Best Japanese Voice Acting Performance–Female: Izumi Kitta as Tomoko Kuroki in Watamote
There was no discussion for this one, as the jury came back very quickly to crown Izumi Kitta’s edgy tour de force portrayal of shy, reclusive dreamer Tomoko as the best vocal performance of the year. Thomas Zoth started the swift crowning of Ms Kitta by noting that “fans of Milky Holmes know that she is able to sink her teeth into the role of crazy, delusional Cordelia Glauca, so it made perfect sense that she would be perfect for the role of crazy, delusional Tomoko. Her performance captured the character perfectly, from the spittle-flecked invective of her internal monologue to the meek helplessness of her speaking voice.” There were no other candidates put forward with several members of our panel merely nodding their heads in agreement.
Best Japanese Voice Acting Performance–Male: Mamoru Miyano as Berg Katze in Gatchaman Crowds
Again, there was little dispute over who was king of the male seiyuu for 2013. Thomas Zoth started this easy coronation as well by stating “Miyano decided to go all-in for the role of Gatchaman villain Katze, who ceaselessly mugs and mocks as the reboot’s trickster. From singing the show theme while he transforms, to mocking the shouted attack names of our heroes, Miyano made the Katze character one of the most impressive villains of the year.” Kory Cerjak chimed in to sing Miyano’s praises. “Agreed on Mamoru Miyano. Without him, Berg Katze just would not be the same. He might not be as flamboyant or as downright fun to watch. It was simply a joy to watch him on screen being eccentric, and that was all the performance.”
