The Art of Anime Dubbing: Embracing Originality in “Demon Slayer”

Finding Your Voice: The Dubbing Dilemma in Anime

The Ongoing Discussion: Subtitles Versus Dubbing in Anime

The conversation around English-dubbed anime often sparks lively debate among fans. Some purists champion the original Japanese voice performances, arguing for their unmatched authenticity, while others advocate for the convenience and occasional immersive quality of dubbed versions, eliminating the need for constant subtitle reading. The truth, as is often the case, lies in a nuanced understanding, with the success of a dub frequently depending on its individual execution. A critical question for voice actors is how closely they should aim to replicate the original performance.

A Star's Approach: Zach Aguilar on Voicing Tanjiro in \u201cDemon Slayer\u201d

This very discussion is reignited with the cinematic release of \u201cDemon Slayer: Infinity Castle\u201d in U.S. theaters, featuring a blend of seasoned voice artists and even Hollywood names. Ahead of this highly anticipated event, Zach Aguilar, who lends his voice to the protagonist Tanjiro, shared his journey with Polygon. He touched upon his personal experience catching up on popular anime series, his valuable encounter with Natsuki Hanae, Tanjiro's original Japanese voice actor, and the profound advice he received from Hanae on embodying the character.

Beyond \u201cDemon Slayer\u201d: A Voice Actor's Journey and Inspirations

Aguilar\u2019s impressive resume extends beyond \u201cDemon Slayer,\u201d encompassing notable roles such as David Martinez in \u201cCyberpunk: Edgerunners\u201d and Genos in \u201cOne-Punch Man.\u201d As an enthusiast himself, he expressed admiration for the legendary \u201cBig Three\u201d anime titles. \u201cNaruto\u201d and \u201cBleach\u201d hold a special place for him, and he confessed to diligently trying to catch up on \u201cOne Piece,\u201d despite being hundreds of episodes behind. He commits his free moments to this endeavor.

The Unsung Favorite: A Deep Connection Through \u201cYour Lie in April\u201d

Surprisingly, Aguilar revealed that his absolute favorite anime is a less widely known series, one that played a pivotal role in forging his connection with Tanjiro's original voice artist. \u201cMy top anime choice is actually a show called \u201cYour Lie in April,\u201d\u201d Aguilar disclosed. He noted the intriguing coincidence that Natsuki Hanae, the Japanese voice of Tanjiro, also portrays the lead character, Kousei, in \u201cYour Lie in April.\u201d Aguilar specifically praised Hanae\u2019s performance in that series.

Understanding Depth: The Resonance of \u201cYour Lie in April\u201d

While Aguilar simply described \u201cYour Lie in April\u201d as a story about a pianist, its emotional depth is far greater. The narrative follows Kousei, a pianist who loses his ability to play following his mother\u2019s death, with the profound reason behind this struggle gradually unveiled. One particularly heart-wrenching scene frequently reappears online, garnering viral attention for its raw, tragic impact. Aguilar, having grown up playing the piano, found a deep personal connection to the series, especially during its depiction of piano recitals.

A Trans-Pacific Mentorship: Natsuki Hanae\u2019s Guidance for Zach Aguilar

This shared passion for \u201cYour Lie in April\u201d ignited the professional bond Aguilar now shares with Hanae. Despite the logistical challenges posed by busy schedules and geographical distance, Aguilar emphasized that every interaction with Hanae-san has been extraordinary. He described Hanae as incredibly kind and a genuinely remarkable individual, noting that Hanae has offered invaluable guidance regarding his interpretation of Tanjiro\u2019s character in the English dub.

Embracing Authenticity: The Core Advice for a Voice Actor

Aguilar then recounted the pivotal advice Hanae imparted to him concerning their shared role. \u201cHe simply told me to make the character my own,\u201d Aguilar recalled. \u201cHe said, \u2018You are Tanjiro \u2014 portray him as you envision him.\u2019 Hanae even complimented my portrayal, reinforcing what a truly great person he is.\u201d