T-ONO: We heard you got to look around San Francisco. Was there anything you enjoyed?
Hirano: This is my first time in San Francisco. On my first day, I was able to visit some of the famous sightseeing areas. On the second day before the opening ceremonies, I went to Silicon Valley and was able to visit and take some photos in front of Google, Facebook, and Apple.
T-ONO: I noticed you’re wearing a Google jacket, was there anything you thought was interesting while visiting those places?
Hirano: Yes! [laughs]
I was able to visit the Golden Gate Bridge which I’ve only seen in movies and it was really impressive. While at Google, I was actually wearing the colors of Google so I looked like someone who really likes Google. [laughs]
T-ONO: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen so far at FanimeCon?
Hirano: I had an autograph session and panel yesterday and I had a really warm reception from the fans. I was able to take a group photo with all the fans during the panel.
I also came to the United States in 2007 for Anime Expo in Los Angeles, and a lot of fans in my panel were there as well. I was able to meet a lot of the same fans again after 12 years. There was actually one person who wasn’t able to get my autograph at that event but was able to finally get one this time. This made me really glad to see my old fans too.
T-ONO: Before coming to Fanime in San Jose, you also made a couple of appearances this year including Hawaii and Quebec. Can you please tell us what sparked your recent tour?
Hirano: Two years ago I studied abroad in New York and at that time, I noticed language and words were more important than I thought. I thought it’d be nice If I could help spread anime to the world by being able to use English. From now on, I’d like to actively participate in more events, including holding concerts abroad.
T-ONO: While you were in New York, can you tell us a little about your studies?
Hirano: I came to study English and take vocal lessons; I’m actually doing musicals right now. I try to go at least twice a year for vocal lessons.
T-ONO: What was it like adjusting to living in America?
Hirano: When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone in New York. It was as if I was living alone again, so it made me very anxious. I ended up making a lot of new friends from different countries that were in the same level classes. We all studied together, and it was pretty fun.
When I was still a student in Japan, I was already working. I feel like I wasn't able to experience typical student life, such as hanging out with friends, because I had to take time off school for work. Studying in America gave me the feeling of being like a normal student again. I feel like that filled me with more happy moments than tough ones.
When I first started classes, I was keeping the fact that I was working as a voice actress a secret. However, during our self-introductions, we had to talk about what kind of work we were doing. I thought about which one of my roles would be the easiest one to be recognized, so I said I was Dende from Dragon Ball, so everyone kept calling me Dende.
T-ONO: Outside of your visit to the anime shop Forbidden Planet while in New York, were you ever recognized by fans?
Hirano: Everyone actually thought I was a child. [chuckles]
I actually didn’t get noticed at all. There were shops that sold the Fairy Tail manga, so I was always reading it, but nobody really noticed me.
T-ONO: What lead you to your interest in stage theater?
Hirano: As a child, I have always wanted to become a musical star. At the age of 10, I joined a stage group [Tokyo Child Theatrical Group] and auditioned for Annie and many other different musicals, but I failed to get any parts. When I was about to give up, I received another offer for an audition, and finally was able to land a role in Les Miserable.
T-ONO: With your interest in musicals, how did you end up working in voice acting?
Hirano: When I was 12 years old, I took part in a drama that also had an anime. I was able to work in both the live action and the anime. That was probably the first time I lent my voice to an anime. One part of the role was sort of like a narration; I had to read a four-page script which felt kind of like a strange role. This role was sort of the reason I got into the anime industry. The director of the show and my manager at that time told me my voice and narration were amazing and suggested I should try auditioning for anime roles. That’s how I made my debut in anime.
T-ONO: Was it difficult coping with your sudden rise in popularity as a voice actress?
Hirano: When I was young, I wasn’t very popular. I appeared in small commercials and some television dramas. Afterward, I started working in an idol unit, and at the same time became a voice actress. I think it was more like I was a sort of unknown voice actress at the time.
I did a few years of voice acting before Haruhi Suzumiya's role came into my hands. At that time, Twitter was just becoming popular, and I was exposed to the entire world along with Haruhi and became popular. Although it didn’t feel like a short period of time, I felt like I didn’t understand what was happening to me, so it was very surreal.
T-ONO: With such a prolific career including voice acting, singing, stage acting, television shows, etc. what are your plans moving forward?
Hirano: Hmm, I wonder what? [laughs]
I’ve been able to do so many different types of jobs, but I’d really like to do something only I can do and do so at an international level. My dream is to do a sort of solo world tour.
When it comes to musicals, I used to live in New York when I was a child, so it’s always been a dream to be able to be in a Broadway musical.
T-ONO: With your background in voice acting and musicals, have you ever considered performing in 2.5D (anime) musicals?
Hirano: I’ve never been in any 2.5D musicals, and I think they’re very difficult; however, I do think that all voice actors are already somewhat 2.5D. Having said that, I think that those types of musicals should be left to actors who specialize in 2.5D.
T-ONO: Can you tell us a little about what you are currently working on and any information on upcoming projects you could possibly share?
Hirano: In Japan, the final season of Fairy Tail is currently being aired and it’s currently getting into the climax, so hopefully people will watch it until the end. The original manga series has ended, but Fairy Tail has a number of spinoffs as well, so when we were recording, we would always talk about those and how we hope more would be made.
T-ONO: Lastly, a message for the readers and fans.
Hirano: This was my first time being able to come to San Jose and San Francisco, the climate feels really nice and I felt very refreshed as soon as I got here. If I could come back for an event, I would really love that. If possible, I’d like to be able to do a Haruhi concert the next time I come!
Follow Aya Hirano:
