W&W
the sense of collaboration with direc- tors and staff as we worked together to create a program was truly thrilling.
When I started recording from my home studio, I began working with a diverse range of clients, including companies, organizations, and museums both in Japan and internationally. These experi- ences not only expanded my knowledge of different countries and cultures but also broadened my perspective as a voiceover artist.
Around 20 years ago, when I first started collaborating with international clients, I often received scripts that had been poorly translated using basic machine translation tools, leading to many surprising and sometimes amusing errors. Luckily, with my background in translation and interpretation, I could request the original text, refine the translation myself, and deliver a polished voiceover. This approach delighted clients and strengthened my skills in both linguistics and storytelling. While Al translation tools have since improved significantly, I still occasionally encoun- ter scripts that need adjustments. In such cases, I provide suggestions to ensure the Japanese language feels natural and engaging for the audience. After all, ev- ery project represents the hard work and dedication of the production team, and as a voiceover artist, I see myself as part of that team, striving to make the final product as impactful as possible.
Having started my career in televi- sion, I was fortunate to work alongside highly skilled audio engineers for years. Their expertise sharpened my ability to distinguish sound quality, which has been invaluable since moving to home recording. Thanks to this foundation, I have never had a project rejected due to sound quality, and I remain committed to delivering audio of the highest caliber for every client.
FUSION: What type of voice-over proj- ects have you worked on?
Yukiko: Over the years, I've had the privilege of providing voiceover work for numerous global companies, including Apple, Google, Tesla, IBM, Microsoft, PRADA, Amazon, and American Express. My work spans commercials, audio guides for iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles, narrations for books and textbooks, and TV programs. Some of the projects I've been involved in have received international recognition, with nominations in prestigious competi- tions like the Voice Arts Awards and One Voice Awards. I've also won accolades such as the Asian Academy Creative Awards - Best Voice Artist, representing not only Japan but earning the top prize. Additionally, I ranked as the most popular voice in the English Soundbyte Contest, showcas- ing how my voice resonates across languages and cultures even I am not an English native speaker. It's an honor to contribute to enhancing the brand value and driving sales for world-class clients by deliver- ing "the voice they need now." Each genre | work in has unique demands, which makes every