Kenichiro Sawada has officially joined Voice Planet, a project managed by Apra Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. With his extensive background in voice acting and his pivotal role in founding the Freelance Narrators Union, Sawada aims to break traditional barriers and create new avenues in voice work.
Sawada began his career at the Yuri Pro voice acting agency before expanding his horizons into acting for theater, television, and film. In November 2015, he embarked on a freelance narrator career, swiftly becoming a prominent figure across various media platforms. Recognizing the challenges associated with sustaining a living in the voice industry, he founded the Freelance Narrators Union as a fresh organization led by voice artists themselves, without the constraints of traditional talent agencies. This initiative has allowed over half of its members to thrive as full-time voice professionals, which is a remarkable achievement in an industry where it's said that 90% struggle to make a living from their craft.
The collaboration with Voice Planet is expected to pave the way for those who have been hesitant to enter the voice acting field due to high barriers. "Voice work has had significant hurdles, often leaving aspiring professionals with a clear but difficult path to follow," Sawada stated. He emphasized the need for opportunities beyond becoming a professional and stressed that individuals should feel free to explore and express themselves through their voices without taking on major risks. By participating in Voice Planet, he envisions a realm where anyone, regardless of their past, can take that first step towards a fulfilling voice career.
Sawada also highlighted the importance of bringing diverse voices to the forefront, including those of older, experienced individuals. He expressed hope that more people who may have hesitated in their youth would find the courage to try, thus enriching the casting pool with varied and authentic voices. He acknowledged that those with substantial life experiences may actually possess a high potential for becoming successful professionals.
In addition to founding the Freelance Narrators Union, Sawada has made significant strides in the industry; by 2017, he had transformed the organization into a thriving community where over 50% of its members could sustain a living purely through voice work. His focus on developing a collaborative, educational environment has shifted the industry model, reducing reliance on conventional training institutions.
Voice Planet is dedicated to empowering those eager to utilize their voices in various capacities, from narration to event facilitation, allowing them to receive ample support from experienced professionals. The project strives to cater to a wide array of activities, ensuring participants can align their endeavors with their unique skill sets. The collaborative nature of the platform fosters strong community connections, offering workshops and continuous support, enabling newcomers to integrate into the voice acting world seamlessly.
The future under Sawada’s guide and Voice Planet’s infrastructure holds promising potential for budding vocal talents. With an emphasis on lifelong learning and connectivity among participants, Voice Planet can serve as a launchpad for aspiring voice artists, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and community to succeed in a competitive landscape. As Sawada passionately promotes, discovering one's voice should be an accessible journey marked by enjoyment and creativity rather than intimidation. In this evolving landscape, there lies a beacon of hope for those initially daunted by their aspirations, proving that it is never too late to embrace one’s calling in the world of voice artistry.