Utatane Yasumi and Yuugure Yuuhi attend the same class in high school but rarely speak to each other, leaving them unaware that they both work as voice actresses. Both girls completely transform their personas while on the job, portraying innocent and enthusiastic teenagers. One day, a minor argument breaks out between them over a spilled drink. Shortly after, Yasumi receives a phone call informing her that she has been selected for a new project where she will co-host a casual radio show. Upon arriving at the location, she is shocked to discover that her co-host is none other than Yuuhi. Due to their earlier disagreement, their relationship initially struggles, but as time goes on, the girls begin to open up to each other.
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote (2024) – Audiovisual Design
Visuals
Studio Connect, responsible for the series under review, didn’t particularly strive to create a visual masterpiece. They did, however, manage to deliver a nice character design with plenty of detail in close-ups, especially of faces and eyes. The rest of the visuals were simply adequate. The backgrounds, particularly the interiors, didn’t stand out in any notable way.
What I can’t fault them for is the effective portrayal of the characters’ emotions, which was an absolute necessity. Why? I’ll explain that a bit further down.
Audio
On the other hand, the voice actresses and dialogue direction were nothing short of genius. Itou Miku and Toyota Moe in the leading roles (Yasumi and Yuuhi) were perfect choices. They handled the challenging task of bringing these characters to life with great skill. And it wasn’t just these two; the entire cast featured many talented seiyuu. For instance, Touyama Nao, Fujita Saki, as well as veterans like Fuken Misato and Endou Aya, who played roles befitting their experience.
I also really enjoyed the opening theme of the series. Now On Air performed by Itou Miku, who also happens to be one of the main actresses in the series.
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote (2024) – Plot and Characters
Introduction
This is yet another title that premiered in the spring of 2024. My choice was straightforward—an anime about seiyuu automatically made it onto my watch list. It’s also worth mentioning right at the beginning of this review that the title is somewhat misleading. Of course, it accurately conveys the core theme of the show (the dual lives of radio seiyuu), but the radio activities are just the starting point. Everything revolves around this, but both protagonists work as full-fledged voice actresses.
A Quick Overview of Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote plot
Utatane Yasumi and Yuugure Yuuhi attend the same high school class. Nobody knows about their jobs. Yasumi and Yuuhi barely speak to each other, so they have no idea that they both work as voice actresses. Both also completely change their images while working, portraying innocent and enthusiastic teenagers. One day, they clash over a spilled drink. Shortly afterward, Yasumi receives a call from her producer, informing her that she has been selected for a new project—a casual radio show co-hosting gig.
After school, she heads to the specified location. There, she’s shocked to find that her co-host is none other than Yuuhi. Due to their earlier conflict, their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, but as time passes, the girls begin to open up to each other.
Characters
Despite their initial dislike for each other (with Yuuhi being more standoffish than Yasumi), the two girls gradually start spending more time together and slowly begin to get along. Yuuhi fits the tsundere archetype—unable to admit that she enjoys the company of her radio show partner. Yasumi, fully aware of this, often takes the initiative to start conversations or plan outings.
However, both girls respect each other, knowing that they are talented. This mutual respect leads to a subtle rivalry, which, in turn, positively influences their skills.
Supporting Characters
Throughout the story, a variety of characters come and go. Some are schoolmates of the main characters, while others are people from their industry. Many events and the overall character development are either directly or indirectly tied to these side characters. However, the main focus remains on the interactions between the two protagonists.
What is the series about
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote primarily tells the story of voice actresses. The titular radio show is the brainchild of the producers of both girls, aimed at boosting their popularity. The ultimate goal is for them to land more significant roles in major projects.
This plan turns out to be a resounding success. Though a certain event tied to Yuuhi’s family situation and a seemingly unfortunate series of events plays a significant role. What initially seems like a misfortune ultimately opens the door for both protagonists to land the roles of their dreams. This is where the story arc that left a profound impression on me begins. Up to this point, the series had been a comedy with elements of drama, where the girls’ responsibilities could be described as idyllic. One day they had a radio show, the next, they were performing as seiyuu idols. However, everything changes when they land roles in the mecha-themed anime Phantom.
Yasumi is cast in one of the main roles, which quickly becomes the most important character in the series. The director chooses her despite the fact that more experienced actresses had auditioned. However, Yasumi had that certain something that both the original creator and the director were looking for. She gradually realizes the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders and that talent alone is just a part of the journey to success. It’s up to her to ensure that viewers connect with the pivotal scenes in the show. If she can’t rise to the challenge of portraying her character, the entire series will suffer.
A Sudden Shift in Tone
I didn’t expect such a drastic change in the atmosphere—from a light comedy to a heavy drama. And it was a drama executed with remarkable skill and authenticity.
At this point, I’d like to quote a few lines spoken by the characters. Both the director and the other voice actresses. These lines are particularly meaningful and affirm what I’ve always believed: no dubbing can come close to the original, where creators, directors, and voice actors work together. I’m not even touching on the cultural aspects or the way translations are handled for dubbing. My focus here is solely on why the collaboration of the original team always results in the definitive, canonical experience.
Utatane-san, powiedz mi, odgrywałaś kiedyś rolę głównej bohaterki? Jeśli nie, miałaś choć odcinek, gdzie twój bohater był głównym punktem uwagi? Shirayuri będzie najważniejszą postacią kolejnego odcinka. Myślę, że zdajesz sobie już z tego sprawę, ale Shirayuri to tak naprawdę główna bohaterka. Ty jesteś główną bohaterką. Nie Sakuraba, ale Shirayuri. Nie będzie nią Yuugure Yuuhi, nie będę nią też ja, czy Oono. Wszystko zależy od ciebie. Niektórzy z ludzi w obsadzie trudnią się tą profesją już od dekad. Wiele z nich jest nieprawdopodobnie utalentowana. Kolejny odcinek to punkt kulminacyjny, w którym ty jesteś gwiazdą. Rozumiesz, z czym się to wiąże? W kolejnym odcinku twoje aktorstwo będzie miało fundamentalny wpływ na jakość i odbiór całej historii. Jeśli twoje umiejętności okażą się niewystarczające, cała seria na tym ucierpi. Bycie główną bohaterką oznacza udźwiganie tej odpowiedzialności. Zapamiętaj to. Tymczasem czekam na to, by usłyszeć cię w kolejnym odcinku.
Mori Kaori (one of the veteran actresses in the cast)
In the same episode, the director and creator also deliver other significant lines:
Excuse me, can I take a moment of your time? First, Utatane-san, we’d like you to stay longer in the studio. Also, if possible, we’d like everyone who can to stay as well. We understand that we’re stretching your schedules, but we want to avoid recording Shirayuri’s lines separately. This is the most important moment in our work, so we greatly appreciate your cooperation. Utatane-san, I apologize for being so insistent, but it’s really important to us that the emotions in this episode are conveyed properly. The entire viewer experience depends on you. Shirayuri is the focal point, and you are the one who brings the character to life. What we’ve recorded so far doesn’t satisfy me. I hope you understand that.
Kawashima Tokuyoshi (the acclaimed director of the series in which Yasumi and Yuuhi are voicing characters)
Finally, Yasumi herself, nearly breaking down after yet another failed attempt at a crucial scene, says these words:
I tried to keep that thought out of my mind. I deliberately ignored it. I tried to work as hard as I could. I did everything I could. But in a world where only results matter, all I can hear is ‘so what?’ Meeting the director’s expectations, breaking through the wall… Those were my goals. But at some point, I started deceiving myself, thinking, ‘Everything will be fine as long as I give it my all.
Utatane Yasumi
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote (2024) – Evaluation and Summary
When I planned to watch this anime, I expected it to be an interesting series. However, I didn’t anticipate that it would offer so much. From the outstanding work of the voice actresses to the unexpected and perfectly executed dramatic storyline. This series is worth watching for anyone who simply enjoys anime and appreciates the art of voice acting. It reinforces the belief that the work of original creators (regardless of the country of origin of the medium) is the definitive experience. Voice acting is an art. Art isn’t something that can be replaced by anything else. Art is as it was originally created, and everything else is an imitation, a more or less successful copy.
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote is an adaptation of the light novel of the same name. As you might guess, the adaptation doesn’t cover the entire source material, especially since the novel is still being published. I have no idea how faithfully the adapted chapters were portrayed, but one thing is certain. A drama about voice actresses, featuring voice actresses, allows you to experience the story and connect with the characters on an even deeper level.
Finalny werdykt
Final evaluation
Which translation do I recommend to watch Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote?
- Crunchyroll – one example of how official translations should be carried out (and that, as you can see, somehow it is possible). It may not have been a perfect translation, but it was as respectable as possible.
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