The Voice Within the Shadow: Haru Yosano on Ninja’s Fukiya ‘Shadow’

Hello, my name is Haru Yosano, and I’m a Japanese voice actor. I’m truly honored to have received the very first Best Voice-Over Talent award at the NY Digital Awards.

In 2023, I became the first Japanese talent to win in three categories at an international award program. In 2024, I was nominated in every category I applied for. I was also selected as the first Asian Gold Winner at the Vega Digital Awards. I’m incredibly grateful that my work has been recognized on a global stage.

My current work focuses on voiceovers for global brands such as LVMH, Amazon, IBM, Salesforce, and SONY. I’ve contributed to projects ranging from brand films and commercials to corporate videos, e-learning content, and podcasts. Among these, catchy and conversational commercials are one of my strongest areas, and I’ve built a solid track record in that space.

In the gaming world, I’ve worked with clients from North America, Europe, and Chinese-speaking regions. Some of my roles include Camazotz in Mythic Heroes and Xero in Fortnite: The Pit of Legends. I’m often cast as characters with a Japanese background or a mysterious aura. Breathing life into these characters—imagining their stories and emotions—is always a deeply rewarding challenge.

I also work as a voice director, paying close attention to cultural context and expressive nuance. Together with my clients, I strive to craft performances that truly resonate. Additionally, I serve on the board and as a casting director for Free Narrators Union, a collective of over 100 narrators.

My professional journey in voiceover began in 2020. Before that, I earned a master’s degree in Japanese cultural history from a university in Kyoto and worked in inbound tourism, creating content for cultural attractions and engaging with international travelers and entertainment professionals.

In April 2020, when the global lockdown halted the tourism industry, my work disappeared overnight. I asked myself, “How do I want to live from here on out?” The answer came from a memory—words my high school English teacher wrote on a birthday message board when I turned 17:

“Maybe you’ll become a voice actor and travel the world with your voice.”

That message had quietly stayed with me all along, like a signpost. From the start, I aimed to become a voice actor who could work globally. Unlike most in Japan, I began my career independently, without agency representation. Discovering Netflix’s global home recording guidelines allowed me to build a studio environment at home that met international production standards.

Because of that foundation, my career has never been confined to the label of voice actor. Through voiceover, I aim to explore new forms of communication that transcend borders and industries. To deliver stories to the world through the power of voice - that’s the mission I live by today.

Earlier this year, I found myself thinking, “I want to take on a new international award—one that might connect me to countries and fields I’ve yet to encounter.” That’s when I discovered the NY Digital Awards.

The past winners had created truly inspiring work. What caught my attention most were the collaborations with top artists like Takashi Murakami—projects that were widely celebrated.

That’s when I thought, “Maybe here, voice acting performance can be recognized as a form of digital art.” That was the moment I decided to apply. This award still feels fresh and bold—full of challenging, innovative perspectives. I resonated deeply with that vision. Just knowing that my work would be seen by judges who are at the forefront of their fields, in a sophisticated city like New York, was already a huge motivation for me.

Receiving this award feels like a recognition that voice—like graphics or visuals—can be part of the digital future as an artistic expression. That’s incredibly meaningful, both personally and professionally.

It’s proof that Japanese-language voices, and the cultural stories they carry, can reach the global stage. This recognition has given me great confidence as I move forward in my career, and I sincerely hope it can also serve as a source of inspiration for other voice actors and creators aiming to work internationally.

The concept behind this work was inspired by the fukiya—a traditional Japanese blowgun often associated with ninjas in folklore and popular culture. Our goal was to translate the aesthetics of silence and the spiritual depth rooted in Japanese culture into a modern visual expression.

Working alongside traditional artisans, we integrated craftsmanship from woodworking, lacquer, gold leaf, and metalwork into the visual elements. From there, I constructed the vocal performance to harmonize with that atmosphere.

In this piece, I didn’t approach the voice acting as “narration” or “explanation.” Instead, I positioned the voice as something that gently accompanies the stillness within the visuals. Through breath, pauses, and subtle inflections, I aimed to evoke the spirit of wabi-sabi, Zen, and traditional Japanese martial arts.

When voice and visuals merge, the voice can weave an invisible emotional layer that transcends what the eye can see. That was the form of expression I sought to create.

At a time when AI-generated voices and synthetic audio are rapidly advancing, I feel that vocal expression rooted in cultural context has become more vital than ever. This project aimed to show that a voice doesn’t just supplement visual expression—it can transform the very texture of the atmosphere itself.

In that sense, I believe this award acknowledges the broader potential of voice acting as a profession on the global stage. For that, I feel deeply honored.

I believe one essential approach was intertwining the voice with the atmosphere that quietly exists behind the visuals. Rather than functioning as an explanation or emotional guide, the voice served as a design element—one that created a space filled with breath, quietude, and restraint.

By intentionally avoiding over-explanation and allowing pauses and silence to remain, I created room for the visuals and voice to engage in a kind of dialogue. Another distinct feature was the fusion of tradition and digital expression by collaborating with Kyoto artisans to craft an actual blowgun (fukiya) using traditional techniques.

The texture of real hand craftsmanship captured in live-action, juxtaposed with the serene world of 3DCG, embodied the aesthetic of “tradition meets innovation” and reflected Japanese sensibilities.

In this project, voice, visuals, craft, and concept aligned under a single unifying philosophy. Together, they created one shared atmosphere. I believe that is what allowed the piece to transcend the conventional framework of “video + voice acting.”

This project was an ambitious endeavor, carried out in collaboration with traditional Japanese artisans. We asked master craftsmen—specialists in gold leaf, metalwork, woodworking, and lacquer—to recreate a fictional ninja blowgun, originally designed in 3D, using their real-world traditional techniques. To be honest, it was a rather outrageous request.

The very structure of the project, in which artisans from completely different disciplines came together to bring a single imaginary object to life through a division of labor, felt like a kind of modern ninjutsu (ninja skill).

We visited each artisan’s atelier many times, showing them physical prototypes and engaging in in-depth conversations. Through these exchanges, we gradually built a foundation of trust. I believe that very process is already reflected in the final work.

And then came the reverse transformation: once the handcrafted object was completed, it was returned to the digital realm and reconstructed as a spatial experience. It became a double-layered act of connecting tradition and innovation.

As a voice actor, my greatest challenge was to capture that entire context—the refined spirituality, the quietude of Zen, the beauty of yūgen, and the sensibility of wabi-sabi—and embody them in my voice. The voice could not overpower the visuals, yet it could not be overshadowed either. I had to find a delicate balance—one that gently supported the story while holding a quiet strength.

This project was more than just a voiceover. It was an experience of deeply engaging with cultural traditions and learning how to translate them into a digital space.

This award has been a major milestone in increasing visibility—especially for voice actors like me who work globally. International recognition like this gives me strong momentum, and I’m deeply grateful to have received it at this point in my career.

Most notably, I became the first-ever recipient in the history of this award's “Best Voiceover Talent” category. What’s more, I am a Japanese (Asian) woman—an identity that has sometimes been underestimated or overlooked.

That’s precisely why this recognition feels meaningful beyond personal accomplishment. I truly hope this achievement becomes a small yet solid beacon of hope, encouraging others to pursue their goals—whether in the voice industry or not. Especially those who have felt they didn’t have a voice.

Since receiving the award, people in the voiceover industry have reached out to me, and I’ve even received messages like, “You’ve inspired me to apply for this award too.” It makes me genuinely happy to see this recognition becoming a spark for new challenges and conversations.

Looking ahead, I believe that as this award continues to grow, embracing more diversity and expanding the possibilities of expression, it will also open up an even brighter future for my career.

The producer and director were the happiest of all. He celebrated as if it were his own achievement, and when he said, “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you,” it truly moved me. Because we had worked together from the very beginning of the project, the award didn’t feel like mine alone—it felt like a shared joy for everyone involved. That meant everything to me.

From viewers, I received comments such as, “I felt the quiet elegance and presence of Japan,” and “The final CG looked real—like I was looking at an actual traditional craft piece.” One of my lifelong aspirations has been to lend my voice to projects that embody the spirit, history, and culture of a place.

Just like a work of art, such projects have the power to pose questions to society or leave something meaningful behind for the future. If my voice can become part of an archive that connects cultural memories and traditions to the next generation, I believe that is a deeply rewarding way to live as a voice actor.

So when I received feedback like, “I could feel real history,” or “The tradition came through,” it felt like a moment where my passion aligned with the audience’s response. That was incredibly uplifting.

To be honest, I didn’t approach my work with a specific “strategy” in mind. I simply poured my heart into every project, and I believe that’s what has led me to where I am today.

What I truly cherish is not “searching for the correct answer,” but embracing the spirit of being a team player—growing the work together. Because this is always a collaborative effort, I deeply value trust and flexibility, and I approach the microphone with an open heart.

Before recording, I carefully read between the lines, striving to understand the message, the context, and the emotions behind each script. My goal is to deliver a voice that truly reaches the listener’s heart. Voice is not just a tool to convey information—it’s a force that brings emotions and worlds to life.

Another principle I hold dear is remembering that voice actors are the final touch in the production process. Each line of the script carries the time, energy, and passion of its creators. So I don’t just read it—I engage with it deeply and respectfully, giving every word the attention it deserves.

By approaching the work with this collaborative spirit, I believe we can create richer, more compelling projects. Of course, aiming for awards has its meaning. But above all, I encourage fully committing to the work at hand.

That steady accumulation of sincere efforts, I believe, is what ultimately touches hearts—and leads to recognition.

In an age where AI-generated content and globalized production are rapidly reshaping our industry, creative work moves faster and becomes more varied than ever. Yet, precisely because of this, I find myself cherishing even more the irreplaceable, analog essence of the human voice.

There is a unique warmth and subtle depth in the way a human voice carries not just words, but also emotion, experience, and history—something that no technology, no matter how advanced, can ever truly reproduce.

As someone who was raised in Japan and experienced its culture hand in hand with its language, I feel there are characters and narratives that only I can authentically bring to life.

Even when working on international projects, I am often asked to voice characters with a distinctly Japanese sensibility or cultural depth. In those moments, I feel both joy and a deep sense of responsibility to deliver what I believe to be “a genuine voice” and “a genuine story.”

Looking ahead, I aspire to embody authenticity—not only as a voice actor, but also as someone who carries forward culture and history through my work. Through voice direction and casting, I hope to contribute to shaping stories together.

Ultimately, one of my goals is to serve as a bridge that connects not only language, but also culture and values, across borders and generations.

To those just starting out as voice actors:

First, I want to say this—you don’t have to be afraid. Even if you stumble or things don’t go as planned, there is always something to learn—a seed that will eventually sprout and grow.

If you don’t pass an audition, it doesn’t mean you lack value. It simply means that it wasn’t the right time or the right role for you. You don’t need to aim for perfection from the very beginning.

Let go of the need to “do it perfectly” and allow yourself to deliver your voice just as you are—even if it feels incomplete. I learned this from a fellow voice actor’s kind words, and it changed the way I stand at the mic. Even on days when I feel unsure of myself, I still show up.

Because it’s okay to be imperfect—as long as I deliver my voice sincerely and honestly. That is the very foundation of my voice acting journey. So start by accepting yourself just as you are, and press that “submit” button.

Voice acting is a craft that blossoms with time. Every setback, every attempt, every shaky step adds something real to your voice—something only you can carry. That’s what gives it soul. That’s what makes it yours.

More than anything, I hope you never lose sight of why you started. That quiet, steady feeling of wanting to reach someone’s heart through your voice. Because that feeling—it’s powerful. It’s enough.

There will be days when you doubt yourself. Days when it feels like you’re not moving forward. But even then, your voice still has the power to reach someone, somewhere. And I truly believe that.

So keep going. Be kind to yourself. And above all, trust in the voice only you can bring into this world. Because the world is waiting for your voice.

Let’s connect, share ideas openly, and create something truly meaningful—together. In voice acting, I believe that nurturing a gentle curiosity about the world around us is just as important as refining our technical skills and expressive range.

That’s why I’m genuinely eager to hear the stories and perspectives of everyone in the creative community. Because at its core, voice acting is about one simple truth—how deeply we can feel and resonate with the world around us.

Above all, I deeply value teamwork, and there is nothing more rewarding than working hand in hand, learning through trial and error, to create something that endures beyond the moment.

During my university years, I studied Japanese cultural history and earned certification as a museum curator. That experience gave me a strong foundation in understanding culture, enriching not only my approach to voice direction but also how I approach each project—looking beyond the traditional boundaries of voice acting.

I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned, supporting others on their creative journeys, and working together to push the boundaries of storytelling in today’s digital age. Let’s come together, inspire one another, and create something extraordinary.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to producer and director Makoto Kitaguchi, who led this creative project with such passion, brought together traditional artisans, and transformed it all into a beautiful video.

This work simply wouldn’t exist without him—it owes its very soul to his vision. He is a remarkable creator whom I deeply admire and respect, and I’m sincerely grateful for the passion he brings to everything he does.

I’d also like to take a moment to reflect on my own journey. To my high school English teacher, who once told me, “It would be wonderful if you became a voice actor working globally,” planting the seed that eventually led me into this world. To my family, who always supports me. To my fellow voice actors around the globe, who stay connected with me. And to everyone who listens to my voice and cheers me on.

All of these people have helped shape the unique path I’ve taken and made achievements like this possible.

“A journey into the depths of Japanese culture, where tradition meets innovation, light meets shadow, stillness meets movement—and the spirit of yūgen emerges between the real and the imagined.”

In this project, we reimagined the ninja blowgun (fukiya) through a modern aesthetic, deeply rooted in the spirit and traditions of Kyoto’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

My voice acting in this piece was not simply explanatory narration; it sought to weave an invisible thread through the space where opposites converge: tradition and innovation, light and shadow, motion and stillness, reality (the handcrafted blowguns created by master artisans) and imagination (the 3DCG-reconstructed visuals). It was an attempt to express the subtle beauty of yūgen through both the visual and the human voice.

Moving forward, I hope to continue participating in global projects where I can connect with new people and places through my voice. Some of the international collaborations I’ve taken part in have led to great honors, including the NY Digital Awards, and I’d love to keep pursuing opportunities like these.

Looking ahead, one of my biggest dreams is to be part of projects on global platforms like Netflix—or to voice for something related to Formula 1. I’m such a passionate F1 fan that I visit the Suzuka Circuit every year, and it would mean the world to be involved in that field one day.

Another dream of mine is to contribute to voiceover projects that preserve and share the cultures and traditions of different countries and regions. Much like art, I believe these projects often carry messages intended for the future or pose important questions to today’s society. To be able to convey and preserve those messages through my voice—to contribute, even in a small way, to a living archive—feels like a deeply meaningful path for someone who has chosen voice as their life’s work.

There’s something profoundly moving about using my voice to carry the history, memories, and hopes that humanity has built over time, and to pass them on to future generations. It would be an honor to lend my voice to something with that kind of weight and legacy.

To make those dreams a reality, I will continue working with sincerity to become someone who is trusted, memorable, and capable of connecting hearts through powerful, moving performances.