Home Interview: Hina Youmiya [Presented by AVIOT]

Interview: Hina Youmiya [Presented by AVIOT]

Featured Image: Interview: Hina Youmiya [Presented by AVIOT]

Hina Youmiya, affiliated with Aoni Production and debuted her first main role in 2021, has quickly risen in popularity over the past few years. From hosting radio shows to performing at live concerts and being on the featured cover of magazines, she has already made a name for herself and carved out a notable presence in the industry.

Anime Corner had the wonderful opportunity to interview the talented voice actress Hina Youmiya, where she shared with us about how her journey began, the progress she has made in her career, the unique charm she brings to her roles, and her heartfelt thoughts on having an international audience cheering her.

Q: What first sparked your interest in becoming a voice actress? Were there any voice actors or performances that inspired you to pursue this career?
A: The turning point that made me pursue this path was something my mother said. I had always wanted to become a voice actor, but I kept hesitating, thinking, “Isn’t it too late to start now?” or “My parents might oppose it.” I couldn’t take that first step. But then, my mother said, “If you want to go for it, then go for it.” Those words gave me the courage to make up my mind and pursue a career as a voice actor.

Q: You’ve been with Aoni Production for five years now. Looking back, what are some of the most important lessons or experiences you’ve gained during that time?
A: Every experience has left a deep impression on me, and each one is important—I truly feel that all of them are essential to my journey as an actor. That’s why I can’t single out just one as “the most special.” Every encounter with a work has been an irreplaceable treasure to me.

Q: How has your approach to voice acting changed since your debut? Is there anything you do differently now that you’ve gained more experience?
A: Since circumstances are constantly changing, I believe my approach has evolved compared to how it was back then. The way I engage with each work is different, and I also feel that there’s a way of facing each role that’s unique to who I am now.
That said, one thing that hasn’t changed is my deep gratitude for being allowed to be a part of a work alongside its creators—the “parents” of the character. That feeling remains just as important to me as ever. So, at its core, nothing fundamental has changed.

Q: Although you’re still early in your career, your performances already carry a charm that feels distinctly “you.” Do you feel like you’ve found your own style as a voice actress, or is it still something you’re continuing to discover?
A: I believe that, as human beings, our style as voice actors is something that inevitably changes over time. As I take on different roles and gain more experience each day, I feel that these changes bring both “new possibilities” I might not even be aware of and “possibilities that may be fading.” That’s why I’m still exploring and searching. I think a voice actor’s style is something that constantly evolves through daily growth and experience.

Q: Quite a few of your roles are characters who adore food like Omusubi-chan in the AVIOT TE-V1R-HOP earbuds. Do you personally relate to that love of food? How much of your real personality did you bring into Omusubi-chan?
A: I don’t intentionally reflect my own personality in the characters I play. In fact, when a role is similar to myself, it becomes easier for my own thoughts and emotions to overlap with the character’s, which is why I have to make a conscious effort to separate “feelings that seem similar but are actually different from the character’s.” On the other hand, when the character isn’t much like me, I have to build them from the ground up, which I think allows me to approach the role more calmly and objectively. That’s why, with Omusubi-chan, I made a conscious effort not to make her resemble me.

Q: Do you have any pre-recording rituals or habits in the studio that help you get into character?
A: When it comes to recording for anime or games, I try not to create any specific routines. That’s because if I ever can’t follow that routine, I worry it might leave a lingering sense of unease within me. So instead of doing anything special, I focus on staying as natural as possible, valuing the feeling of smoothly and effortlessly stepping into the work and the role just as I am.

Q: Many of the characters you’ve voiced have musical aspects to them. Have you ever considered pursuing a solo music career or doing more music-focused projects?
A:
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to portray so many characters up to now. When I perform on stage, I put my all into not just the voice acting, but also the singing, dancing, and overall performance, so that the audience can truly feel the character come to life in the real world. To make that kind of expression possible, I engage in detailed and dedicated practice leading up to each performance. Of course, there are physical time limitations, so I can only do so much—but in my heart, I hope to continue encountering many more characters and to express each one of them with great care and sincerity.

Q: You’ve now been part of the HOOOOPE! radio show for over a year, becoming a staple of Tuesday evenings for many fans. How does it feel to have that kind of consistent connection with your audience?
A: First and foremost, I truly believe that being given the opportunity to host my own show is all thanks to everyone’s support. I’m filled with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you so much for always cheering me on. Through my radio program, I hope I can bring even a little bit more happiness into your daily lives.

Q: What are the recommended points of the HOOOOPE! collaboration earphones for fans?
A: I heard that a lot of care was put into the sound during production, so my top recommendation would be the “sound.” I’d be truly happy if you could enjoy using it again and again.

Q: When you’re not working, how do you usually spend your days off? Any favorite hobbies or ways to unwind?
A:
I relax by going for walks or drinking something while listening to background music with the sounds of nature.

Q: You were voted as the top voice actress of the Winter 2024 Anime Season and even ranked among the Top 5 Voice Actresses of the year in our awards. How does it feel to receive that kind of recognition, especially from international fans?
A:
I’m truly filled with joy that people have come to know about me through such wonderful works and characters. Even if we’re in different places or speak different languages, the feeling of being moved by a story is something we all share—and that, too, brings me a deep sense of happiness.

Q: Do you have a message you’d like to share with your international fans who admire your work and may be reading this interview?
A:
The words we use in our daily lives may be different, but I believe that “emotion” is something universal that exists within all of us, no matter where we are. The feelings you hold and the love you have for the works you cherish are all truly wonderful and precious. That’s why I hope you continue to encounter many more works you love, and that your days become even richer and filled with happiness.

We would like to thank Hina Youmiya for answering our interview questions. We also would like to thank AVIOT for coordinating this interview. If you’d like to hear more from Hina Youmiya and the other members of A&G Next Step HOOOOPE!, be sure to check out the AVIOT TE-V1R-HOP A&G Next Step HOOOOPE! collaboration wireless earbuds!

Disclaimer: AVIOT arranged the interview opportunity but had no editorial input. They also co-hosted a giveaway together with Anime Corner unrelated to this interview.

You may also like

Participate In Discussions