Every year, a large number of newcomers emerge in the Japanese voice actor industry, and for this reason, the Japanese media specially produced a program called "New Voice Actor Illustrated Guide". The show interviews and reports on some of the most promising rookie voice actors, to understand the behind-the-scenes stories of their entry into the industry, and their prospects for the future. In the latest issue of the "New Voice Actor Guide", we will introduce Nao Tamura, who has performed well in works such as "AIURA" (Ayuko Uehara), "Horizon of Record" (Shiri Service), and next year's "Urawa Minor" (Misono Mizono Service).

Q: How did you feel about photography today?

Tamura: I'm really not comfortable with filming...... I've done it a few times before, but I still don't think I can get used to it. But I really like to be in front of people, and it's great to have exclusive events and stuff like that. But when I think that the photos will remain, my face becomes stiff (laughs).

Q: What made Ms. Tamura want to become a voice actress?

Tamura: I wrote in my elementary school anthology that I would like to become a voice actor in the future. But the so-called dreams often change as you grow, right? As for me, I once dreamed of becoming a teacher and traveling the world...... There are a lot of changes anyway. I made up my mind that I wanted to be a voice actor when I was in college.

I studied acting at university, but then I auditioned for a voice actor on the recommendation of a friend. But the result was unqualified. This made me feel very unwilling. So while going to school, I started to get training in voice actors. I've always loved acting, but acting on stage is completely different from dubbing. On stage, I can perform with my own feelings, but when I voice actors, I need to create a character.

I didn't realize what the characteristics of my voice were, and when I was training, I started performing with my original voice. So I'm often said, "Since you're a girl, you have to look like a girl." "But my original voice was always a little boyish. Then everyone said, "You have to learn how boys speak, and you have to learn how girls speak." You have to learn a little more. "That's when I started to think about what makes my voice unique. And the same is true for the auditions that were initially lost. At that time, I didn't know the characteristics of my voice and ran for election, and I couldn't help it.

Q: When did Ms. Tamura first experience voice acting after becoming a voice actor?

Tamura: A game called Disgaea 4. In the game's voice acting, there is no coordination between the voice actors, which surprised me! Although there are many seniors in the recording studio, everyone is standing in front of the microphone one by one. At that time, I was very nervous, and the lines were all popping up word by word.

Q: What about the first dubbing anime?

Tamura: I once said just one line in "New World". It's not just the use of the microphone, but the work is beyond my imagination, and sure enough, the game dubbing is completely different from the animation dubbing scene. I only had one line, so I had a strong idea in my heart, "I want to become a main voice actor and participate in the creation of the work as soon as possible!" I want to continue voice actor activities! ”

Q: You played the role of Ayuko Uehara in the anime "AIURA", which is the first time you have played a major role!

Tamura: Yes! There are a lot of girls around the step...... Souka is a vitality type, and Caisheng is a female man, so it seems that her steps are more honest and gentle...... Anyway, I performed under such instructions. The more difficult part is that I was asked to "rather than show your acting skills, I still want you to act in your true colors". For this character, if it is slightly modified and shows the cuteness of the character, it is actually not very difficult. But if you act in your true colors and naturally express yourself, then it is still more difficult...... At first, I felt unstable and figured out how to perform, but as the number of dubbing increased, I was able to have fun recording with everyone!

Q: In addition, you also challenged the character song in "AIURA".

Tamura: Yes. When it comes to character songs, it's more fun to sing from the bottom of your heart than to sing as a character. Therefore, it is also fun to record songs. I love singing! I often go to karaoke alone. I sang my own songs, recorded them, and then listened to my own songs, and I couldn't help but say, "Wow! The ground called out (laugh).

Q: In addition, Horizon of Record has been airing its second season since October. You played the role of Shiri in the work!

Tamura: I starred in the first season of Horizon of Record, and I had a lot of lines, so it was a special work in my mind. I also worked with the characters for a long time in this work, and I learned the importance of studying the characters carefully. I also watched a lot of the acting skills of my seniors, which made me feel that I had grown in my work.

Shiri herself has grown through her work. After being trapped in the game's world, she cringes at first and thinks "people like me can't play any role at all", but as the plot unfolds, she also finds her sense of justice and takes the initiative to take the lead and fight with everyone. Acting out this kind of growth process also made me feel the pressure, but I think it was still worth it. Through guò's interpretation of her story, my thoughts about Shili became stronger. Please also look forward to Shili's active performance in the second season!

Q: How did it feel to be reunited with the members of Horizon of Record after a long absence?

Tamura: We young people also worked together on online radio programs, so we had a very good relationship from the beginning. Eriko Matsui-chan usually goes to the movies with me, while Yamashita-kun and Kuno-chan often go to eat together after the dubbing.

Q: In addition, Ms. Tamura is also featured in the anime "Realm Trigger", which will be broadcast in October. You played the role of Chika Amatori in it, so what was the atmosphere like at the dubbing scene?

Tamura: All the voice actors and staff, including me, are dedicated to the work! This work has already generated a strong response on "Weekly Jump" before it was broadcast, so I have known about it for a long time. Because it's a shonen battle anime, some people who didn't know me before may also watch this work...... As one of the people who supported the work, I will work hard to make everyone happy to watch, so please advise! Please watch this work!

Q: Speaking of which, how did Ms. Tamura spend her time on vacation?

Tamura: I don't think it's any different from other people (laughs). When I'm at home, I clean my room, watch DVDs, and cook dinner when I'm fine. When I go out, I call my friends to eat and go shopping.

Q: I heard that you often read Hiroshi Arikawa's books......

Tamura: Yes, Library Wars is a lot of fun! In addition, there are also "Hankyu Train" and "Love Story of the Past and Present". Each character is charming. I really enjoyed reading and thinking, "This character would be interesting if it was like that." I'm not very good at reading, but I care about the joy of reading.

Q: Is there anything else you like?

Tamura: I'm hooked on BUMPOFCHICKEN right now! At first, it was recommended by a friend, and I felt great after listening to it. I really like Fujiwara's singing, and I feel that the song is full of the creator's heart, which is resonant. When I want to cheer up, I listen to "Hana" when I want to pull myself up, and when I want to relax a little, I listen to "Hana". Also, I love "Song of Friends"!

Q: So, please tell us about 3 foods that you like?

Tamura: I've written on my blog that I love curry. Every time I eat out, if there is curry to eat, I will definitely eat it. In particular, Indian curries and other types with strong flavors are my dishes. If you find a curry shop while walking, you plan to try it next time. The next thing I like is meat! I love barbecue. There is also a bar that should be chocolate...... Ah, but I also like matcha, adzuki beans, and Japanese sweets, especially matcha sweets. As long as it's dessert, I like everything!

Q: Do you have any nicknames?

Tamura: Everyone calls me "DEN-chan"! I'm different from others, and I like to be called by nicknames so much that my junior high school seniors said that "Tamura" can be pronounced as "DENSON" if it is pronounced phonetically. So he gave me the nickname "DENSON". After that, it became "DEN-chan" from high school. If you don't mind, please call me "DEN-chan".

Q: What kind of voice actor do you want to become in the future?

Tamura: I want to improve my acting skills so that I can touch the hearts of the audience. The voice actors I respect can do a lot of things just by acting with their voices. Why do they have such a high level of skill? I was very impressed, moved, and in a state of being conquered. I want to be an actor like that.

Q: Finally, would you like to say a few words to the readers who read this interview?

Tamura: Thank you for your continued support! In return for your encouragement, I will perform hard, and please give me a lot of advice in the future! Also, please come to my blog and play!

Q: Thank you for your time today!