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 Haruhi
Suzumiya and two space aliens traveled to Long Beach for Anime Expo.
Aya Hirano, Haruhi's voice, is on the right, while two of the aliens
who watch her are Chihara Minori in the center and Yuko Goto on the
left. All three are part of the popularity of the animated Melacholy of
Haruhi Suzumiya, the series that has been as popular among hard-core
anime fans in the U.S. as it has become in Japan. Suzumiya has replaced
names such as Belldandy, Lacus Clyne and Ayanami Rei as the most
popular in Japan. "I was actually surprised to find out that a lot of
people came to my panel - there were so many people I couldn't see them
at the very back of the room," Hirano said through an interpreter at an
interview session. "Until I came here, I didn't know it was so popular
until I saw all the fans who came to see me at the panel. I know it's
very popular in Japan." Added Minori, When we were creating the series,
we wanted to make something that was fun and have fun making it. We
realize the fans are enjoying it more than we expected. I'm hapoy to
see that, and to learn that even the U.S. fan base appreciates the fun
parts of the anime." |
 The
Suzumiya series, which has been gaining popularity and promotion in
recent months, has appealed to American fans in a way that its Japanese
creators and staff didn't expect. "Suzumiya is popular because the
character is outspoken," Hirano said. "I was worried that might keep it
from being popular, but I was pleased to find that Suzumiya was popular
in the U.S." The lead character's bold nature could make her more
attractive to straight-speaking Americans, but not all of the series'
characters are that outspoken. Minori describes her character as
quieter, a traditional Japanese character, "a cool character. I usually
play bright characters, but I was told not to express much emotions, so
I had to take a different approach." That difference put extra pressure
on Chihara, who spent extra time studying her role at recording
sessions rather than relaxing and socializing. Goto says her character,
who comes from the future, has to "suck up" and not let people know
smart she is. "I don't have any specual skills," Goto said. "I'm a
normal person who makes things better. I'm kind of useless, but I make
people happier." All of the actors were impressed with the number of
Suzumiya costumers they saw in Long Beach; Hirano was fascinated that
someone decided to dress as the bunny girl version of the character. |
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