Yukiko Okada, the talented actress, recently opened up about her fascinating experiences at the 67th Grammy Awards, where she made her debut visit, alongside her long-standing career as the voice of the beloved character Anpanman. Appearing on TOKYO FM’s popular night show, she delighted listeners with stories from the prestigious event held on March 2, 2025, Japan time.
Sharing her emotions, Okada exclaimed, "初めて行った記念で、何も分からなかったんですけど、大きな授賞式のすごさを初めて体感しました。" (It was my first time attending, and I didn’t know anything, but I finally experienced the greatness of such a large award ceremony). This sentiment captures the awe she felt as she took part for the first time. Surrounded by iconic figures like Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, Okada’s excitement was palpable.
Reflecting on the event, she highlighted the thrilling performances throughout the night, noting, "感動のパフォーマンスが数多く、皆が一緒に楽しめる瞬間が最高だった。" (There were many moving performances, and the moments everyone could enjoy together were the best). Her vivid descriptions provided listeners with insight, as she recounted the atmosphere infused by the backdrop of the recent California wildfires, which motivated artists to honor and reflect upon shared experiences.
Beyond her Grammy experience, Okada has been doing phenomenal work as the voice of Anpanman since the show began airing back in 1988. She discussed her commitment to the character during her long tenure, engaging with long-time friends and fans alike. "月曜の朝10時って言ってるんですけど、もう36、7年やってるじゃないですか。最初、誰もこんなに続くと思ってないから、月曜の朝10時って結構しんどい時間なんですよ" (It’s said to air at 10 AM on Mondays, and I’ve been doing it for 36 or 37 years now. Initially, nobody thought it would last this long, and 10 AM on Mondays is quite tough). Okada laughed, reminiscing on the grueling timing of the show’s schedule, which she has managed to balance with her extensive stage career.
Listeners were treated to stories of her friendships and camaraderie among the show’s cast, which she described as remarkable, emphasizing how their shared history strengthened their bond over the decades. She chuckled about how she could never have imagined this type of longevity and success when they first began. "でも良かったのは夜の時間帯の仕事じゃなくて良かった" (But it’s good it’s not at night), she noted, reflecting humorously on the difficulty of gathering everyone for early morning sessions, which nonetheless remained joyful and deeply fulfilling.
At the Grammy Awards, Okada felt immense pride not only for her participation but also for the artists she admired. She expressed adoration for Cynthia Erivo, the leading actress set to star alongside her in the upcoming film Wicked, stating, "彼女が一番だったんじゃないかな" (I think she was the best among the star-studded lineup). Okada’s enthusiasm for fellow performers highlighted her passion for the industry and the shared excitement across different platforms.
Looking forward, Okada expressed hope to continue attending such prestigious events. When reflecting on the importance of recognition and celebration of creativity, she shared her vision to inspire upcoming generations.
"いや、もう行けるもんなら来年も行きたーい" (Honestly, if I can, I want to go again next year), she laughed, showcasing her spirited approach and desire to embrace opportunities. Her genuine love for her work and her artistic community resonates throughout her career, making her future endeavors all the more exciting.