Interview with Misa Watanabe, Acclaimed Japanese Voice Actress and Stage Performer

We had the pleasure of sitting down at Anime Weekend Atlanta with the acclaimed Japanese actress Misa Watanabe, a beloved figure in the world of anime and voice acting. With a career spanning over three decades, Misa has brought life to an impressive array of characters across anime, video games, and even stage plays. Her recent work includes roles such as the narrator in Sylvanian Families: A Gift from Flare, Queen Diore in Dragon Quest X: Heroes of the Stars Online and Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Tribes Offline, Felicia Louisa Gresley in Luminous Witches, and Salamandamon in Digimon Ghost Game.

At Anime Weekend Atlanta, Misa took time to reflect on her incredible journey, from her early beginnings in voice acting to her recent projects. We also delved into her thoughts on the live-action adaptation of One Piece and her experience crafting voices for characters, offering fans a glimpse into her enduring passion for her craft.

Misa Watanabe: Acclaimed Japanese voice actress

LastLooks: I know you’ve attended Anime Expo in the past. What’s it like to return to the States for another anime convention and specifically Atlanta?

Misa Watanabe: Yes, I’ve been to the states but I have never been to Atlanta, so this is my first time coming here. I did a lot of research online to see what the city has, and I’m very excited to be here!

LastLooks: How did you get your start in acting, and how did that lead to voice acting?

Misa Watanabe: I started acting on stage. My teacher at the time was the voice actor for the classic anime Astro Boy (Mari Shimizu). She taught at a school I attended, and that’s where I formed my first link to voice acting while learning from her.

LastLooks: Since anime is inherently Japanese, you’re typically defining the character’s voice for the first time, while American voice actors are dubbing over them. How do you approach then your role as the progenitor of the character’s voice?

Misa Watanabe: When I approach a role, I start by reading the original material to understand the character and the story. If I’m coming into a story that’s already in progress, that is when it can sometimes be challenging to fully understand the character at first.

LastLooks: How much creative freedom do you have in your roles compared to the direction you receive from producers or directors?

Misa Watanabe: Initially, I give my interpretation of how I imagine the character might sound. I will then act out some lines of dialogue, and the director then listens back to my line reading and gives me feedback. They might say, “Maybe the character could be more this way?” So they’d express their opinion, and then together we’d adjust the voice.

LastLooks: So it sounds like it’s a very collaborative process?

Misa Watanabe: That’s right.

LastLooks: I’ll admit I’m not entirely familiar with how voice casting typically works in Japan. Given your esteemed stature in the industry, are you often approached directly for specific roles without the need to audition, or do you still find yourself participating in open casting calls? Or is it a mix of both?

Misa Watanabe: It’s both.

LastLooks: You’ve played a wide range of characters, from horror (Higurashi) to comedy (Nerima Daikon). Do you enjoy the challenge of such variety in your roles?

Misa Watanabe: So I don’t typically choose which job or role to go out for, but when I’m given a role I make sure to put my all into the performance.

LastLooks: You mentioned your stage background. How does that influence your voice acting, and vice versa?

Misa Watanabe: I think the skills from stage acting and voice acting complement each other, and I’m grateful for the experience to do both.

LastLooks: With stage acting, you get immediate feedback from the audience. How does it feel to receive feedback from fans of your voice acting, sometimes long after the anime has aired?

Misa Watanabe: There are times when I’ve done a role and gave it my best, but for anime and video games there’s a time lag between its release so I may even forget during that time thinking, “What role did I do again?” [Laughter]

LastLooks: That’s understandable too as you’ve had so many roles as well! Speaking of your roles and your fans, have you seen fans cosplay as your characters? I’m sure there is a distinction between American and Japanese cosplayers portrayals too.

Misa Watanabe: There are distinctions, but overall I’m always amazed by the quality of the cosplay—especially the makeup, fashion, and craftsmanship. In America in particular, I’m also amazed some fans work on their body shapes to match the characters.

Miss Wednesday in One Piece (Source: Toei Animation)

LastLooks: You voiced Miss Wednesday in the One Piece anime, and with the Netflix live-action series now out, have you had a chance to watch it?

Misa Watanabe: Season one was very fun. I’m very excited now for season two, especially because it’s all about Arabasta.

LastLooks: I know you’re familiar with our anime convention scene, but is it still mind blowing how far the fandom has grown internationally?

Misa Watanabe: I’m very happy to see how much anime culture has spread globally.

LastLooks: You’ve achieved so much in your career. Is there a role or type of acting you still aspire to try?

Misa Watanabe: There’s no limit to the kinds of roles I want to try. [Smiling]

LastLooks: Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me. I really appreciate it, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your time at Anime Weekend Atlanta and in the city!

Misa Watanabe: Thank you as well!