The 19th Seiyu Awards, the largest event honoring the voice acting industry, was held on March 15, 2025, at Tokyo's prestigious venue, marking another celebratory year for the community. The ceremony recognized talented voice actors for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with many categories highlighting both new and experienced talent.
Among the notable winners this year, Toshiyuki Morikawa received the Best Lead Actor Award for his touching portrayal of Kitaro's father in the production Gegege no Nazo: Kitaro Tanjou. Alongside him, Miho Okasaki was honored as the Best Lead Actress for her role as Rimuru in Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken. These performances have not only showcased their skill but have also contributed to the rise of the respective franchises.
Additional accolades were presented to the Best Supporting Actor recipients: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Akari Kitou, Masaaki Mizunaka, and Yoko Hikasa. These winners were selected based on their outstanding performances and the impact they made on audiences. The awards also celebrated various categories including Best New Voice Actor, awarded to Akari Ishibashi, Masatake Uchida, Haruka Hayase, and Yui Kawa, reflecting the vibrant future of the industry.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the event featured the Kids Family Award, which was awarded to Ayano Fuchigami, known for her beloved character Nyan-chuu from the Nyan-chuu series. During her acceptance speech, Fuchigami humorously acknowledged her hoarse voice, stating, “It’s not because I made Nyan-chuu's voice too much (laughs),” expressing her dedication to bringing joy to children. She rallied, “I want to continue acting for the smiles of sparkling children!” This sentiment captured the spirit of the evening, emphasizing the importance of joy and passion within voice acting.
The ceremony, celebrated by both industry professionals and fans, was live-streamed exclusively on d Anime Store, available for subscribers at ¥550 per month. This year, the platform provided not just the award ceremony but also opened a special feature page highlighting winners' comments and exclusive content for the audience. Fans eagerly anticipated participating as well, as part of the celebration included a campaign where two lucky winners would receive autographed posters of the recipients.
The application period for the autograph poster giveaway ran from March 15, 2025, at 20:00 until April 15, 2025, at 11:59, encouraging sign-ups and engagement with the store’s offerings. The Seiyu Awards have been honoring voice talents annually since 2006, reflecting the industry's growth and the rising status of voice actors.
Founded with the aim to uplift and celebrate the achievements of voice actors, the Seiyu Awards have become synonymous with brilliance and recognition within the anime community, fostering camaraderie and collective success. The awards stand as the most significant platform for voice actors to showcase their talents, gain visibility, and be honored among peers.
Though the spotlight shined brightly on the winners, it also served to illuminate the artistry and dedication of all nominees contributing to the medium. This year's ceremony was particularly poignant, as it highlighted not only the achievements of individual talent but also the artistic integrity of the Japanese voice acting industry overall.
Overall, the excitement encapsulated within the 19th Seiyu Awards reflects the changing dynamics and growing appreciation for voice acting as both an art form and profession, echoing the sentiments of fans and participants alike. The spirit of celebration united everyone involved—whether they were stars on stage or enthusiastic supporters watching from their homes, it was unmistakably a night of joy, recognition, and dedication to the craft.
