Anime Expo 2024 was brimming with excitement, and one of the standout moments was the talk session at the audio company AVIOT’s booth in the Entertainment Hall featuring the talented voice actress Shion Wakayama. While she was at the booth to primarily promote the new Gridman Universe collaboration earbuds, fans were treated to almost an hour-long discussion in which she talked about her journey playing Minami Yume from the Gridman series.
Photos taken with permission from event organizers
For those unfamiliar, the recent series of SSSS.Gridman, SSSS.Dynazenon, and Gridman Universe animated by Studio Trigger are based on the original live-action tokusatsu series, Gridman the Hyper Agent.
Wakayama began by recounting the rigorous audition process, which included a tape audition and a nerve-wracking studio audition. Since there were no reference materials she could use, she had to imagine different scenes according to the lines and acted as hard as possible. For example, for a school scene, she pictured the school in her head and practiced the lines according to that image.
Wakayama discussed the significant differences in portraying Minami Yume across various character development stages. In the earlier episodes of SSSS.Dynazenon, Yume is portrayed as an introverted and emotionally reserved high school student; however, her character evolves dramatically in Gridman Universe, becoming more open and expressive thanks to her interactions with other characters, particularly Yomogi. This transformation allowed Wakayama to explore new dimensions of Yume's personality, making the role even more rewarding.
©TSUBURAYA PRODUCTIONS ©2021 TRIGGER, AKIRA AMEMIYA/DYNAZENON PRODUCTIONCONSORTIUM
Wakayama shared how she relates to Yume's initial struggles with expressing emotions and interacting with others. Reflecting on her own high school years, she admitted to similar challenges, which helped her connect deeply with the character. This personal connection enhanced her performance, bringing realism to Yume's journey.
Wakayama highlighted some of her favorite scenes from SSSS.Dynazenon, including a key moment in the first episode where Yume invites Yomogi to meet her. This scene, filled with subtle nuances, marked a significant first impression of Yume's character. Another special scene is from the final episode, where Yume and Yomogi hold hands and walk together, symbolizing the growth and deepening of their relationship. Wakayama's portrayal of these moments left a lasting impact on both her and the fans.
Outside of recording sessions, Wakayama confessed to being nervous and often spending time alone with the script, ensuring she delivered her best performance. This meticulous preparation paid off, contributing to the high-quality production of SSSS.Dynazenon.
Shion Wakayama's talk at Anime Expo 2024 offered fans a rare glimpse into the world of voice acting and the intricate process of bringing beloved characters to life. Her passion, dedication, and personal connections to her roles make her performances truly unforgettable. As the Gridman series continues to expand, fans can look forward to more captivating stories and remarkable characters from this talented actress.
To learn more about the new collaboration earbuds: