Voice actor Miho Okazaki / Voice actor Saori Onishi

Co-starring in the movie version of "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime." The two talk about their origins as voice actors and their future dreams.

■ Voice actor: Miho Okazaki　
Born November 22nd. Originally from Okayama Prefecture. Affiliated with I'm Enterprise. Major roles include the role of Roselle Keisha in "The Reincarnated Nobleman Rise to Power with Appraisal Skills," Merino in "The Champignon Witch," and Lyne Linster in "Her Royal Highness's Private Tutor."

■ Voice actor Saori Onishi
Born August 6th. Originally from Chiba Prefecture. Affiliated with I'm Enterprise. Major roles include Mejiro McQueen in "Uma Musume: Pretty Derby," Darya Rossetti in "The Magical Tool Maker Darya Never Looks Down," Merino in "The Champignon Witch," and Ais Wallenstein in "Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?"

Voice actors Miho Okazaki and Saori Onishi co-star in "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime The Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea." We spoke to the two, who continue to shine in the world of voice acting, about what inspired them to become voice actors, how they prepared for their roles in this production, and their passion for the job of voice acting, which they say "makes life more enjoyable."

■Please tell us what made you want to become a voice actor.

Okazaki: When I was little, I didn't know that there were people who voiced characters. When I was in junior high school, I was looking for someone to play doubles with in the badminton club, and I met a kid who loved anime, so I started watching anime to become friends with him, and that was my introduction to anime. I've always loved reading aloud since I was little, and I was the type to read with enthusiasm, and I loved the act of reading itself. My friends would compliment me on my voice, and so naturally, I began to aspire to be a voice actor.

Onishi: I started watching anime after I learned that anime characters are voiced by people called voice actors. By the time I was in the fourth grade of elementary school, I had begun to think, "I want to be a voice actor." Ever since I was little, anime was fun, and I could lose track of time and become immersed in it. Once I started thinking of it as a career in the fourth grade of elementary school, it became my goal and a place I wanted to reach.

■What is the best moment to become a voice actor?

Okazaki: Every day is fun. When I'm on stage, I get to experience something out of the ordinary. During dubbing, I get to become someone other than myself, which is really fun. I feel like I get to meet new people through my roles, so I think this job makes my life more enjoyable.

Onishi: Although my job allows me to gain a variety of experiences, I don't often evaluate myself. Our job involves a lot of auditions, and you don't get a role unless you win, and it's also a job where it's difficult to evaluate yourself unless the viewers say "that was good." When viewers, my colleagues, and the staff tell me "that role was great," it makes me feel like I've been recognized. I feel very happy when I feel that my work resonates with people.

■Please tell us what you kept in mind when playing your role in "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Blue Sea."

Okazaki: Although it is a movie version, I played Rimuru as usual. He interacts with new characters and various incidents occur. There is a scene where he shows off a new technique, and I think the way he casually uses it is very Rimuru-like. As this is the second movie version, I was excited and excited, but also nervous during the dubbing. However, I tried to act "as usual" so as not to let that nervousness affect Rimuru, and acted with the feeling of watching over Gobta and Yura.

Onishi: I was very nervous because my character was original to the movie. It was really nerve-wracking to join a team that had been with us until the third season of the TV anime. However, everyone was so composed, so I felt like I would stand out if I was the only one panicking. This time, I got the role through an audition, but when I received the script, I made sure to fully understand the story and my position, and then I played the role with confidence, being conscious of delivering Yura.

■To be precise, please tell us what the highlights of this movie are.

Okazaki: Last time it was "Guren no Kizuna" and this time it's "Azuma no Tear". This is the first time that Tensura has been set at sea. I think many people don't really associate the words "Tensura" and "tears". If anything, I think the image of it being a work full of smiles is strong. I think tears come when you are moved or in a desperate situation. I'm sure after watching this work you will understand at what moment tears come.

Onishi: Yura is in the center of the poster, so I think you'll be able to sense that she's an intriguing character and a key person. However, that's not all; Gobuta also plays an important role in a surprising turn of events. I hope you'll pay attention to Gobuta's efforts. I think the more you've enjoyed the TV series, the more fresh this movie will be, so I hope you'll pay attention to that aspect as well.

■Please tell us about your future dreams and prospects.

Okazaki: I would like to do activities that will give dreams to young children. When I was a student, I watched anime without really understanding the job of a voice actor. I would be happy if I could be someone who can tell children of that age, "There is a world like this." Rather than putting myself forward, I would like to be one part of the larger world of "expression." Also, as an artist, my dream is to perform a live concert at the Budokan.

Onishi: Rather than having a specific dream, I want to be someone who is always curious and never stops challenging themselves. Once you enter society, you gradually become afraid of failure. Looking back now that I'm over 30, I feel like I haven't been able to take on as many challenges as I would have liked. I want to continue to be an adult who continues to take on challenges.

■Please give us a message for university students.

Okazaki: When I was deciding on my future career path, I was torn between going to university, apprenticing to a calligrapher, or pursuing a career as a voice actor. Because I went to a preparatory school, when the career paths were graphed, I was in the minority of 2%. But even so, I am now working hard to blossom as a voice actor in this place. I don't think you need to define your own style too much, and it's okay to waver. It's very important to challenge yourself and increase the number of fun things you do. I encourage you to pursue the things that interest you now.

Onishi: I went to university, but I don't think that studying directly led to my dreams. What was more important were the connections I made with people. Friends and connections will support you no matter what dreams you have in the future. I hope that you will make lots of friends while you can.

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