UlasanAnime.com – While a discount at Kinokuniya Manhattan was supposedly available for those in cosplay, the author opted for a more relaxed evening at home, catching up on anime with friends. This was a welcome alternative to the bittersweet conclusion of Saimoe 2007, which the author had previously marked with a solitary ice cream and a viewing of the Honey & Clover movie.
Instead, a delightful dim sum experience at a hidden local eatery, featuring delicious chicken feet and beef dishes, was enjoyed. The author mused that if alone, they might have resorted to distractingly processing sketches from Danbooru into VectorMagic, a habit seemingly influenced by someone named “tj.”
A significant point of contemplation for the author is the divergence of their anime tastes from the mainstream. This makes it increasingly challenging to find series that can be equally enjoyed with friends. The ideal selection would be either something genuinely humorous or a “shounen jump”-esque title that avoids excessive episode counts, like Naruto, or the self-indulgent fandom often found in series such as Suzumiya Haruhi.
It’s a somewhat melancholic realization that the author lacks any local seiyuu (voice actor) enthusiasts. These discussions typically only occur face-to-face at conventions. The author noted that a decision regarding a favorite seiyuu, like Minori Chihara, would ideally involve collective input. Ultimately, the author settled on Ai Nonaka, appreciating her attractive appearance in photos and her unique voice and competent acting skills, which compensate for her singing abilities.
The author has found themselves increasingly enjoying Ai Nonaka’s roles over the past year. While acknowledging her potential attempts to emulate the styles of voice actresses like Yukarin or Aaya, the author believes Nonaka possesses a more natural charisma.
Interestingly, the author contrasts this with the situation ten years prior, when even the most popular voice actresses were considered merely passable. Actresses like Minorin did not pursue a career path that leaned heavily towards the “otaku” demographic. This shift is attributed to changes in production and the strategies of producers. The author also speculates that attractive individuals like Kanako Sakai might not have pursued voice acting at all under those older circumstances.
This leads to the question of what this evolution makes Halko Momoi, who entered the industry with a foot in both worlds, perhaps a trendsetter?
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