Many voice actors do not realize different anime sub genres, they summarise the genre in one big bulk. Fundamentally this can give voice talents a disadvantage from the onset. The reason behind this is that each sub genre gives drastic instruction as to what direction to take with the performance. Be it the implementation of humor or identifying the subject of romance, the sub genres bare the information to the skills required for the piece. This is vital information for any auditioning voice actor.
Shonen
Shonen anime often feature young, energetic protagonists going through a journey of self-discovery, battling adversity, or undertaking heroic quests. Voice actors in this sub-genre need:
Versatility: To convincingly portray characters that grow and evolve throughout the series.
Intensity: To capture the high-energy, action-packed moments common in Shonen.
Emotional Depth: To depict the emotional arcs and camaraderie often central to Shonen storylines.
Shojo
Shojo anime focus on emotional narratives, romance, and interpersonal relationships. Voice actors in this genre should have:
Emotional Range: To express complex feelings often associated with love and personal growth.
Subtlety: To convey nuanced relationships and interactions.
Softness: To voice tender moments often present in Shojo anime.
Seinen
Seinen anime presents mature themes and complex narratives. Required skills for voice actors include:
Maturity: To depict adult characters dealing with intricate plotlines and serious themes.
Dramatic Range: To handle the emotional depth and psychological elements often inherent in Seinen anime.
Conviction: To maintain the gravity and tension of the intense scenes common in Seinen.
Josei
Josei anime often explore realistic narratives and relationships. Voice actors in this genre should have:
Realism: To deliver performances that feel authentic and true-to-life.
Empathy: To understand and depict the deep emotional journeys of characters.
Articulation: To effectively communicate complex interpersonal dynamics and inner dialogues.
Isekai
Isekai anime transports characters into fantastical worlds. The skills needed for voice actors include:
Adaptability: To portray characters reacting to new, unfamiliar environments and situations.
Imagination: To effectively voice characters interacting with fantasy elements.
Range: To handle a wide array of characters and creatures that often populate Isekai worlds.
Mecha
Mecha anime focus on robots and futuristic settings. Voice actors in this genre need:
Technical Proficiency: To convincingly deliver complex scientific jargon often used in Mecha anime.
Intensity: To capture high-stakes battles and crisis situations common in the genre.
Authority: To voice commanding roles, such as military personnel and robot pilots, often featured in Mecha anime.
Remember, while these skills are typically associated with the respective sub-genres, anime often blends elements from different genres. Therefore, a versatile skill set and adaptability are invaluable for a successful voice acting career in anime. For both the audition process and delivering the work, understanding the styles of each sub genre is critical for navigating anime voice acting. A good technique is to watch anime as well as reading anime scripts to identify these different styles. Acquiring this skill now will help you in the long term.
Different Anime Sub Genres by Alan Shires
Voice Actor