evil character in mashin tensetsu wataru(?) [a comedy robot show] It's unusual in doing an evil character at the moment.

[audience questions]

Q: How does you mother feel about you being an anime seiyuu?

Now she's my best fan.

I'm too busy to check all my programs, but she's recording every single program, also radio programs as well so I can check with later.

It is to show my child in the future.

Q: How much time is taken up with events like this, rather than just voice acting?

This is the second time abroad like this, after anime expo in LA, it took about 30-mins to 1 hour in that occasion.

In Japan the current fashionable system of these event, the first starting with concert then there's a film showing, followed by chat, and it takes about 2 hours in total, that kind of thing.

Q: Do you prefer singing or voice acting?

Voice acting. I love listening to songs, but I don't particularly like singing. I always sing in the bath. That's my most favourite. It sounds better.

Q: Are you enjoying the UK so far?

I'm enjoying it. I saw Beauty and the Beast yesterday. It was wonderful.

Q: What will you be planning to do in the next five years?

This might cause some trouble, but I'm thinking of retiring.

I like my work, and enjoy working. I have been thinking and dreaming of studying English, and living abroad. In Japan, if you go abroad for a while and come back with some ability in English, you can get more variety of job, like in radio.

So I want to quit the job and go abroad to widen myself, and make me more experienced in various way.

Q: Do you think doing anime helps international relations?

It's a difficult question!

Of course, game and animation is something we are proud of outside Japan, so we should cherish it.

Q: Is it easier to play an evil role, than a young cute role?

Fortunately, I've been assigned to many cute girl characters. So now I know how to cry, how to laugh, so it's easy to play such characters now.

Now these days, younger and newer voice actresses get the cute characters, and I'm getting more evil characters. I'm not happy about it.

Q: Are you still asked to audition?

The number of auditions I'm applying is less now, but when I do I tend to fail. Usually there are 10 to 20 applicants for one role. So it's quite hard now.

[more pre-arranged questions]

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your radio show?

I'm doing many radio shows now. The most difficult one is on FM, it is a countdown show with live recording for two hours.

It's a countdown show of both Japanese and foreign artists (e.g. Elton John and Celine Dion) so I have to read English names.

Also I have to be very punctual. Although they are no match for the Spice Girls yet, there is a group of young boy idols in Japan. Because they are young, they didn't pay much attention to keep time to make the program progress properly. As the host of the program, I got in trouble.

Other shows are mostly anime or game related. Half the time is spent on drama, the other half reading letters from fans.

I started acting about 10 years ago. At the time it was not very popular for voice actress to sing as well. About 7 years ago, the more and more singing jobs were coming.

Q: Are you able to tell us who you enjoyed working with most?

There is a voice actor Yamaguchi Kappei, and he is my fighting friend. He's so energetic, it's very stimulating to work with him.

Often, when I go to the bathroom, he changed the lines on my script. So some of it is pretty exciting.

[more open questions]

Q: Who are your idols?

I often sing in stage events, and I mimic the dancing of pop singer moritaka sato. (?)

Q: How different are events like this & America compared to ones in Japan.

Generally, Japanese fans are shy. So if I say "any questions?" often there is no question.

Q: Where would you like to see / visit?

I once lived in Australia for 3 months, and find it is a very nice place to live. I went to Anime Expo in LA and I enjoyed it because it was warmer, and the weather was nicer. I'm hoping to come back to England in summer next time!

Q: (too quiet)

Back in school I was told it is better to create a character in my own way, the director keep suppressed and quiet, than the other way around.

Japanese directors are relatively loose usually, so they don't force their idea on me, rather they allow me to define what I think the character is.

Q: How does your work affect your private life?

Because these days I get more jobs in radio, I listen to radio a lot. Because I'm fond of my work, I tend to think about work in private time as well.

Q: Have you ever done live action?

If I have a chance, I want to do it. In fact I was playing in a SFX type of show in summer two years ago, wearing armour and fighting monsters. But when I saw the film, I look so slender, almost feeble, so I didn't look like a person who could beat monsters.

Q: What do your family think about your work?

All the friends and family are kind of envious, because its a job like a dream and they say I should be happy.

It might be surprising to you, but being a voice actor, you have to speak loud, and you have to use momentum power, so you have to have physical fitness.

After the job I feel tired like I lost 3kg. Because of that my family worry about my health.

Q: Who is your most favourite Japanese male idol?

SMAP.

Q: Has being an idol caused problems for you?

In the first place, I'm not that famous I think. Since I started in anime, people tell me more often that my voice is more anime-ish voice. When I use taxis, drivers often say it is a unique voice. Sometimes they even ask where from. They think I'm not Japanese.

Q: Is there a favourite verse in you career?

It's in Gundam Wing. I don't like war, but I love universe. I felt it was cool.

RealAudio test

Click here to listen to the talk. In realmedia G2 format.

Related sites

• http://www.animanga.com/Shin98/
• http://www.washuu.freeserve.co.uk/shin98.htm