Kenichi Matsuyama, the well-known voice actor and host, appeared on the March 1 episode of TV Tokyo's show "Ijuin Hikaru & Sakuma Nobuyuki's Katte ni Teleto Hihyō," highlighting his dedication to children’s programming and the responsibilities it entails.
Currently serving as the MC for "Ohasuta," which airs Monday through Friday at 7:05 AM, Matsuyama shared insights about his approach to creating content for children. He stated, "I always live thinking I should not embarrass children or disappoint them." His sentiment struck at the core of how he perceives his role on children’s television, reflecting his long-held commitment to maintaining integrity for his young audience.
Matsuyama's career includes much more than just his role on "Ohasuta." He is also involved with NHK's "Tensai! Terebi-kun" and appears regularly on "Doraemon." "I have so many opportunities to work with content viewed by children, and two years ago I started appearing on 'Kamen Rider Revice,'" he explained. It is evident from his diverse roles how deeply embedded he is in children's media.
During the show, host Ijuin Hikaru introduced Matsuyama’s historical connection to children's programming, bringing up how "Ohasuta" has roots dating back to 1979 under its original name, "Ohayo Stand." Ijuin reminisced, "I was in sixth grade at the time, and everyone gathered at TV Tokyo under Tokyo Tower—those were the days of childhood camaraderie!" This nostalgic reflection set the stage for Matsuyama, who proudly stated, "I was inspired by legendary figures like Yamadera Koichi and Hanae Natsuki, whose paths crafted the legacy of those who host 'Ohasuta.'"
When asked about the curious pattern of legendary voice actors hosting the show, Matsuyama responded with intrigue, reflecting on why they seem to follow this tradition. "That might have started from Yamadera-san's invitation to my senior and colleague Hanae-kun. It created this intriguing flow of voice actors, so to speak," Matsuyama theorized. His methodical thoughts reveal his respect and admiration for the veterans of the field.
The discussion turned lighter as Matsuyama shared humorous anecdotes about his profession. He recalled how he once became the subject of jokes on social media, where someone quipped, "There was even a time two years ago when the rumor spread on social media saying it was impossible to avoid Kenichi Matsuyama." This admission drew laughter from the audience, showcasing his ability to maintain humor even amid serious topics.
Of significant note was Matsuyama’s resilient dedication to the responsibilities of his role. Reminiscing on his teenage years, he noted, "I was warned sternly at 14 when I got the role for Doraemon not to do anything scandalous. Thanks to this guidance, I have managed to live honestly to this day, and I proudly call myself compliant with what I like to term as 'complying with moral standards.'" This statement signifies the weight he places on being a role model for his young fans.
Throughout his reflection, Matsuyama illustrated the importance of maintaining ethical conduct when creating content for children, emphasizing the real potential impacts of their on-screen personas. Elaborately, he stated, "With just one minor blunder, everything can be lost." His words resonate deeply, evoking the necessity for caution and dedication when interacting with young impressionable minds.
The conversation concluded with Ijuin and Sakuma expressing their mutual appreciation for the community of intellectual and ethical responsibility inherent among voice actors who participate heavily in children's programming. Matsuyama's legacy, bolstered by historical references, personal anecdotes, and professional insight, paves the way for future generations of entertainers to continually pursue their craft with integrity.
Overall, Kenichi Matsuyama stands out as not only a talented voice actor but also as one who grasps the significance of his actions and the messages relayed to children through their favorite shows. His unwavering commitment to nurturing and positively influencing children serves as encouragement to those entering the entertainment industry.