Anime talent agency explicitly rejects voice actress applicants who have appeared in pornography

Ceewan

Famished
Jul 23, 2008
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Anime voice acting used to be a job that afforded one a pretty high level of privacy and anonymity. Increasingly, though, to really succeed in the industry Japanese voice actors have to make themselves accessible to the fan community through video messages, public appearances, social media, and other ways to promote a personal brand that brings attention and interest to their roles and the series they’re part of.

But while anime itself is famously comfortable with sexualized content, that doesn’t mean that same acceptance extends to the individuals voicing its characters. Similar to the situation for idol singers, the most extreme bloc of anime fandom, which also provides an immense amount of the industry’s financial support, often wants to believe that its favorite voice actresses are living chaste lives devoted solely to perfecting their craft and pleasing their fans.

Recently, Emi Nitta, the voice of Love Live! protagonist Honoka, has been dogged by rumors that she appeared in an adult video prior to being cast in the tremendously popular anime franchise. While her talent agency has vehemently denied that she did any such thing, the situation has served as a reminder about how quickly the infatuation of the most obsessive and lucrative portion of a voice actress’ fanbase can vanish. Apparently, the situation has at least one company so on edge that it’s taking preemptive action to avoid such a scenario.

Talent agency Walkure is looking to sign a crop of new voice/vocal performers looking for work in the anime, video game, idol, and pachinko machine sectors. It’s even holding auditions in Tokyo on May 14. Looking over the information on the event’s website, among the conditions applicants have to meet are provisions both legal and practical. For example, applicants must not be currently under contract with a competing agency, and must be willing to relocate or commute to the Tokyo area, where the majority of their work-related activities will be carried out.

But the list also includes this:

“We reserve the right to reject applicants involved in illegal activities, or who have been engaged in adult videos or modeling.”

It’s especially noteworthy that while the exact wording shuts the talent agency’s door on those who are currently breaking the law, there’s no chance for redemption if you’ve been part of any pornography, even if you’re no longer in that line of business.

In Walkure’s defense, the very fans it’s trying to avoid upsetting aren’t exactly known for their understanding, forgiving nature. With no statute of limitations likely from the group it’s counting on to pay so many of its bills, including performers’ salaries, the agency seems to think it has no choice but to say that if pornographic work is a part of your past, you’re not part of Walkure’s future.
 

kharo88

Akiba Citizen
Sep 13, 2015
1,344
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"But while anime itself is famously comfortable with sexualized content"

Oh, so if it's 2D, that's not only totally all right, but judging by how every anime now is all about the boobs and the harem and the overly sexualised women, it's almost a requirement, but if someone who has had actual sex wants to voice a character, that's not. So much hypocrisy...

"Similar to the situation for idol singers, the most extreme bloc of anime fandom, which also provides an immense amount of the industry’s financial support, often wants to believe that its favourite voice actresses are living chaste lives devoted solely to perfecting their craft and pleasing their fans."

And that's just straight-up bullshit. What they want to believe is one thing, reality is another. Sure, everyone is free to believe what they want to believe, but they shouldn't be surprised if what they believe doesn't line up with reality. I'd say they have a crude awakening coming, but it looks like that one studio wants to cater to those fans...

Anyway, this whole thing is nonsense. Not surprising, of course, but still nonsense.
 

vietbub

Active Member
Dec 6, 2008
175
37
"But while anime itself is famously comfortable with sexualized content"

Oh, so if it's 2D, that's not only totally all right, but judging by how every anime now is all about the boobs and the harem and the overly sexualised women, it's almost a requirement, but if someone who has had actual sex wants to voice a character, that's not. So much hypocrisy...

"Similar to the situation for idol singers, the most extreme bloc of anime fandom, which also provides an immense amount of the industry’s financial support, often wants to believe that its favourite voice actresses are living chaste lives devoted solely to perfecting their craft and pleasing their fans."

And that's just straight-up bullshit. What they want to believe is one thing, reality is another. Sure, everyone is free to believe what they want to believe, but they shouldn't be surprised if what they believe doesn't line up with reality. I'd say they have a crude awakening coming, but it looks like that one studio wants to cater to those fans...

Anyway, this whole thing is nonsense. Not surprising, of course, but still nonsense.
Japanese people are odd when it comes to sex.
 

abc.dem.puppies

Retired, very occasionally around
Jul 10, 2009
65
208
I cannot speak for Japanese porn actresses, but in the English dubs of various hentai, I have found the work of famous American porn stars to be below any standards that are acceptable. I think that being a known pornographic actress, prompts the actress to promote her brand. Maybe it is different in Japan. I normally prefer the Japanese audio on most anime or hentai. With the exception of anime (more to the mainstream) that I was introduced to in English dub.

And for a sexualized industry to want to separate itself from porn, is not outside of any norm. You don't see Victoria's Secret hiring porn stars for there content.
 

Ceewan

Famished
Jul 23, 2008
9,151
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Porn stars have a hard time making it in mainstream movies in America as well. I suppose the two most successful ones would be Traci Lords and Ron Jeremy....neither of which did any voice overs for cartoons for Disney. But in America you couldn't get away with a statement like this.....you should but nowadyas you can't. Discrimation brings lawsuits, even if the discrimination is prudent. The big deal is in Japan they get to say these things and it is just accepted as okay.

As adult and entertaining as they are, anime is mainly directed at a younger crowd. There is a certain image you would want to present when promoting something to that type of target audience. So I personally have no problem with these types of hiring practices. They prevent any embarassment for the production company and by being up front they discourage undesirable applicants.