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 Illustrated Book", we will introduce Reina Maeda, who has performed well in works such as "Life" (Nikaido Ayaka), "The Code of Life of Parasitic Beasts" (Suzuki Akiho), and "The World Is Beautiful Despite Everything" (Nicole Rumelushi).

Q: When did you first become aware of the role of voice actor?

Maeda: It's about the summer vacation of my sophomore year of high school. It was time to decide what the future would look like. Previously, since my parents were both working in the clothing industry, I was thinking about whether I wanted to be a designer. But at that time, something happened suddenly! I still remember this incident vividly: when I was walking down the stairs of the school, a girl accosted me, "Maeda-san, if you don't mind, let's go to karaoke together, right?" "Although I knew this man and had spoken a few times, I had never had the opportunity to take a class before, so I was surprised.

Then we went to karaoke. And that kid is a typical Maiba (laughs). She sang me radio wave songs and moe songs. And the singing is amazing. I'm an introvert, so I don't sing well (laughs). And when I got home, I checked the song she sang, and it was an animated song. Because of this influence, I also started watching anime, and I thought it was very interesting, so I also realized that there is such a thing as a voice actor.

Q: Haven't you been exposed to manga or anime before that?

Maeda: I watched Sailor Moon when I was very young! I also like "Sakura Magic Card". I was chasing updates at the time. And I also really like the line of Daidoji Chise-chan: "Absolutely no problem"! Now, when I'm nervous, just thinking about this line gives me a fighting spirit (laughs).

When I was in the sixth grade of elementary school, I became obsessed with the comic "Big Rice Bucket". Since I had always liked "Cherry Maruko", I read the essay by the author, Mr. Cherry. At that time, she should have written about Li Zhongjun in her essay, and said that she was affected to a certain extent. So I went to find a single book of "The Big Rice Bucket". Then after reading it, he preached to his friends: "Lizhongjun is so handsome, right? Of course, I also like shoujo manga! Although I was co-educational in junior high school and high school, I lived a life without a relationship...... So I took some heart-warming ingredients from shoujo manga and used them to nourish my soul.

Q: So did you like to play games when you were a kid?

Maeda: Yes! But I don't play RPG games much. I can't figure out the map because I'm always playing around (laughs). Of course, that's what I'm doing in real life...... So, I played games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest several times and gave up, and then I fell in love with the Super Mario series. Including the stage, I've completely cleared this game. In addition, he once played the two-person "Warring States Warriors" with his father, and together they defeated the enemy. Ah、Also, I've captured the hearts of a lot of women in GALGAME (laughs).

Q: "Big Rice Bucket" and "GALGAME" are popular with men, so I guess they are more popular with men (laughs).

Maeda: So...... Actually, I think so to myself.

Q: So, when you first started working as a voice actor, was there anything that stood out to you?

Maeda: The first work I participated in the recording was "Aria of Scarlet Bullet", which I still remember to this day. Even though my line is just "not clean" (laughs). However, even though it was only one sentence, I wrote notes in my script book so that I didn't make a mistake, and I thought about the voice I should use. The first time I entered a real studio, I also learned a lot. Although "Aria of Scarlet Bullet" is a work with a lot of action scenes, especially the action scenes voiced by the lead actor Rie Tsukimiya are so good that they are completely beyond my imagination! Really, my heart trembled and I was moved!

Q: Miss Maeda played the role of Nicole Rumelusier in the TV anime "The World is Beautiful Still", and this is your first time playing the lead role?

Maeda: When it was decided to voice Nicole, I was completely shocked! This is a work where songs occupy a lot of weight, so you need to be proficient in both singing and acting. But I was with the message "Definitely going to get this role!" The mind came to the audition scene. I guess it was the time of the singing review, and our audition was held at a store similar to an izakaya. It also has a unique homely atmosphere where you can drink. I was nervous, but I felt like I was singing karaoke at a banquet, and it was a great feeling (laughs). When Nicole sings, it rains, and then the maker said to me, "You were singing at that time, and it rained in the store!" "All in all, I'm very happy!

Q: So what kind of feelings do you have for Nicole?

Maeda: It was very hard to dub the first episode. It was the first song that was shown for the first time in the morning as a press conference, and then it was the first recording...... Looking back now, I feel like my memory is a little blurry (laughs). In addition, the first episode is actually an original plot that is not in the original work. Maybe it's because of my own lack of imagination, or maybe it's not very bright, but I recorded it over and over again several times anyway. And this state has continued until the second or third episode, which makes me wonder: "Am I not suitable for this role~" But the staff were very gentle and said to me: "No matter what you do, we will accompany you to the end, just do it according to your ideas!" This comfort also led me to my thoughts about Nicole.

So, even though there were a lot of very hard things, all of a sudden I had the thought that "I'm not fighting alone." The other co-actors also said to me, "Try to pronounce it more solemnly", and in short, it is a good work that everyone made together. And being able to feel that makes me happy. Because of Nicole, although I was also in trouble, I also got redemption in various senses through Nicole's words, and I felt that I was growing up with Nicole.

Q: So what is the most impressive plot that Nicole has touched you?

Maeda: There are a lot of things to do, but the most impressive one is the second episode. That was when Nicole first sang the song of asking for rain. For people who have read the original work and watched the anime, I don't know what they will say about the songs I sing, so I feel uneasy...... But I'm doing my best to sing it, and if I can pass it on to everyone, then I'll be satisfied.

Q: So you also starred in "Life" as Ayaka Nikaido. What kind of role is this?

Maeda: She is the protagonist's cousin and the head of the Second Information Department of the Story Stage. Every time, I ask you some questions, and then it disappears, and it feels like a storm or a festival girl (laughs). It seems to be a very willful character, but in fact, she guards everyone as a minister, with a gentle heart and a strong sense of justice. It's not so much a big sister as it feels like a mother (laughs).

Q: Ms. Maeda is still in "The Invaders of the Mitsubo Room!? played the role of Xiaohui, so what type is she?

Maeda: It's a character type I've never tried before, so I'm very impressed! It's a corner of shaking M** (laughs). I feel like she wants to be despised, so I enjoy it when I perform (laughs). I'm a person, and if I have to say something, I'm a person in the M category (laughs). Personally, I think an actor has to have an M part (laughs).

Q: Please tell us about your personal life! First of all, how do you spend most of your vacations?

Maeda: I go to the pool, go for a run, do hot yoga...... But even when it's a break, I want to be work-related to what I do. And then there's watching a movie.

Q: Is there anything you've been feeling emotionally excited about lately?

Maeda: I attended an exclusive event last week, and I got the opportunity to go to Kyoto. Since you can have a holiday the next day, you can enjoy some sightseeing in Kyoto! Since this was my first time in Kyoto, I went to Kiyomizudera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and ate matcha parfait. I'm so excited about that! Also, I sat by the Kamogawa River with the locals and spent a relaxing time together...... It's very comfortable.

Q: Speaking of which, is Ms. Maeda a fan of Seiko Matsuda?

Maeda: That's right! She and I are both from Fukuoka, so I respect her very much! I really like her songs before '85. In particular, I was fascinated by the song combination written by Mr. Takashi Matsumoto, composed by Yumi Matsutoya, and sung by Ms. Seiko. Actually, I went to Ms. Seiko's concert two months ago, and I have fulfilled my wish for many years! This is the first time I have seen the real Lady of the Son! I felt like I was naturally in tears, and my soul was washed...... It's a feeling to be able to meet the person you've been dreaming of...... How so? Anyway, she is a person who can give everyone dreams, and I admire her.

Q: What kind of voice actress does Maeda want to be in the future?

Maeda: I think I'm looking for a voice actor, for example, someone like Miyoko Aso, who played Isono in "Miss Conch". Her "voice" always gives the impression of being close to her. In addition, Ms. Aso has been engaged in acting for many years, and this long career also makes me admire. I also hope that my voice will make everyone feel relatable, and one day I will be able to become a national "voice"! As for singing, I'm just going to do my best to sing now, but I'm going to do my best.

Q: Do you have any ideas for the role you want to play?

Maeda: I wanted to be able to star in an anime that both adults and children would enjoy, and that would be suitable for all ages. In addition, I would like to work on the role of animal and cute (laughs). I've played the role of a baby for a while, and now I'd like to try my baby voice again. Also, all of a sudden, I wanted to play some bad roles! I guess it's a relationship where I'm unlikely to do something bad. If you can play such a role that you don't have in reality, then you should be able to taste the taste of a different performance.

Q: Finally, what would you like to say to the readers who have read this far?

Maeda: If you didn't know me before, I'd like to take this opportunity to learn about me, so I'll be happy! In the future, in order to convey my voice to everyone's ears more or less, I will also work sincerely and unrelentingly! From my impression, the senior voice actors are all people with great character. I also want to work hard to become a character that everyone loves. Please support me and give me a lot of advice!

Q: Thank you for your time today!