CATDOLL: Interview with Jun Fukuyama, the CV of Lelouch, who said that reading dramas is the happiest thing

Anime has become an international topic. As an anime fan, do you know the mental journey of the voice actors who bring characters to life? The mini interview program "Voice Switch" has gained a lot of popularity among voice actor fans by revealing the "bare faces" of popular voice actors. Just like a switch, work content is "ON" and personal content is "OFF". AnimateTV will bring you an exclusive interview with voice actors every time after recording. The guest invited this time is the popular voice actor Jun Fukuyama, who has voiced many well-known characters such as Lelouch Lamperouge in "CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion", Togashi Yuta in "Chuunibyou ga Kouai!", and Kishitani Silla in "Durarara!!". He answered many questions that everyone is interested in, such as the opportunity to become a voice actor and the turning point in life. Without further ado, let's go into the front and back of Jun Fukuyama!

Seven years later, I can finally open my heart to tell you about "CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion"

——Thank you for your hard work. How did you feel about recording "Voice Switch" this time?

Fukuyama Jun: The opportunity to present the interview to you through video is quite precious, so I am very careful in choosing words and sentences!

——In this program, we discussed in depth your work and personal topics, Mr. Fukuyama, which left a deep impression on me. How do you feel about this?

Fukuyama Jun: Actually, if I look back on the works I have participated in so far, I still feel shy and can't open up to them. But recently, I have finally overcome this obstacle and have gradually become able to discuss the works I have participated in. Today is the case. I looked back on the past and looked forward to the future in my own words. It was a very meaningful time.

——You mentioned the work "CODE GEASS: Lelouch of the Rebellion" many times in the collection.

Fukuyama Jun: Because I really put all my effort into this work, there are many stories worth talking about (laughs). When the show first aired, I often thought, "It's better not to say this," but nearly seven years after the show ended, all of this has become a topic of conversation when I discuss this work, and I'm still very happy about it.

Whether it is a drama or a comedy, they all have their own fun

——In the show you also openly talked about the little episode of entering the voice actor training school, which surprised me.

Fukuyama Jun: That's really a selfish reason (laughs). But if it weren't for that opportunity, I wouldn't be here today. It has undoubtedly become a turning point in my life.

——But you must have been very conflicted at that time, right?

Fukuyama Jun: At that time, I only had this strong desire in my heart: "I must leave my parents and go to Tokyo!" I had no awareness or sense of being able to work in this industry for the rest of my life. But fortunately, I was lucky and everything went smoothly (laughs). Of course, I only dare to say these words now.

——I think many readers will be surprised by Mr. Fukuyama's unexpected side (laughs). Then can you tell us about the most enjoyable work you have done so far?

Fukuyama Jun: Different works have different ways of feeling, and for me, almost all of them are fun. If I have to pick one, I would choose the annual reading play "The Eraser in My Head" (私の頭の中の消しゴム).

—Reading a play?

Fukuyama Jun: When I first joined the performance company, I didn't know anything. At the reading sessions, Mr. Nagai Ichiro and Mr. Sakai Osamu took the lead and trained me. It is precisely because of the experience during that period that I can now show my own style, so participating in reading sessions is a very valuable thing for me. In addition, at these reading sessions, I will be alone with people who are not voice actors, and perform together for about two hours. Every time I participate, I will discover something new.

—Two hours? That must be very hard.

Fukuyama Jun: Every time I do this, I feel the tension and pressure that tear my heart apart (laughs). Also, I usually don’t have to repeat the same role when dubbing anime works every year, so it’s fun to challenge the same work again after accumulating a year’s experience.

——Indeed, these parts can only be enjoyed on stage.

Fukuyama Jun: Ah, and two years ago when I participated in the animation "Ixion Legend DT", I thought this kind of stupid work is great! There is no need to think about anything complicated, just wave your hand and say "This work has no meaning! But if it can make everyone laugh, it's enough!" It's such a work (laughs). Sure enough, for me, doing things that I haven't experienced before can bring more new discoveries and fun than doing things that I have experienced before.

——Then please say something to our readers at the end of this interview.

Fukuyama Jun: I am very happy to be able to participate in this program. It made me re-examine myself from all angles. I have accumulated a lot of experience over the years. Now I don’t dare to call myself a newcomer, but I still hope that everyone will like the works and characters I dub. "It turns out that people of this generation dub characters in this way", "What kind of mood do other voice actors have when they work?" I will be very happy if everyone has such feelings after watching it! Please be sure to pay attention to the program!

--Thank you so much!