Seiyuu Series: Yukari Tamura

Hello and welcome. In this issue of the Seiyuu Series, we are covering Yukari Tamura. This Japanese voice actress has played parts in over 50 anime series and has sung theme songs or insert songs in at least 30 of them. First, I will go over 20 examples of anime characters she has played. Afterward, I will include notes, a mention of my first time hearing her, and a bit about my faovrite role that she has played. Ready, set, RANT!

20 Roles

Chiyo Yumehara (Saiki Kusuo no psi-nan)

Elizabeth Midford (Black Butler)

Frederica Bernkastel (Umineko no Naku Koro ni)

Iori Minase (Idolm@ster Xenoglossia)

Jibril (No Game No Life)

Mai Kawasumi (Kanon and sequels)

Mei Sunohara (Clannad)

Mine (Akame ga Kill)

Nanoha Takamachi (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha)

Narrator (Alice and Zouroku)

Nui Harime (Kill la Kill)

Penguin Waitress (Polar Bear Cafe)

Priscilla Barielle (Re:Zero)

Rika Furude (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni series)

Shisui Tsuchimikado (Granbelm)

Suzuha Amane (Steins;Gate)

Tenten (Naruto franchise)

Tiriel (Shakugan no Shana)

Togame (Katanagatari)

Tomari Kurusu (Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl)

Notes

Yukari Tamura has a lovely voice, usually a bit high-pitched, musical, and cute. She can also do a deeper, more serious voice if the role calls for it. Many of the characters played by Miss Tamura appear in harem anime, where her character is usually one of the main contenders for the main character’s heart. And it’s no wonder, with her adorable voice.

Now, some find Miss Tamura’s annoying, but I think it’s fine in most cases. There are some roles, though, where it’s part of her character to be over-the-top and annoying. Examples include Elizabeth Midford and Nui Harime. Despite having a very distinct voice that’s just about impossble to hide, this seiyuu isn’t really type-cast into a particular character type. I really like that about her. If you want to know what she sounds like, watch a minute or two of this video and listen to the girl with braids.

First time Hearing

I watched Steins;Gate in 2012 and heard Yukari Tamura as Suzuha Amane. The same year, I heard her as Rika in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, but I think that was a little later. Miss Tamura did an excellent job with portraying the eccentric and strong time-traveler, Suzuha. She sounds tough and adorable at the same time. This is an unforgettable role that she played excellently.

Favorite Role

I must say that Rika Furude is my favorite character played by Yukari Tamura. To most people, Rika seems like a cute, innocent, and well-behaved little girl. It’s difficult to explain without spoilers, but let’s just say there is more to this small child than meets the eye. In both seasons of Higurashi as well the OVAs and specials, Miss Tamura does an excellent job capturing the character of Rika. She continued to play Rika in Higurashi Gou (2020) and its sequel. That’s all for today!