Amin Abbas
Legendary Japanese voice actor and narrator Hidekatsu Shibata — known for his roles in classic anime series – continues to rock at the age of 87.
Having started working as a TV personality in 1953, Shibata later ruled the anime world with roles in Mr. X in Tiger Mask, Baron Ashura in Mazinger Z and Count Mecha in Galaxy Express 999 as well as famous anime series such as: Monkey D. Dragon in One Piece, Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto, Fuhrer King Bradley in Fullmetal Alchemist and more.
“When I started animation began as part of early childhood education, but there were very few actors willing to appear in it,” he said. “My first appearance in an anime series called Ken the Wolf Boy was done at the recommendation of a producer at Toei Animation.
“In 1969, I founded the voice production company ‘Aoni Productions’ with my university classmate Kubo Susumu, and from there I began to work as a full-fledged voice actor,” he added.
Shibata said that he likes all the works that he has been in them equally. “I think seeing, listening and trying are important nourishment for an actor. I’ve been blessed to have been able to star in works and characters that everyone knows.”
About the most inspirational thing from Japanese culture that he has adapted into his daily life, Shibata said: “I’ve specialized in Edo literature and national theater (kabuki) at university. I think that is the origin of what is now known as the Shibata style.”
Shibata said that Mr. X from the original ‘Tiger Mask’ was his first major role in an anime series.
Shibata is known as the voice of Monkey D. Dragon in One Piece franchise, he said: “I don’t know why I was chosen for the role as I didn’t do audition for it, and I don’t know about any sales efforts by agencies. In my case, I was told about most roles after I was selected for it.”
Speaking of memorable roles, he said, “my role as Calgara from ‘Skypiea Arc’ in One Piece was also memorable.”
Shibata is known as the voice of Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto franchise, he said: “As with One Piece, I don’t know why I was chosen. The third Hokage died in a fierce battle with Orochimaru, but as an actor it’s gratifying that this line, “Where leaves dance, fire burns…the shadow of the fire illuminates the village, and the leaves sprout again,” has lived on for years to come”.
“Japanese ninja stories are popular all over the world. Perhaps it’s something like ‘One and Only Flower in the World.’ Just like One Piece, I don’t perform any of my works with particular awareness of popularity,” he added.
About the main changes between the skills and working conditions of voice actors between the past and present, Shibata said: “What’s expected of a voice actor has changed with the times. Our generation gained popularity with exaggerated acting in the early days of anime, but now it seems that flat, natural acting is what’s expected. It’s a bit tricky to say whether you can make a living just from your appearance fee for anime, both in the past and now. Even for voice actors who are blessed with popular characters, their appearance fee for anime is not as high as people might imagine.”
Hidekatsu Shibata was one of the international celebrities who was invited to CFCC event in Kuwait last month and he was very pleased to meet the fans at the event.
“I’ve been to Egypt, Turkey, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East region before my trip to Kuwait, and I was impressed by the wonderful, heartfelt hospitality everywhere in the region.”
Regarding his upcoming projects, Shibata said: “There are several ongoing series, including One Piece, and I’m 87 years old now. There are fewer senior voice actors these days, so I don’t know how long I can continue or whether I will get offers. But I still feel like I want to continue.”
About his recommendations for those who want to be voice actors for animation projects, Shibata said:” The way of a voice actor is interest and curiosity. Beyond that, you will see the path you should follow, watch, listen and try. Steal from the good and learn from the bad. The way of the arts is that it’s not a crime to steal.”