Nakamura Eriko Q&A @ ACen 2025
This is a loose transcript of the question & answer portion near the end of Nakamura Eriko's solo panel (Center Stage with Nakamura Eriko) at Anime Central 2025 in Rosemont, IL on May 16th at 12:00 PM CDT. This transcript was drafted live during the panel on my phone based on the translations provided by Sujay, then edited for comprehension when published here.
Q: What have you learned as a voice actor?
Buy the pamphlet coming out in July for our upcoming concert in August and find out more. Google Translate it if you have to!
Q: What's different about voicing games compared to IDOLM@STER?
So much of the staff involved with IDOLM@STER have stuck with us for so long that I feel like they are always by our sides. Even so, I approach every job at my best.
Q: You always make everyone laugh. Do you have a favorite joke you'd like to tell?
But I'm such a serious person! Maybe in the future I'll have to become a comedian...
Q: What was the transition like from starting as a voice actor and becoming an idol?
I don't believe I've fully accomplished it. Very early on, I did classical ballet, so I've always really liked aspects of performance. Bit by bit, I feel like I've accomplished my goals in wanting to perform on stage.
Q: What was it like performing the songs belonging to other branches during M@STERS OF IDOL WORLD 2023?
Because many of the original members that performed those songs were present, it felt difficult to meet their expectations knowing they were watching. When we were starting out with 765PRO ALLSTARS, there was no foundation or anyone else to look towards for guidance, so it was valuable to have an existing standard from other branches to use as a guide.
Q: Do you have a memorable moment from a recording session across your 20 years as a voice actress for IDOLM@STER?
When IDOLM@STER was only a game, everyone on the cast recorded each of their parts individually. For the anime, we were all in the same place looking at the same screen, so it was one of the first times we had all gotten together for a recording this way, and it felt like the 765 Production office had actually come to life.
Q: Which of your fellow voice actors are you in contact with on a daily basis?
I can make friends with just about anyone. I have the habit of sending an excessive number of LINE stamps to most of the people I've added. Many of the MILLIONSTARS members that I'm in contact with often tell me to stop because they're trying to sleep.
Q: What was your most challenging line to record?
The scene in the anime where Haruka says to Chihaya "I won't leave you alone!" [1]
Q: You're not just the representative for Haruka, but for IDOLM@STER as a whole. Have you done anything to prepare yourself as the representative for the franchise?
That's not something I think about at all. That's not a status I'll necessarily decline, especially if everyone around me allows me to be the representative. Even after 20 years, however, I want everyone to think primarily about the character of Haruka more than anything else. She's just a 16-year-old girl.
Q: It feels like I've been supported by Haruka in my life. Is there any time you feel like you have been supported by Haruka or have supported her?
You'll have an answer by July. Buy the concert pamphlet!
Q: Is there any chance overseas fans like us can get enrolled in IDOLM@STER life insurance?
Ehh? Ask Bandai Namco Holdings [2]. [Sujay: "Please send an email to Bandai USA too."]
Q: What's your favorite live outfit?
M@STERS OF IDOL WORLD 2014, New Year Live!! Hatsuboshi Enbu.
[1]: THE IDOLM@STER anime episode 20. In response to Chihaya saying もう私のことほっとおいで (Just leave me alone) while locked in her apartment, Haruka repeats ほっとかない (I won't leave you alone) twice through the door
[2]: Said in English