The Representation and Voice Acting Choices in Anime: A Comparative Analysis
Acclaimed for its diverse character designs, the world of anime often raises questions about the representation and voice acting choices made for its characters. A notable example is the series Soul Eater Not! and other series like Digimon: Tamers, Digimon: Spirit Evolution, Kakegurui, Kuroko's Basketball, and Digimon Adventure. In these series, characters like Tai Davis, Ken Takato, Henry, and Takuya, who are male and adolescent in appearance, are voice-acted by both Japanese voice actresses and American voice actors in the English dub. This article examines the reasoning behind these choices, particularly in the context of animated series targeting different cultural audiences.
Representation in Anime: A Comparative Perspective
One notable difference between anime and Western animated content lies in the way masculinity and voice acting are represented. Traditional Western culture often emphasizes the importance of having male characters with deeper voices to symbolize strength and maturity. For instance, young boys in American cartoons and animated series often have more adult-like, deeper voices portrayed by male voice actors. This is perceived as a way to enhance the character’s perceived character and attributes.
In contrast, Japan, the birthplace of anime, has a different perspective on masculinity and voice acting. In anime, the gender of voice actors is not as strictly enforced, leading to a practice where female voice actresses commonly provide the voices for male preteen characters. This practice is often attributed to the perception that actresses can better maintain a high-pitched voice, which suits younger male characters more effectively. Additionally, cultural norms in Japan sometimes see a more fluidity in gender roles, which might contribute to this approach.
Why Japanese Voices for Young Male Characters?
The use of Japanese voice actresses to voice young male characters in anime is a well-established practice. This decision is rooted in the belief that actresses can produce a more high-pitched and youthful voice, which is more suitable for preteen male characters compared to male voice actors. Due to the natural range and flexibility of the voice, actresses are often better able to maintain the high-pitched, innocent tones that younger male characters need to convey their innocence and naivety. For instance, even in young male roles, Japanese voice actresses like Rie Kugimiya and Yuria Takeuchi are known for providing these characters with a distinct youthful quality.
Why American Voice Actors in the English Dub?
The choice of American voice actors for certain roles in the English dub, such as in the Soul Eater Not! series, can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, there is a global effort to make the characters appear more relatable and culturally authentic to an English-speaking audience. American voice actors might be selected to provide a more robust and commanding voice, reflecting the perceived strength and maturity of their characters.
Additionally, the choice of voice actors can be influenced by the specific needs of the project. American voice actors might be preferred in some cases to ensure a more culturally resonant and impactful voice, especially if the character or series is targeted at an American audience. The aim is to make the character feel powerful and authoritative in the target market, ensuring that the voice acting aligns with the personality and essence of the character.
Furthermore, the decision-making process can also involve creative choices made by the dubbing studio. They might aim for a specific tone or style in the dub, often resulting in the use of both Japanese and American voice actors to achieve a balance. This can be seen as a way to blend different cultural references and appeal to a broader audience with diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
The representation and voice acting choices in anime are complex and multifaceted, influenced by cultural norms, creative decisions, and the need to resonate with different audiences. While Japanese voice actresses are often chosen for the youthful and innocent voices of preteen male characters, the decision to use American voice actors in the English dub is driven by the desire to create a more powerful and mature-sounding voice that resonates with the target audience. Understanding these choices is crucial to appreciating the nuanced and diverse world of anime and its global appeal.