80s anime voice actor boom

In the late 1970s, a boom in anime began with hit anime series (films and TV shows) such as "Space Battleship Yamato" and "Mobile Suit Gundam." Alongside this boom, a "second boom in anime voice actors" emerged. This boom brought a significant shift in the anime voice actor scene, compared to the previous era where voice actors primarily dubbed foreign films. Voice actors who dubbed anime became the focus of popularity, leading to the release of records by these voice actors, the creation of numerous anime magazines, and the emergence of radio programs hosted by anime voice actors. Furthermore, the number of voice acting production companies rapidly increased, and each company established voice acting training schools. These improved training institutions led to the emergence of voice actors who aspired to be anime voice actors from the start, achieving idol-like popularity. There were even instances of top voice actors forming bands and gaining popularity. This major voice acting boom continued until around the mid-1980s, but it never waned and instead became firmly established, passing down through generations and establishing the aspirational profession and status of "anime voice actor," which is now commonplace.

This streaming project features a collection of works created by popular voice actors who were signed to King Records during the height of that boom.
I hope you enjoy the sound, which showcases my serious approach not only to vocals but also to singing, songwriting, and composition.

 

Re-evaluation from a Japanese-style perspective

Among the many works being released for streaming, several (marked with the "Japanese" label) are included, heavily incorporating the essence of "Japanese/City Pop," which is currently experiencing a global boom. You can encounter works that seem to have been created with a modern re-evaluation in mind, against the backdrop of the eve of the bubble economy's peak. In fact, these works are strongly in demand for City Pop, mainly in the DJ scene, so please enjoy their luxuriously urban sound.

---

[List of available titles]

<Takayuki Tomiyama>

Kei TomiyamaKei Tomiyama Romance” (1981 work)

This is the memorable debut album and masterpiece of Kei Tomiyama, a leading voice actor, now available for streaming to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death.
1. The one who traveled to space (A message from Susumu Kodai)
2. Jersey number 19
3. Marco Polo
4. Antique Clocks
5. Gallop in the Blue Sky
6. Fantastic Summer (Seaside Suite)

 

Kei TomiyamaKei Tomiyama Myself” (1981 work)

The second album was released shortly after the debut album.
The album, released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death, features many highlights, including the calypso/soca-style "Imaginary Boy," "Animation Dream" which evokes the world of glam rock, and the tear-jerking scripted suite "White Letter."
1. On a long journey
2. Imaginative Boy
3. The blue sky I once saw
4. Animation Dream
5. My sons
6. You only live once
7. Babbling Brook Suite "White Letter"

 

<Inoue Kazuhiko>

Kazuhiko InoueKazuhiko Inoue's First Gift” (1981 work)

This is the memorable debut album of Kazuhiko Inoue, who is still active as a voice actor today.
1. Gift
2. Nightgown
3. Marmalade Sky
4. My Beloved Laurie
5. Du Hazard
6. Masao's Youth
7. White Summer
8. For some reason, it's strange.
9. Ceremony
10. Just One Ballad

Kazuhiko InoueSummer Memories / Kazuhiko Inoue II” (1981 work)

Kazuhiko Inoue's second album features many AOR-style songs that evoke the image of a summer breeze, such as the Japanese boogie soul track "Kissin' You."
1. Play the Guitar
2. Kissin' You
3. Good-bye Summer Girl
4. Summer Memories
5. Starry City
6.Muran lipstick
7. Aizen Poetry Collection
8. Adults
9. On The Rock
10. Destiny inscribed on a leaf

Kazuhiko InoueComet Story” (1982 work)

This is Kazuhiko Inoue's third album.
1. The Girl from the Northern Town
2. One Thousand and One Nights
3. Yokohama HERO
4. The End
5. The Ballerina of Fire
6. Kaoru My Love
7. Summer Festival
8. Karuizawa in July
9. The Comet Story
10. Ripples

Kazuhiko InoueMorning Breeze” (1984 work)

This is Kazuhiko Inoue's 4th album and a masterpiece of mellow AOR.
It includes some great tunes like "Good Bye Town," "Summer Dream," and "Silent Night."
1. Wake up Summer
2. Tailwind
3. Time continues as it is.
4. Good Bye Town
5. Morning Rider
6. Love Carried on the South Wind
7. Summer Dream
8. Cry Cry Cry Dark Night
9. Silent Night
10. Private Song

<Sogabe Kazuyuki>

Kazuyuki SogabeA lonely youth” (1980 work)

This is the memorable debut album of voice actor Kazuyuki Sogabe.
1. Towards tomorrow…
2. The Boat of Dal Nara
3. Sapphire ring
4. White sandy shore
5. Silver Wings
6. A lonely youth
7. Lonely
8. At the end of autumn
*The narration included in the original has been omitted.

Kazuyuki SogabeThe continuation of memories” (1981 work)

This is the second album by voice actor Kazuyuki Sogabe.
1. The continuation of memories
2. I love you!
3. The Girl in My Dream
4. Traveler of Cloudy Park
5. Your Happy Ending
6. An Invitation to the Sea
7. Shed the show time
8. The Legend of the Fairy Meludine
9. Crimson Wings
10. Alice (Midnight Alice)
11. The Sea, My Friend

 

Kazuyuki SogabeSkyscraper Love” (1982 work)
Guest: Keiko Toda

This is the third album by voice actor Kazuyuki Sogabe.
1. Belle Époque
2. Blue Rain Blue Express
3. Wow Wow Wow
4. Starry Sky Climax
5. Telescope
6. Heartbreak Night
7. Nogizaka See You Again
8. Good Luck Lullaby
9. Adventurers
10. Like a dream

 

<Ryusei Nakao>

Ryusei NakaoRyusei Nakao First Now and Forever” (1980 work)

This is the memorable debut album of Ryusei Nakao, who is still actively working as a voice actor.
In "A Lone Traveler" and "Fleeting Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and Pleasure," he unleashes a burst of Asian soul reminiscent of Chu Kosaka.
1. Now And Forever
2. A lone traveler
3. Orange Dream
4. Simple Night
5. Epilogue Spot
6. How to Cultivate Happiness
7. Issa and the Sparrow
8. Fleeting emotions
9. One day
10. From today, just the two of us

Ryusei NakaoRyusei Nakao TAKE OFF in TOKYO” (1981 work)

This is the second album and live recording by Ryusei Nakao, who is still actively working as a voice actor.
1. A lone traveler
2. Finger spelling of love
3. Remember the Rain
4. Silent Story
5. Bringing the Wind
6. Bourbon Whiskey
7. Waiting for Jeffy
8.いつのまにか
9. Orange Dream
10. How to Cultivate Happiness
11. I Believe in Music
12. Epilogue Spot

<Makio Inoue>

Makio InoueDream Journey (+2)” (1980 work)

This is the solo debut album of Makio Inoue, a voice actor at the peak of his career, known for his charming, dapper voice. It also includes two bonus singles.
1. Baroque Romance "The Red Confession"
2. Medley from Solo Travel: From Solo Travel / Narration Part / Solo Travel, Solo Dance / Unnamed Flower / Sparkling for a Moment / 1200 Degrees Celsius / Goodnight First
3. Thank you letter
4. Uraura Grass

 

<Hirotaka Suzuoki>

Hirotaka Suzuoki / Satomi MajimaThe Longest Road Inn: Hirotaka Suzuoki & Banjo Haran” (1980 work)

This is the debut album of voice actor Hirotaka Suzuoki, who was overwhelmingly popular at the time for roles such as Banjo Haran in "Invincible Steel Man Daitarn 3". Supervision and lyrics by Yoshiyuki Tomino (Yoshiyuki Tomino, lyrics credited to Rin Iogi). The style is rock-kayo (Japanese pop music). Includes "Rose-Colored Women" and "Sorrowful Hometown," which feature excellent disco-soul style backing tracks.
1. Banjoe
2. Before going to sleep
3. Hushabye
4. Beyond the Gun Sight
5. Women of the Blue Color
6. Urban drafts
7. Pass through the curtain
8. Female Kaleidoscope
9. Mirage
10. Sorrowful Hometown
11. Fishing Fire Festival
*The narration included in the original has been omitted.

 

<Koji Mori>

Koji Mori “Koji Mori Special: "You and I... A Moment of Small Happiness"” (1980 work)

This is the solo debut album of Koji Mori, who has voiced many heroic characters, including Ken the Eagle in "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman."
1. A journey into space
2. Memories Train
3. Animation
4. Katsuji's Lullaby
5. You
6. A coffee shop with glass walls
7. The Wolf's Mark
8. Friends
9. Sky, forever
10. Me and You
*The narration included in the original has been omitted.

 

<小原乃梨子>

Noriko Oharainvitation” (1981 work)

This is the only album left behind by Noriko Ohara, a voice actress famous for her roles as Nobita in "Doraemon" and Doronjo in "Yatterman." It features feminine and fairytale-like poems and songs set against the backdrop of her solo trip to France.
It's like something out of a Shibuya-style Italian cinema soundtrack.
1. Departure
2. Transit Passengers
3. Cities with Canals
4.ショッピング
5. Art Museum
6. Rain in the Loire Valley
7.Fairy tales
8. Night Train
9. Discotheque
10. Breakfast in bed
11. Jet Feeling Love
12. Prologue
13. Peppermint Tea
14. Satin dress
15. Downtown Festival Day Fishing Shinobu
16. Cruiser
17.Boy
18. Goodbye Mama
19. Epilogue
*The narration included in the original has been omitted.

 

<Kazuko Sugiyama>

Kazuko SugiyamaKazuko Sugiyama First / Wake Up the Sleeping Child!!"

This is the debut album of voice actress Kazuko Sugiyama, famous for her role as Heidi in "Heidi, Girl of the Alps." Her diverse style includes showcasing her unique original voice and insect sounds, as well as singing mature ballads.
1. Yosaku's daughter
2. Groom Rumba
3.10 drunk people
4. Fairy tale surprise!!
5. Kako-chan Ondo
6. Fugue of the Night Sky
7. Whistle li li li
8. Hitomi
9. First Love
10. Memories Box