For over two decades, Yuka Iguchi has been an important voice in the world of anime. From her iconic role as Index in A Certain Magical Index to unforgettable performances in Girls und Panzer, Encouragement of Climb, Symphogear, and Ascendance of a Bookworm, she has helped shape the emotional language of modern anime. This July, as she takes the stage at Hyper Japan in London, she will bring her voice as well as a legacy built on adaptability, empathy, and her artistic integrity.

Iguchi’s career began when she auditioned for Broccoli at a young age, driven by a passion for performance and an admiration for the senior voice actors who inspired her. Since then, she has voiced a spectrum of characters, from the energetic Maria in Haganai to Myne in Ascendance of a Bookworm, and more recently, Lucy in Rune Factory 5, Momoka Yuragi in Blue Archive, and Koleda Belobog in Zenless Zone Zero. Yet behind each performance lies a philosophy that has carried her through the volatile tides of the industry: “Don’t be stubborn. Don’t be obstinate. Have a heart and mind that can respond with flexibility and grace.”

This openness to growth and change has allowed Iguchi to continuously grow while staying grounded in her artistic values. “Use words that are alive and meaningful,” she says. “And above all, remember that a work of art is never created alone.”

That collaborative spirit is particularly visible in her 15-year journey with Index, a role she has nurtured through multiple seasons and films. “Compared to 15 years ago, I think I’ve become able to see not just the character, but the entire work more deeply,” she reflects. That depth of understanding allows her to bring consistency and subtle emotional detail to a character beloved across generations.

Staying relevant in an industry where trends shift as quickly as release schedules is a remarkable achievement. But Iguchi’s range has kept her in demand. Whether bringing the stillness of Mako Reizei or the delicate quiet of Aoi Yukimura, she approaches each role with great detail: “I try to make every word leave a lasting impression. Since these characters often have fewer lines, I pay special attention to expressing their presence through ad-libs and subtle nuances.”

And when it comes to more emotionally volatile roles, like Myne, Iguchi admits that even after years of experience, challenges remain. “Characters who are cheerful and honest with themselves are the easiest and most fun for me to play,” she says. “What’s still challenging are scenes where a usually reserved character suddenly reveals raw emotion. Capturing that shift authentically is always tough.”

Iguchi’s artistic sensibility extends to music as well. Her single Shining Star Love Letter, featured in The Miracle of Endymion, reflects a careful balance between narrative and performance. “Since it’s not a character song, I try to sing from a broader perspective, without leaning too much into any single character,” she explains. “I try to honour the world of the anime as a whole.”

This exchange between music and voice acting is something she sees as distinct but symbiotic. “I think the difference lies in whether you express emotions through words and breath, or through nuance by riding the music and rhythm,” she says. “I see them as quite different, even though they’re both rooted in voice.”

As the anime world expands far beyond Japan’s borders – streamed, subtitled, and celebrated across continents – actors like Iguchi are now reaching audiences in real time. “It makes me incredibly happy,” she says. “Knowing that my voice can reach people around the world is a wonderful feeling.”

That global reach is more visible than ever at festivals like Hyper Japan, which has become one of the UK’s most beloved celebrations of Japanese culture, standing proudly alongside global platforms like Crunchyroll Expo. With cosplay competitions, anime screenings, gaming booths, and live performances, Hyper Japan functions as a cultural connection, one where fans can meet the creators and stars who shaped their favorite worlds.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting fans in London,” Iguchi shares with a smile. “I hope everyone can come and enjoy the performance—it’s going to be something special.”

In many ways, Iguchi’s career reflects the evolution of anime itself, from a domestic TV phenomenon to a global cultural force. Through it all, she has remained a constant: a voice that moves between whimsy and weight, always in service of story, always honest. For younger seiyuu entering the field, she offers timeless advice: “A healthy mind, a flexible way of thinking, good communication skills, and above all, a genuine love for acting.”

And perhaps that’s what makes Yuka Iguchi such a beloved figure, not just her talent, but her love for the work, the fans, and the thriving anime scene.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Hyper Japan

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_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}