Ayako Kawasumi is one of the most popular female voice actresses in Japan. She’s also famous for her work as a singer and pianist, which often serves as inspiration for her characters that are in similar roles on screen. With such an extensive background in acting, singing, and piano-playing, it’s no wonder why she’s so successful as both an actress and a singer in Japan, but what about her life outside of work? Read on to learn everything you need to know about this talented Japanese performer! Everything You Need to Know About Ayako Kawasumi
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Early Life
Ayako grew up in a family with two other siblings and is the youngest of the three. She has been living in Tokyo since elementary school and currently resides there with her parents. She studied Western Classical Piano from elementary school to university level and competed internationally. She started working as a voice actress in 1997 when she was 15 years old.
She gained recognition after voicing the main character, Kallen Stadtfeld, in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and many other anime series since then. Her stage name, which means morning glow, was given by Code Geass director Gorō Taniguchi because he felt that she would light up the morning for everyone like a sunbeam does. Everything You Need to Know About Ayako Kawasumi
Personal Life
Ayako was born on November 12, 1976 in Osaka, Japan. She has a sister named Shima who is five years younger than her. The two have a close relationship as they call each other often and are always encouraging each other’s work.
Ayakos childhood wasn’t easy for her due to the fact that she was so shy and used to stutter when she talked. Her parents told her that the only way for her personality would change was if she studied overseas, which is exactly what happened when she went to Tokyo with her mother at the age of seven. It turned out it was a great decision because not only did she get over her shyness but she also realized that music can help with speaking skills as well.
Fun Facts
Did you know that Ayako is a skilled pianist? She started playing the piano when she was five years old. Her favorite food is Kit Kats. Ayako’s first major acting role was in the drama Kaibutsu-kun. Her first audition in Japan was for a regular voice actor, but she didn’t get it, so she left for Osaka for another audition and won her first job as a voice actress. A year later, she went back to Tokyo and got into an agency called Sachiko & Company (now known as 81 Produce). Her two most famous roles are Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon Crystal and Nori from Kiki’s Delivery Service. In 2003, she played Neko Musume in Neko Musume – The Greeting Catgirl of Easta 4; a voice recording of which has over 1 million views on YouTube. Recently, she voiced Haru Yoshioka from My Love Story!! and Mikasa Ackermann from Attack on Titan Season 2.
Q.&A.
-What’s her favorite color?
-The sea is my favorite color. -Favorite food?
-My mom’s black beans. My mother always cooked for me with such love and affection, so black beans remind me of my family. What was your first anime role? I had a role in Magical Girl Pretty Sammy. What are some of your hobbies? I like going out with friends, reading books and playing the piano. How did you become interested in voice acting? In kindergarten, I got a toy microphone as a present from my parents.