The 19th annual Seiyu Awards, the most prestigious event in the voice acting industry, was held in Tokyo on March 15, where the winners for each category were revealed. Toshihiko Seki, who played Kitaro’s father in the anime film Kitaro Tanjou: GeGeGe no Nazo, won the Best Lead Actor Award, while Hidenobu Kiuchi, who voiced Mizuki in the same film, received the Best Supporting Actor Award.

Seki expressed his gratitude, saying, “I was told that this award was given to me for my performance in Kitaro Tanjou: GeGeGe no Nazo. It was a buddy story between Mizuki and my character, and I want to thank everyone who supported us.” Kiuchi also dedicated his award to the team and fans, saying, “This honor belongs to everyone involved in the film, as well as the fans who came to see it in theaters.”

Miho Okasaki, known for her role as Rimuru Tempest in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, was also named Best Lead Actress. She reflected on her journey, stating, “Receiving this award in an industry without a clear definition of ‘expression’ is a great honor. This recognition gives me confidence in my work. When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a wizard, and I feel that this industry allows me to make that dream shine.”

In addition to Kiuchi, the Best Supporting Voice Actor Award was given to Asami Seto (Jujutsu Kaisen – Nobara Kugisaki), Hiroki Tochi (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Heiter), and Yoko Hikasa (Shangri-La Frontier – Arthur Pencilgon).

Seto shared her joy, saying, “I pursued voice acting because I wanted to work in anime. I hope to continue this career for as long as possible and take on meaningful roles.” Tochi commented, “I never imagined I would choose the path of a voice actor, yet through incredible works, I developed a desire to excel and create great performances. I’m happy that my supporters are pleased with this award.” Hikasa expressed her gratitude, saying, “I appreciate all the fans who have supported me. My seniors in the industry have been both strict and kind, and I learned a lot from them.”

Since its inception in 2007, the Seiyu Awards have been held every March, celebrating the most outstanding voice actors of the year. It brings together the industry’s most talented and popular figures, as well as veteran voice actors who have contributed to the field for many years.

Winners of the 19th Seiyu Awards

Best Lead Voice Actor: Miho Okasaki, Toshihiko Seki
Best Supporting Voice Actor: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Asami Seto, Hiroki Tochi, Yoko Hikasa
Best New Voice Actor: Hiiro Ishibashi, Shotaro Uzawa, Hiroki Nanami, Rika Hayashi, Asaki Yuikawa
Best Singing Award: Brave Burn (CV: Kenichi Suzumura)
Best Personality Award: No recipient
Merit Award: Mari Okamoto, Keiichi Noda
Synergy Award: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Series
Takashi Tomiyama & Kazue Takahashi Award: Soichiro Hoshi, Wakana Yamazaki
Kids & Family Award: Wataru Hatano
Foreign Film & Drama Award: Maaya Uchida, Fairouz Ai
Game Award: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Influencer Award: Subaru Kimura
MVS (Most Valuable Seiyu): Yuichi Nakamura
Special Merit Award: Honoring voice actors who passed away this year
Special Award: Look Back

Source : ORICON NEWS