Kanzaki Shinichi and Kawanaka Yua engaged their audience with charming and humorous insights during their recent ABEMA Special, aptly tapping on their experiences as beloved voice actors.
On January 17, 2023, the popular duo shared the stage on the ABEMA anime live channel program "Voice Actors' Night Out" where they entertained viewers with candid reflections about their public personas and work-related behaviors.
The segment was filled with playful inquiries from the show's staff, who took the opportunity to pose lighthearted questions, aiming to explore the personalities of Kanzaki and Kawanaka. Interestingly, inquiries like why Kanzaki doesn’t bring bags to work or why Kawanaka tends to favor black masks transitioned seamlessly from trivial observations to hearty laughter.
Kanzaki humorously addressed the question about his perceived cuteness by candidly stating, "I think it's cute. It's unconsciously coming out, so..." Perhaps hinting at the natural evolution of one’s persona with age, he followed up with, "People say you go back to being like a baby when you grow older! I think as I cross 50, I'm gradually reverting to my childhood self. I bet by my 60s or 70s, I’ll be extremely cute!" This charming honesty certainly won over the studio audience.
Conversely, Kawanaka responded to the topic of his fashion choices with vibrant enthusiasm. When questioned about the reason behind his preference for black masks, he straightforwardly admitted, "I’m trying to look cool, you know?" His earnestness about wanting to appear stylish even drew chuckles, as he explained how black outfits coordinate best with his wardrobe, adding, "But yes, I’ve got to admit, I do want to look good!"
The discussion took another delightful turn when the topic moved toward Kawanaka’s participation in staff karaoke sessions. Despite previous hesitations about joining these gatherings as just another staff member, he proudly stated, "I was super happy about this!" praising the experiences he dreamed of being part of since hearing staff frequently visited karaoke venues.
This admission, brimming with genuine joy, emphasized his discovery of pure enjoyment in mingling outside of the voice acting booth, shedding doubts about his participation. Refuting claims of sometimes joining reluctantly, he quickly clarified, "That’s not true!" ensuring the audience understood his fondness for these bonding moments.
Observing the interaction, Kanzaki noticed some skepticism remained around Kawanaka’s engagement level, playfully adding, "It seems it’s not coming across well. Maybe you should be more enthusiastic!" To which Kawanaka enthusiastically responded, "Well, I had maracas and sung duets!" lending not only to laughter but highlighting their warm camaraderie.
What stood out from their lively exchanges was the convivial atmosphere nurtured in their daily routines. It’s evident Kanzaki and Kawanaka have developed not just as work colleagues but as friends, exploring their identities with humor and openness. The charming banter and genuine delight they shared made it clear to viewers—there’s much more to the personalities behind their beloved characters.
With such engaging interactions and candid moments, Kanzaki and Kawanaka’s ABEMA Special illustrated how talent goes beyond the microphone and showcases the joy contributing to their thriving careers. Their ability to tackle questions, laugh off quirks, and revel in backstage stories captivates audiences, embedding deeply human experiences alongside their animated work.