#Japan #Fukuoka #Voice Planet #Workshop #Katsuyoshi Yatabe

Voice Planet's Second Workshop in Fukuoka with Katsuyoshi Yatabe

In an exciting turn of events, Voice Planet has successfully conducted its second voicing workshop in Fukuoka, this time with seasoned anime director Katsuyoshi Yatabe as the mentor. Following the overwhelming success of last year's workshop, which featured approximately 20 participants, this year's event saw an incredible surge in interest, leading to the recruitment of 30 participants in three distinct sessions.

A Unique Learning Experience

Hosted by the Tokyo-based company Apra, founded by CEO Yosuke Niitsuma, the workshop presented participants with a unique opportunity to engage in voicing sessions for anime directed by Yatabe. Segmented into two groups, participants were divided based on experience levels, with newcomers working on a light-hearted animal anime and returning members focusing on a robot-themed project that resonated with their childhood memories. Notably, the robot anime was a creation that many participants recognized from their youth, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience.

What made this workshop particularly special was the inclusion of handwritten scripts that were used in the original productions. Participants were visibly moved to have access to such rare materials, which allowed them a deeper connection to the works they adored. In addition to the voicing practice, Yatabe shared valuable insights from his extensive career working with prominent voice actors, thus enriching attendees’ understanding of the industry.

Voices from Participants

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One first-time attendee expressed their initial nervousness but shared that they found the experience both enjoyable and enlightening: "Even though I was nervous initially, I had a blast doing the voicing. The exercise on how to use my body and think through lines was incredibly helpful!"

Another participant reflected on the joy of voicing a character from an anime they loved as a child, stating, "Doing the voicing for a show I watched growing up was a blast!" Several others mentioned the workshop helped them understand storytelling nuances and character emotions on a deeper level. One attendee highlighted the challenge of syncing their performance with the visual material but found it to be a rewarding experience: "It was my first time experiencing voicing. Trying to match my lines with the visuals was tough but enjoyable!"

Insights from Katsuyoshi Yatabe

Yatabe noted that the participants' expressions, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, were memorable moments. As the workshop progressed, he observed their anxiety melting away as they became more engaged and animated, showcasing their creativity. Many attendees managed to relive their first voicing experiences with joy, which was deeply fulfilling for him as an instructor.

Katsuyoshi Yatabe: A Journey in Animation

Katsuyoshi Yatabe began his career working on the production of "Yatterman" and has since contributed to numerous well-known titles including "Detective Conan" and "Rurouni Kenshin." He has directed popular anime such as "Yuusha Exkaiser" and "Grappler Baki: Maximum Tournament Arc," while also participating in various realms of entertainment, including theater and video games. His work typically caters to children, characterized by a warm and inviting storytelling style. Besides directing, Yatabe has been actively involved in training the next generation of voice actors since 1995, sharing his expertise as a lecturer at several voice acting schools and currently holding a professorship in animation production at Osaka University of Arts.

About Voice Planet

Voice Planet stands out as a project dedicated to facilitating opportunities for those seeking to leverage their voices in creative activities. The program offers robust support to aspiring individuals, allowing them to explore their passions while gaining insights from industry professionals. With a focus that extends to narrators, Vtubers, and many more, Voice Planet is committed to fostering a vibrant community where participants can connect with others who share similar aspirations. They also provide aftercare support post-project completion, ensuring that individuals continue to grow through ongoing workshops, collaborating opportunities, and educational resources.

For more information, visit Apra.