“I Will Be Back!” Umeda Shuuichirou Talks About His Ardent Feelings for Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu, Felt at Otakon [Interview]

Umeda Shuuichirou’s Otakon Experience: A Deep Dive into Fan Passion for “Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu”

The largest anime convention in North America, Otakon, held in Washington D.C., USA, recently hosted voice actor Umeda Shuuichirou. Surrounded by the vibrant energy and smiles of fans who gathered from all corners of the globe, Umeda-san shared his heartfelt impressions of the event.

Witnessing the atmosphere filled with stunning cosplay and experiencing the direct, passionate reactions from international fans who deeply love the works, Umeda-san exclaimed, “It’s simply overflowing with ‘love’!” In this exclusive interview, conducted amidst the lingering excitement backstage at Otakon, Umeda-san shared memorable moments from the Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu panel, discussed the differences in fan reception between Japan and America, and delivered a special message to his overseas supporters.

A First Impression of Otakon: “Overwhelming Love”

What were your thoughts on the atmosphere at Otakon?

Umeda Shuuichirou: It’s just overflowing with love! The people who participated in cosplay were especially wonderful, and the atmosphere of the venue felt really warm and welcoming.

What were you most looking forward to at Otakon this time?

Umeda Shuuichirou: I was truly looking forward to experiencing the faces and reactions of all the international fans firsthand – people I wouldn’t normally get to meet – who genuinely love the series.

Besides that, it’s always fun to see people making merchandise for works I love, or spotting various cosplayers.

Thinking about Otakon or any other overseas event, was there anything that surprised or left a strong impression on you?

Umeda Shuuichirou: It was quite surprising, in a wonderful way, to see people overseas casually walking around town and the convention hall in cosplay of Japanese works. It felt so natural and widespread.

Japanese vs. American Fans: A Lively Contrast

You also appeared on stage at AnimeJapan. Did you notice any differences between Japanese and American fans?

Umeda Shuuichirou: I definitely felt they were completely different from Japanese fans.

For example, when one of the popular scenes from America was played at the venue, everyone would let out a huge cheer, like “Whoa!”

Even in scenes that Japanese audiences might watch quietly and intently, American fans would laugh or cheer. There’s a distinct difference in how they enjoy and react to the viewing experience.

The Impact of Hikaru’s Voice: A Message from the Heart

During your participation in the Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu panel, were there any messages or episodes from overseas fans that particularly stood out to you?

Umeda Shuuichirou: Among all the possibilities, being told that my voice was the right choice for Hikaru (Hikaru) really stood out, or rather, I always feel incredibly grateful for it.

Since Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu also had a voice comic, I think there are certainly a number of people who have strong feelings and memories associated with previous interpretations. Despite that, to be chosen again for the anime and then to hear that my performance was good makes me genuinely happy. And from the perspective of the anime itself, it means that for those fans, the voice of Hikaru didn’t become a barrier to their enjoyment, which I think is a wonderful outcome.

Is there any line you’d like to say in English for your international fans?

Umeda Shuuichirou: I will be back! I want to come to Otakon again!

A Heartfelt Message to Overseas Fans

Please share a message for your fans overseas.

Umeda Shuuichirou: It made me incredibly happy to witness firsthand how much Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu is loved across the seas. Just as many of you might feel that it’s difficult to meet Japanese voice actors, we too have limited opportunities to meet our overseas fans directly. But please know that your existence gives us immense strength.

When you post your thoughts and reactions on platforms like X, that also empowers us and brings us joy! I’ll continue to do my best so that we can meet again and create more enjoyable experiences together in the future, so I would be delighted if you could continue to support me.

(C) Mokumokuren / KADOKAWA・”Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu” Production Committee

This article is a translated and reposted article from Anime Anime Global.

_

Source