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Yukari Anzai on Cardcaptor Sakura, Relating to Ajisai Sena, and Finding Warmth in Voice Acting

Twwk

Yukari Anzai is one of those performers whose work often speaks softly but lingers long after the scene ends. Known for roles that balance emotional restraint, quiet strength, and subtle warmth—including in Lapis Re:Lights (Tiara), The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World (Tiana), and The Dreaming Boy is a Realist (Yuyu)—she has steadily built a reputation as a seiyuu who brings thoughtfulness and intentionality to every character she inhabits.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Yukari last month at Anime Frontier, where she appeared to promote the film adaptation of There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless… (WATANARE). Even amid a packed convention schedule, she was unfailingly gracious with her time, answering each question with care and creating a conversation that felt relaxed, reflective, and quietly joyful. What follows is an English translation of our discussion, touching on her early inspirations, her approach to voice acting, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

You mentioned that one of your favorite anime growing up was Cardcaptor Sakura. What did you enjoy about it, and who was your favorite character?

I’ve always loved shows where girls transform and fight, so I watched a lot of that genre growing up. I think the reason I was drawn to those stories is because I loved seeing girls transform into someone different from their everyday selves—and the way they grow through the battles they face.

As for Cardcaptor Sakura, my favorite character is definitely Tomoyo-chan. I loved how she was always by Sakura-chan’s side, supporting her as her closest friend and biggest believer. And I also adored how she was always filming everything with her video camera. I honestly love all the characters, but if I had to choose, it’s Tomoyo-chan for sure.

Speaking of favorite characters, my favorite from WATANARE is Ajisai Sena. She’s so charming! Do you relate to her in any way?

To me, Ajisai is an ideal kind of girl, so I feel like saying we’re alike might be a bit presumptuous. That said, other cast members have told me that we give off a similar vibe.

I do feel that I can really understand how Ajisai feels, so in that sense, there may be parts of her I relate to. But honestly, I think she has so many more wonderful qualities compared to me. There are definitely similarities, but I truly see Ajisai as an admirable and amazing character.

What do you enjoy most about being a seiyuu?

I really enjoy being able to experience things that are different from my own daily life or personality. Getting to live out different experiences through the roles I play—that kind of simulated experience—is something I personally find very fulfilling.

Was there anything unexpected that you learned after becoming a seiyuu?

One thing I learned after entering the industry is that the amount of time between recording and a project’s release varies greatly. Some projects are released very quickly, while others take quite a long time. That was something I only came to understand from the inside.

Each production also has its own atmosphere, or “color,” at the recording site. It’s something you can’t fully grasp until you’re actually there. I may not have experienced many different environments yet, but the WATANARE recording site felt especially warm and welcoming. We often ate meals together, and it had a very homey feeling.

Through those experiences, I learned that the mood of a production and the way cast and staff interact can vary greatly depending on the team behind it.

Did you find the work of a seiyuu more difficult than you initially imagined?

Before becoming a voice actor, just becoming one felt like the ultimate goal. But once I entered the profession, I realized that the real challenge begins after that—going through auditions and making it my next goal to land each role, one by one.

It feels like finishing one job and immediately starting the next job search through auditions.

I also learned that it’s not enough to simply focus on acting itself. You have to think about what is being asked of your performance, what the role requires within the context of the entire work, and how best to meet those expectations.

What goals have you had as a seiyuu, and are there any you still hope to achieve?

Up until now, my goal has been to cherish each role and each moment as they come. When I start thinking too far ahead, I tend to lose focus, so I save the joy and excitement for after a project is finished. I always tell myself to complete what I’m working on now before moving on to the next thing.

I don’t have one big overarching goal, but I do try to approach every role I’m entrusted with sincerely and with care.

Looking ahead, I feel most comfortable playing characters like Ajisai—older sister types who keep a bit of distance, mysterious girls who don’t reveal all their emotions, or characters with a strong sense of self. But I really enjoy roles with duality, characters who have two sides. Exploring that contrast is both fun and fascinating to me. Rather than limiting myself to a specific type, I’d love to continue taking on a wide variety of roles.

Conclusion

Speaking with Yukari Anzai at Anime Frontier was a reminder that some of the most compelling artists are those who approach their work with humility and attentiveness. Throughout the interview, her answers reflected a deep respect for the roles she plays, the people she works with, and the stories she helps bring to life. And what you didn’t see, too, was how open and welcoming she was despite this interview coming at the end of a long day for her.

It’s easy to see how Yukari’s mindset translates into her performances—characters that feel lived-in, emotionally grounded, and quietly resonant. I hope this conversation offers you all a deeper appreciation for both her craft and the person behind the voice!

You can follow Yukari and keep up with her latest work on Twitter and Instagram.

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