Voice Actor Chiaki Kobayashi Says “My Life Now Moves at a Slower Pace” After Encountering Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi appears in the April issue of the Japanese fashion magazine Oggi, reflecting on his career and how the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End influenced his outlook on life.

Chiaki Kobayashi Returns to Oggi’s Voice Actor Series After Four Years

Voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi appears in the April issue of the Japanese fashion magazine Oggi published by Shogakukan. He is featured in the magazine’s voice actor column “Mimikoi: Wanting to Hear the Voice of My Favorite,” marking his first appearance in the series in four years.

Kobayashi made his first leading role in 2019 with Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE. In 2021, he received the Best New Actor Award at the 15th Seiyu Awards. Today, he continues to steadily build his career and currently voices the warrior Stark in the television anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Now in his thirties, he reflects on the phase of life he has entered and where he stands today.

A Personal Transformation Through Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The hugely popular television anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, currently airing its second season, has been a significant turning point for Kobayashi. He first encountered the series around four years ago while still in his twenties.

Just as the characters in the story including Stark gradually grow over time, Kobayashi says he has also felt changes within himself as the years have passed.

In the second season, he explains that the production allowed more time for everyday dialogue scenes. Compared with the first season, he was told that it was fine to speak more slowly during these moments.

He reflected on this experience by saying that the rhythm of conversations in the series has influenced how he thinks about communication in daily life. Taking in someone’s words, processing them, and then responding in your own words creates a comfortable pace and atmosphere. He noted that immersing himself in calm music or relaxed conversations during small moments of daily life feels like a precious luxury.

Balancing Tokyo’s Fast Pace With His Own Rhythm

At the same time, Kobayashi shared a candid perspective about working in Tokyo’s fast moving environment. While he finds it satisfying to work at the forefront of the industry and appreciates the momentum of the city, he sometimes feels that he is speaking at a speed that does not fully match his natural pace.

Looking back on his life, Kobayashi says that compared with his late twenties, the way he lives now feels slower. His thoughts reveal an internal balance between the fast paced demands of everyday work and the rhythm that feels true to himself.

A Quiet Strength Captured in New Photo Shoot

The magazine also features newly photographed portraits of Kobayashi. One particularly striking image shows him holding a single flower.

In his gaze, both fragility and quiet strength coexist. The look reflects the experiences he has accumulated so far and a calm determination toward the future.

The interview also explores how he approaches the concept of work. Standing midway through the journey of life, Kobayashi shares honest and down to earth words about where he is now and what lies ahead.

Source : ORICON NEWS