How do Japanese voice actors feel when they see their work celebrated by fans on the other side of the world? We asked them at Anime Expo.
Ask any anime fan and they’ll tell you: it’s more than just a show. It shapes who we are, brings people together, and can even spark lifelong friendships. But we rarely hear what that feels like from the people who make it — the Japanese voice actors, producers, and directors behind the scenes.
I got a front-row seat to that perspective at Anime Expo. If you’ve never been, imagine four days of Japanese pop culture chaos (in the best way possible), with exclusive screenings, packed industry panels, and crowds that could rival a music festival.
It’s become a huge bridge between Japanese talent and global audiences, and this year, I got to see just how special that connection can be. Like when Masaya Fukunishi – the Japanese voice of Kafka Hibino in Kaiju No. 8 – teared up mid-panel, completely overwhelmed by the crowd’s love.
His English counterpart, Nazeeh Tarsha, hugged him, and suddenly the whole room was watching this sweet, unspoken moment of respect between two voice actors from different cultures.
Later, Fukunishi-san told us he’s used to seeing online comments, but being in that room full of screaming anime fans made that support feel so much more real. He promised to keep doing his best and asked everyone to keep cheering him on.
And you know what? I wanted to do exactly that. But it also got me thinking: how do other Japanese talent feel when they see their work celebrated by fans on the other side of the world?
At Anime Expo, I had the chance to find out. Here’s what Yuki Aoi (Maomao, The Apothecary Diaries), Seto Asami (Shisui, The Apothecary Diaries), Kaito Ishikawa (Naofumi, The Rising Of The Shield Hero), Ten Kimura (Producer, Rising Of The Shield Hero), Shoya Ishige (Wakana Gojo, My Dress Up Darling), Hina Suguta (Marin Kitagawa, My Dress Up Darling), and Daiki Yamashita (Midoriya/Deku, My Hero Academia) had to say.
Isha Bassi: What’s it like meeting fans at Anime Expo?
Aoi: Representing The Apothecary Diaries at AX is a dream come true. We never expected it to resonate so deeply overseas, so I’m grateful fans love it as much as we do.
Asami: The Apothecary Diaries has a huge online following, but meeting fans in person and feeling that passion firsthand has been so special. I’m truly grateful to be here and share that love directly.
Ishikawa: Coming to Anime Expo feels like an isekai (a genre of Japanese fiction that involves a character being transported to or reincarnated in another world). Being here, feeling that direct connection from fans, and seeing their love for the franchise… it makes me so happy.
Kimura: Being here and experiencing international fandom firsthand really changes your perspective. Before, I’d only seen it online, but now their passion feels real and tangible. It’s clear fans here are just as passionate as they are in Japan.
Suguta: I’ve received so many messages from international fans online, but meeting them in person is amazing. It’s made me realise just how far My Dress-Up Darling has reached globally.
As voice actors, why is Anime Expo meaningful to you?
Asami: I may not speak the language, and we come from different cultures — but anime has the power to break those barriers. Being here at Anime Expo, I can feel the ripple effect of what anime is doing overseas. It’s powerful.
Ishige: Social media can’t capture the same passion you feel at an event like this. In person, you experience it with all your senses. Seeing fans who love the series as much as I do fills me with deep gratitude. It’s a shared joy I hold close to my heart.
Suguta: Live events like [Anime Expo] let me directly connect with the audience. Feeling their energy in real time is so different from social media. I’m usually behind the mic in a studio, so seeing fans’ faces and emotions here is incredibly meaningful.
How does it feel to see fans cosplay characters you helped bring to life?
Aoi: Cosplaying takes so much effort. The creativity and detail show how deeply fans care. I wish I could take a photo with every single cosplayer I see – I truly appreciate their love and dedication.
Ishikawa: Cosplay is such an amazing expression of fandom, so it makes me really happy. When I see someone dressed as a character I’ve voiced, I want to yell, “Hey, I was that guy!” At Anime Expo, everyone looks like they’re having so much fun. It’s inspiring.
Kimura: I have friends who cosplay, so I know how much time and effort it takes. Seeing fans inspired to go that far because they love something I helped create is truly moving.
Yamashita: It makes me so happy. Since Deku’s hero costume changes each season, when I see which version they’re wearing, I think, “Ah, that must be their favourite arc.”
How does being at Anime Expo and meeting fans in person shape your connection to a long-time role?
Yamashita: At this point, Deku isn’t just a character — he’s my hero. Every word he says gives me courage. When I’m feeling down, I repeat one of his lines in my heart to help me stand back up and keep going. Even though the anime is ending, I’ve spent so much time on this journey with Deku. Those memories are eternal. So, I won’t say goodbye — I’m just grateful that I get to continue this journey with him for as long as I can.
Isha: Like a friend who never leaves you.
Yamashita: I have a feeling he’s going to grow old with me.
Interviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
RELATED
MORE IN Culture
