Uesaka: When I traveled overseas for an event, I realized for the first time that there are people all over the world who truly love Japanese culture. People often talk about “Cool Japan,” but I think what’s happening goes beyond those words. I think we should be more aware of Japan’s culture is loved all over the world.

　People in various countries take the initiative to hold cosplay and anime events, and people learn about our uniforms, bento lunchboxes, and other aspects of Japanese culture through anime. It’s amazing. Japanese people should take more pride in this wonderful pop culture that we have.

──So there are people all over the world who love Japanese culture in greater numbers than we imagine.

Uesaka: I think it would be wonderful if Japanese people could interact more with these people. I’m sure some people feel that studying foreign languages and learning about foreign countries is impossible for them. But for interactions between two people, the hurdles aren’t so high.

　When I went to Qatar, I didn’t know the language at all, but I still managed to use gestures to have fun interactions with the local people.　We would look at anime illustrations or figures together and I’d say, “Do you know this?”　Then, they’d respond with “I do, I love it!” When I did my live voiceover performance, even though they couldn’t understand Japanese, hearing me voicing the character was still exciting for everyone. I think I was only able to do that thanks to the power of Japanese pop culture.

　Being able to look at the same thing and say “great” and “it’s lovely” is a wonderful thing. That’s all it takes to be a cultural ambassador. Regardless of the political and economic relationships between Japan and foreign countries, I hope everyone can have these kinds of interactions and love the people of other countries.

　Because of my schedule recently, it’s hard for me to travel, but I haven’t been to any of the large events in countries like the United States, France, and Germany yet, so I hope I will have the opportunity to take part as a cultural ambassador someday.

Sumire Uesaka
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Made her debut as a voice actress in January 2012. Debuted as an artist with “Nanatsu no Umi yori Kimi no Umi,” the opening theme for “Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san,” a TV anime broadcast in 2013. Performed a solo concert at Ryogoku Kokugikan in December 2016. Released “EASY LOVE,” the opening theme for the TV anime “Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro,” as a new single in April 2021. A unique voice actress and music artist with broad interests and knowledge in subjects such as Russia, Showa Kayo songs, metal and rock music, tanks, Lolita fashion, pro wrestling, and beards.
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