SEIYUU LOUNGE

In this episode of Seiyuu Lounge, we have the first guest on the show. Kotaro Nishio, a friend of mine who's also a Japanese language tutor and content creator with the podcast  ⁨@konbini.nihongo.podcast⁩  joins us to talk about various aspects of Japanese culture and language and answer your questions.In this episode, we discuss the effectiveness of learning Japanese through music and anime, address common misconceptions about Japanese culture, and share insights on working in Japan. Kotaro also shares his journey to becoming a Japanese tutor and the influence of global music trends in Japan. This is an unscripted episode of the podcast. This is part 1 of 2.

Sir Vanity kicked off 2025 with a stellar entry in the repertoire with the EP "Latitude".Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Anthos* kicked off its 4th CD series, Human or Doll, with a refreshing entry bringing late 90s R&B pop and hip-hop, keeping us guessing with unique compositions and vocal direction.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

One of the most unique 2D music groups at the moment, with a mature take on pop music while subverting expectations in idol music, in this episode, let's talk about XlamV's 3rd EP "Landscape".Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

A unique mixed-media project with K-pop at its core, an exciting sound, and genuinely interesting characters and story. In this episode, we are going to talk about Perfection Noise, a project that went on a hiatus in 2021.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

The most complex singer-songwriters among male seiyuu, all about intricate concepts, literary influences, rock music, and technical performances. In this unhinged episode, let's talk about a crazy theory of mine: that Soma Saito and Makoto Furukawa are two sides of the same coin as solo artists.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

When it comes to storytelling interwoven with music, it's hard to find 2D music projects that top these ones. In this episode, let's talk about the 5 Best Storytelling-driven 2D music projects, according to me. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

On this episode of Seiyuu Lounge, it's time to cover Ensemble Stars!!, one of the most consistently successful 2D music projects in the past decade. In this episode, let's talk about some of the groups, the anime, games, and the continuous success this franchise has experienced.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

On this episode of Seiyuu Lounge, we'll talk a bit about The IDOLM@STER SideM and celebrate its 10th anniversary! Let's talk about the groups, anime, games and the odd decline since 2016 that has yet to be explained. Also, a bonus story about how I became indebted to this franchise. Don't miss this episode!Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Join me on this episode of Seiyuu Lounge to talk a bit about B-PROJECT and celebrate its 10th anniversary! We'll be talking about the 2D music groups MooNs, THRIVE, KiLLER KiNG and Kitakore and their journey over the past decade. Don't miss this special episode!

Join me on Seiyuu Lounge as we celebrate TSUKIPRO's 10th anniversary! We'll be talking about the 2D music groups SolidS, SOARA, Growth, and QUELL and their journey over the past decade. Don't miss this special episode!This is an unscripted episode of the podcast. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Join me to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dear Vocalist in this episode of Seiyuu Lounge! Dive into the world of this 2D music project by Rejet and discover the magic behind its long run.This is an unscripted episode of the podcast. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

2015 was one of the biggest years for fans of 2D music. Some of the most influential, record-breaking 2D music projects launched that year, seiyuu careers were taken to stardom due to some of those and now, 10 years later, they're still around, ready to celebrate their 10th anniversaries.This is an unscripted episode of the podcast. The first of several covering the 2D music projects that turn 10 years old in 2025.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

And excitement is thorough the roof, even if with some reservations, seeing as King Amusement Creative hasn't let Shoya Chiba impress like he did with "Blessing", his 1st EP. Let's talk about this album and what we can expect from it in this episode.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

And you can bet I'm super excited about this one as there's a nod to Moriarty The Patriot, a duality of photos - that could mean a duality of concepts (or sides of himself shown) and more new music coming from Makoto Furukawa.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

A sophomore release that left a lot to be desired, yet one in which there were plenty of cool ideas and impressive moments. It's time to talk about Shoya Chiba's "Contrail", his 1st single released in August 2024.Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Awesome nominees, amazing music that kept pushing the boundaries of quality and technicality for seiyuu artists and 2D groups. Memorable performances and outstanding CD releases.It's time to check the winners - as voted by you - at THTFHQ AWARDS 2024.Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's edition!Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

An underrated rock album coming from a seiyuu artist that deserves more attention. In 2021, Toshiki Masuda impressed me with his most consistent album to date, "Origin". This rock album with indie influences goes back into Masuda's origins as a rock fan and showers listeners with quite the nostalgic and motivational set of tunes. While this album sold a lot at the time of release, it is barely mentioned as one of the best rock albums by a male seiyuu so, I come here to talk to you about it. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

It's time for a listener request on this podcast. If you ever wondered how music licensing works for albums featuring cover songs, if it is worth it, who earns money off of whom and why some seiyuu artists are doing this just like how Shunichi Toki did with the mini-album “Log.”, this is the episode for you. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

One of the biggest surprises in 2024, Shouta Aoi's mini-album "Collage" arrived late in the year but made a massive impact in what is Aoi's most consistent release to date. This is an unscripted episode. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Time to talk about my expectations and predictions for the current year, always suggest the same seiyuu to make a solo debut and, overall, have really high expectations for the 2D music scene and for male seiyuu solo artists. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

We're wrapping up all the features about the best of 2024! After covering the best albums and song, it's time to talk about the 7 male seiyuu that were on a mission in 2024, impressing everyone with their quality in the multiple projects they're a part of. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

2024 is already behind us but it is still far from being talked about. After talking about the best songs and albums by male seiyuu and 2D music projects released last year, it's time to cover the albums that I feel were completely overlooked yet, they are awesome and deserve all your love and attention. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Have you checked the music releases dropping in the 1st quarter of 2025? Male seiyuu artists, bands, and 2D groups are on fire in this year's first months, and there's a lot to be excited about. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Groovy music, timeless jazz, addictive dance music, unique experiences and storytelling. It's time to unveil the 4 best albums of the year in this episode of SEIYUU LOUNGE. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Heartwrenching songs, groovy ones, addictive ones that make you stop everything you're doing, outstanding performances and plenty of hours of fun. In this episode, I bring all of that and more into a small list feature just for you featuring the best songs released by 2D groups and male seiyuu artists in 2024. Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7aNhhhoeoZq28cRKTHlVyl?si=0d278905ab044215 Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

In this episode, let's revisit some of the live shows, surprises, big news and more that marked 2024 for fans of male seiyuu artists and 2D groups. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

In this episode, let's cover both the highs and lows in 2D music projects in 2024, with a big focus on the newly launched 2D music projects.  And there's plenty to talk about from Loulou*di's last album to the from ARGONAVIS franchise announcing a hiatus and much more. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Time to cover the Big Solo Artist and 2D Group Debuts in 2024!! In this episode, you and I cover the solo artist and 2D group debuts of 2024 and explore a bit why there was barely any activity this year when it came to, especially, 2D group and seiyuu units debuts. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Now, more than ever, veteran seiyuu are relevant in the 2D music industry whereas in the past this was a field in which only rookies and trendy seiyuu would dominate. In this episode let's talk about 7 veteran male seiyuu who have been impressing a whole lot in 2D music projects and how those projects ended up reviving the careers of some of them. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

"VALIANT" is extremely aggressive, not packing any of TRIGGER's trademark beauty and allure on top of their passionate performances. It is a masterpiece of pop music writing and mixing, especially for 2D music projects and the most cohesive album ever released by a 2D group. And in this episode, let's dive deep into this mini-album and check all the geeky details about it and why you should check it (if you haven't already). Full review

He's known for being a chameleon voice actor, able to go from shouty, intense shounen roles to deeper, darker and twisted performances that make your jaw drop in awe. He's a renowned voice actor in Japan and now even owner and CEO of his own Seiyuu talent agency, Racoon Dog. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of voice acting through the eyes of one of Japan's most renowned seiyuu, Nobuhiko Okamoto, exploring his career journey, the evolving changes in the voice acting industry, and the passion that drives his performances. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Known as the most aggressive rocker - personality and sound - in the Dear Vocalist franchise, Judah ends up delivering the most romantic album in the franchise with "Display". This is character development at its best, proof that the Dear Vocalist franchise is one of the best around when it comes to committing to the characters, their stories, and their evolving sound that is influenced by their actions in said stories. In “Display” (the album), Judah bares his heart out. He's bold, at times aggressive, others just misunderstood or clumsy but his intense rock sound and emotional lyrics show the care and longing for his loved one. And Soma Saito absolutely smashes every single song on the performance side. Full review

Many veteran seiyuu, with decades of experience, have been criticized for participating in 2D music projects and performing on stage with younger seiyuu. At the same time, the industry is changing so much that Utaites are taking leading roles in projects that used to be exclusively for professional voice actors. What is happening right now? Why are fans complaining about veteran seiyuu and what is the problem we should all team up to talk about instead of ageism? Is the seiyuu industry changing, bringing people of different backgrounds to do voice acting work and, potentially, "take" roles away from professional seiyuu? This and more in this extended - unscripted - episode of Seiyuu Lounge! Thanks to regular commenter Unwelcome for inspiring this episode! Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

He's one of the biggest stars in the seiyuu industry. He has a repertoire that many envy. He's at the forefront when it comes to innovating and pushing forward what seiyuu can do. But not everything was the success and recognition Yuki Kaji now experiences. Early on he struggled to get roles, had tough competition within his agency, and it was hard for him. So in this episode, let's talk a bit about those struggles and how he overcame those, inspiring the newest generations of seiyuu. Video that inspired this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkF2x01cgOo&ab_channel=%E6%97%A5%E3%83%86%E3%83%ACNEWS Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Owner of one of the coolest deep voices in the seiyuu industry, Katsuyuki Konishi has had a career of ups and downs from being a top, sought-after talent to almost disappearing and now rising from the ashes. But how did he make it in his 50s and become more popular than ever? Why does he say that “If I don't keep doing various roles, I'll be replaced.”? Video interview that inspired this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4h0o3Izv_I&ab_channel=%E6%97%A5%E3%83%86%E3%83%ACNEWS Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Soma Saito's "Fictions" offers a refreshing surprise by moving away from his usual overarching story format. Instead, it presents individual short stories in each track, focusing on themes of nostalgia, longing, and homesickness. Each song is a "fiction" ready for you to uncover. The album is more straightforward than his previous concept-driven works, making it accessible for new fans who can enjoy songs independently. With a mix of pop, shoegaze, indie rock, and ballads, "Fictions" has a more radio-friendly sound, with standout tracks like "Hammer Girl," "Sway," "Noctiluca," and "Ame no Niwa." While it may not be his best album to date, it's playful, bright, and innovative, showcasing Saito's vocal versatility and creativity in ways he had never shown before. "Fictions" is a must-listen and is likely to be a favorite for many this year. Full review

We're diving deep into the world of voice acting through the eyes of one of its most iconic and respected talents, Junichi Suwabe. We'll explore his journey into the industry, his perspectives on the craft, and his insights on the future of voice acting. By the end of this episode, you'll have a unique insider's view of the seiyuu industry from someone who has been at its forefront for over two decades.  Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Time to pull back the curtain on a crucial but often overlooked role in the seiyuu industry: the voice actor manager. We'll explore their daily responsibilities, how they become managers, and the qualities that make them successful. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of these professionals' vital role in supporting and guiding seiyuu careers. And how tricky their job is. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

The seiyuu industry is known for its competitiveness and the immense talent of its voice actors. At the heart of this industry lies the audition process, a critical step that can make or break a seiyuu's career. In this episode, we'll explore the intricacies of the audition process, the challenges seiyuu face, and the skills required to succeed in this competitive industry. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to land roles in the world of voice acting. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Seiyuu struggle for years to get supporting roles, they have a twisted and unfair ranking system that determines how much money they can charge and as such they are underpaid most of the time and now, the newest generations are joining the industry just with the focus of quickly branching out to being idols or artists or personalities instead of doing what seiyuu used to do: voice acting. With that in mind - and following a couple of interviews I checked by Megumi Ogata - let's talk about voice acting not being a job for everyone. Time for some truth bombs by one of the most vocal voice actresses in Japan? Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

There is nothing like falling in love with the cast of an anime series, game, or drama CD and hoping that, when the time comes for an adaptation to a different medium, the cast remains the same. We've grown to love those voices, the actors suit the characters or make the characters larger than life but then… we notice that, for example, the cast of a drama CD was completely replaced by a whole new cast in an anime adaptation. Why do this? Why are voice actors replaced? It's time to cover this and more in this episode. Video that inspired this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fU-Ma0BD5s&ab_channel=%E3%81%97%E3%82%89%E3%81%84%E3%82%80%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Welcome to SEIYUU LOUNGE, weekly podcast all about Japanese voice actors, seiyuu artists, and 2D groups. Here you will learn more about: What are seiyuu? The seiyuu ranking and earnings? Everything about auditions Voice tones and techniques The history of seiyuu units 2D groups/projects Seiyuu artists and their careers (including a look at their CD releases) Music reviews Recommendations List features and more If you want to know more about male voice actors, 2D groups, or just have a general curiosity about the voice acting industry in Japan, this is the podcast for you so I hope to see you around soon! NOTE: All the information used in this podcast comes from verified sources - official voice actor interviews for magazines, TV and radio shows - as well as books written by some of the voice actors. SEIYUU LOUNGE is a self-published podcast by The Hand That Feeds HQ, an independent website covering everything about male seiyuu artists and 2D groups, and is hosted by its founder and sole content creator, Vanessa Silva.

In this week's episode I've tried something a bit different: if I could erase 7 albums from my memory to experience them again for the first time, what albums would I choose? What about you? Let me know your own choices in the comments! Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

Sir Vanity's "Midnight Sun" made an instant impact in a music industry lacking quality and uniqueness in rock bands fronted by male seiyuu. With a unique focus on fashion and not bound to a music genre, Sir Vanity is, easily, one of the best bands of this decade, showcasing it with a lot of confidence in "Midnight Sun". In this video, we're dissecting the mini-album, exploring its genre-bending sounds, unique structures, and killer vocals. Is Sir Vanity's "Midnight Sun" one of the best albums of this decade? Full review

Exciting news for VS AMBIVALENZ fans! The unique 2D idol music project is welcoming not just one, but TWO new groups: Fun4re and Illuvista! In this video, we'll be discussing everything we know about these new additions, including members, debut CDs, and what this means for the future of VS AMBIVALENZ. Are you hyped for Fun4re and Illuvista? Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

The world of 2D idols is full of talented singers and performers! But what makes someone stand out enough to get a solo debut? In this video, we're diving deep into the factors that influence who gets to go solo, from vocal and dance skills to stage presence and fan popularity. Do you think outstanding performances in a group guarantee a solo debut? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

2024 has been a surprising year for fans of male seiyuu artists and 2D groups, and with a couple of amazing albums already out, it's hard to keep track! In this video, we're diving into some of the absolute best albums that have dropped so far this year. From Shoya Chiba's impressive debut EP "Blessing" to Kent Ito's retro-futuristic "Sain" and the genre-bending brilliance of XlamV's "Raise," get ready to discover your new favorite albums! Let me know what your favorite albums of 2024 so far are in the comments! ============== More information about these CDs: ============== Shoya Chiba's “Blessing”

The year is already flying by, but that means tons of new music is on the horizon! In this episode, I'm counting down my top 5 most anticipated album releases of 2024! We've got Shoya Chiba's 1st single "Contrail", KAGARIBI's "Fushichou", Anthos*'s "MORE", IDOLiSH7's 3rd album "LEADiNG TONE", and one more surprise album you won't want to miss! Let me know what albums you're most excited about in the comments! More information about these CDs: Shoya Chiba's 1st single “Contrail” KAGARIBI “Fushichou” Anthos* “MORE” IDOLiSH7 3rd Album “LEADiNG TONE” Soma Saito's 3rd full-length album Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

DYNAMIC CHORD is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, and we're diving deep into all the exciting announcements! Get ready for new shuffle units, a Nintendo Switch port of the original - and awesome - visual novels, and a whole lot more! I'll break down the details, discuss what it means for the future of DYNAMIC CHORD, and share my reactions! Are you excited for DYNAMIC CHORD's return? Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!

This is one of the most talked about topics in the voice acting industry in Japan. There is a genuine worry about how AI may completely mess up the industry, take jobs, and make it even harder for aspiring seiyuu to do what they love as a career. In this episode, let's talk about some of the insights by Yuki Kaji in an interview for NHK early this year, Junichi Suwabe's take on AI as well as the opinion from the Japanese Actors Association. By the end of this episode let's cover the cases in which using AI-technology can actually be something that can benefit some seiyuu. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider ranking this podcast or leaving a review on your preferred podcast streaming platform!