This December, I had the honor of attending the SOVAS Voice Arts Awards, often referred to as the “Academy Awards for Voice”—an internationally renowned event celebrating exceptional achievements in the voiceover industry. Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, the same venue as the prestigious Golden Globe Awards, the ceremony brought together narrators and voice actors from across the globe, dressed in stunning attire to showcase their talent and dedication.
I am deeply honored to have received the Grand Prize for Best Audiobook Narration at this year’s event. The award-winning project was a heartwarming Kodansha picture book titled “Mottainai Grandma’s Grandma” by Mariko Shinju. This story held a special place in my heart, as it reminded me of my own grandmother. She would always say “Mottainai, mottainai” (meaning “What a waste, what a waste”) and cherished everything she had, often creating what she needed from materials at home. I am overjoyed to have received this award for a narration inspired by her memory.
As part of the recognition, I was also gifted a pair of high-quality headphones from Audible, which I look forward to using for my future voiceover recordings.
Representing Japan in a Kimono: Sharing Japanese Culture on the Global Stage
For this special occasion, I chose to attend the event in a traditional Japanese kimono. As a proud Japanese voice actor, I wanted to share the beauty of Japanese culture with an international audience. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to introducing people to Japan’s rich traditions, cultural heritage, and even my beloved hometown of Toyama.
The SOVAS Voice Arts Expo: Networking and Growth
In the lead-up to the ceremony, the Voice Arts Expo was held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel. Although I could only attend for a single day due to my travel schedule, it was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to network with talented voice artists, learn from insightful seminars, and explore the latest innovations in voice recording equipment presented by various industry-leading companies.
Connecting with Global Voice Talents
This year’s SOVAS Voice Arts Awards provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with talented voice artists from around the world, meet directors and industry professionals for the first time, and engage with voiceover talents who are actively working in Japan. The exchange of ideas and experiences was truly inspiring, and I feel immense gratitude for these meaningful connections.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Excellence
This prestigious award motivates me to continue honing my skills as a voiceover artist and to deliver high-quality, globally recognized performances. I will strive to provide voices that resonate with audiences worldwide, always seeking new opportunities to grow and improve.
Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this unforgettable journey—organizers, colleagues, and supporters. Thank you so much for making this experience truly special.
