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my desire to turn this passion into a career. I applied to numerous television stations across Japan and, after a lot of hard work, I landed my first job at Miyagi Television, a TV station in the Tohoku region
Starting my career there was an exciting and fulfilling experience. As a news an- chor and host, I loved every busy, vibrant moment. However, after getting married and having a child, I made the difficult decision to leave the station. At the time, I was anchoring a morning news pro- gram, which required me to be at the TV station by 4:30 AM-a schedule that felt incompatible with raising my daughter.
My daughter was born prematurely and spent time in the NICU, which made me realize how important it was for me to be close to her during those early years. That's when I became interested in build- ing a home recording studio, which al- lowed me to transition into the voiceover industry full-time. This path not only enabled me to balance my personal and professional life but also deepened my appreciation for the art of voice work.
FUSION: What do you love the most of this industry?
What I love most about the VO industry, especially since I began working on a global scale, is the warmth, kindness, and welcoming nature of the people in it. When I first participated in online VO conferences during the pandemic as a Japanese voiceover artist, I was deeply touched by how supportive and encour- aging everyone was.
Even though my English isn't perfect and I sometimes struggle to express myself clearly, people were incredibly patient, often waiting for me to find the right words and cheering me on. They gener- ously shared their knowledge about the international VO industry and welcomed me in the community.
What struck me even more was how many of these relationships con- tinued long after the conferences. Whether it was reconnecting at another event or staying in touch online, ΤΟ
View the full story Please visit our website fusiontvmedia.com/ yukikofujimura the sense of cama- derie and mutual respect was always there. Despite living far apart, we all share the same pas- sion as voiceover artists, and I've been inspired by the dedication, openness, and genuine kindness of so many in this industry. That sense of community is what I love most about being a part of the VO world.
FUSION: What has been your main inspiration towards entertainment?
When I was a child, my parents were concerned about me watching too much TV, so they only allowed me to watch a limited selection of programs, such as news and a few well-known animated shows. Perhaps because of this restric- tion, I developed a deep fascination and admiration for television. As I grew older and gained the freedom to watch more, I became captivated by entertainment programs, dramas, and movies. Their ability to transport me into different worlds and evoke a wide range of emo- tions inspired me to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
It was through these programs that I experienced not just information, but profound human stories, the subtleties of human emotion, and the full spectrum of joy, anger, sorrow, and excitement. They expanded my perspective, enriched my knowledge, and deepened my emo- tional capacity. I owe this growth to the talented individuals who have contrib- uted to the entertainment industry.
I have a deep respect for voiceover artists who can move audiences with just a slight pause or a subtle change in tone-moments that inspire reflection or bring tears to the eyes. To be part of this incredible world as a voiceover artist myself is a privilege beyond words. Collaborating with such extraordinary talent in the entertainment industry motivates me every day to refine my craft and continue striving for excellence.
FUSION: Talk about your challenges in this industry and how do you overcome this obstacle?
One of the challenges in the Japanese voiceover industry has been the limited ac- cess to opportunities unless you belong to a major agency. Additionally, living outside of major cities like Tokyo often means missing out on big projects, as auditions and op- portunities rarely make their way to smaller markets.
After leaving the TV station, I lived in Sendai, a city in the Tohoku region of Japan. I felt that working with major companies was nearly impossible without relocating to Tokyo. As I was raising my child in Sendai, I often worried whether I would be limited to only local projects for the rest of my career.
However, stepping into the international market changed everything. Through learn- ing from voiceover artists overseas, I realized that even while living in a regional city and raising a child, it was entirely possible to connect with global markets, work with major companies, and take part in large- scale projects—all from my home recording studio.
The global voiceover industry taught me that by taking initiative, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and exploring opportuni- ties beyond traditional boundaries, I could significantly expand my career. Simply doing what has always been done rarely leads to change. But by embracing challenges, ex- ploring uncharted territory, and doing what others might hesitate to try, I've discovered that new doors will always open. For this realization, I am deeply grateful to the global VO community, and I carry these lessons with me as I continue to grow and take on new opportunities.
FUSION: What experience do you have in voice-over work?
My first experience in the VO industry was narrating for Japanese television programs. I voiced segments introducing local restau- rants, ranking the most popular songs of the time, and providing narration for news pro- grams. Going into the studio every day and being part of the creative process was incred- ibly exciting. While I sometimes struggled to express myself the way I envisioned early