The Grand Prize for the competition Anisong Stars was awarded on 19 August 2017. The competition was brought to us by Lantis, Amuse, Bandai Visual, and Bandai Namco Live Creative.

Anisong Stars is a set of auditions that aims to find the next big singer/voice actor that will work in the anime industry. Of 4,846 hopeful applicants, 12 were selected for the grand final with 17-year-old Akane Kumada coming out on top.

Guest judge Hironobu Kageyama, who is signed with Lantis, commented, ‘Everybody did so well, and I think they gave a good performance.’ As he handed over the trophy, he added, ‘Anime and anisongs can give a boost of energy to the world, so I think it’s an amazing job to do. Please do as well as you possibly can.’

When receiving her trophy, Kumada said through tears, ‘Thank you so much. It was worth the hard work.’ Kumada will be backed by the four companies, and should hopefully be debuting as a singer/voice actor some time in 2018.

Comments from the judges for the winner

・Noriyasu Agematsu: Composer and Sound Producer
‘There has been a lot happening until this moment, but I want you to never forget the happiness you felt when you were announced as the winner, and keep doing your best from now on.’

・ Hironobu Kageyama: Singer-songwriter, Composer, Lyricist
‘Congratulations on being crowned the winner. It was a very close call, but I believe Miss Kumada’s pure feelings were expressed to the judges. I’m sure you will become a star all over the world in the future, so I hope you never forget this feeling right now and continue to do your best.’

・Kenichi Suzumura: Voice Actor
‘Congratulations on winning. I hope we can work together in the future.’

・TAKE (FLOW): Guitarist, Composer
‘Today, I spent the whole day absorbing the enthusiasm of each of the finalists, and it really was an exciting experience. Hearing Kumada’s voice standing out on the stage today, I became certain that there is a song out there that can only be sung by her.’

・Aki Hata: Singer-songwriter, Composer, Lyricist
‘Congratulations. From now on there will be ups and downs, but I hope you can overcome it all with your passion! I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do!’

source : https://animeanime.jp/article/2017/08/21/35057.html

MANGA.TOKYO loves anisong and interviews the hottest names in the industry. Read our interview with legendary anisong singer Hironobu Kageyama who was a judge at the competition!

Interview with JAM Project’s Hironobu Kageyama | Part 1 of 2

Interview with JAM Project’s Hironobu Kageyama | Part 2 of 2