"Those Numbers Aren't Everything": It's Not Just Hollywood, Even Anime Actors Are Beholden to Social Media
Anime fans all around the world know how important the talented voice actors who bring their favorite characters to life are for the industry. Without them, the most popular and beloved anime shows in existence would never have been possible. Their contributions are invaluable and have always been celebrated and admired by viewers.
Yet, it seems like their already competitive and unforgiving profession is becoming even more difficult to navigate. According to Mari Takahashi, a Japanese idol and voice actress, the industry is adopting one of Hollywood’s most controversial practices: hiring people based on their social media following.
Only Anime Voice Actors With Lots Of Followers Receive Roles
Mari Takashi Reveals the Practice in a Shocking Post
On February 15, 2025, Mari Takashi took to social media to share her intentions to create a community for her fans with a moving but slightly odd post on her X (formerly Twitter) account. The message began by addressing the reality of the industry, as it revealed that voice actors are being hired according to their social media following. In auditions for a role, the candidates are asked how many followers they have. While the message did not explicitly state that only famous voice actors get the roles, it heavily implied that is the case.
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Takahashi continued by expressing that she does not believe the people who choose to follow her on social media should be a determining factor in receiving a job. Nonetheless, the actress continued by stating that she was happy about being allowed to become a voice actress. Her message, while hopeful, did highlight one of the main issues that has been afflicting the already troubled anime industry. It has become far more common for fans to learn about unusual and often questionable practices.
Takahashi’s Message Reveals Another Sad Truth
Her Willingness to Comply Shows How Competitive the Industry Is
After talking about her opinion, Takahashi continued by telling her fans that she hopes to create a positive community with whom she can share her goals and accomplishments. Her words do seem to indicate that she genuinely wishes to have a connection with her fans, something that is common among artists who work in the anime industry. Nonetheless, the rest of the message once again causes concern about the practices being used when hiring voice actors.
The post ended with the actress asking her followers to share it with as many people as possible. Although it is possible that her goal was to grow as an influencer, it is also possible that she wanted to secure future roles in anime. Takahashi seems to be willing to comply with the industry’s standards, making many fans believe that it is her only choice.
The Anime Industry Has a Major Problem
Voice Actors Are Not Given the Respect They Deserve
Over the last couple of months, several reports and interviews have been released revealing the dark truths behind the anime industry. While cases such as the severe overworking of animators have become more exposed, with the underwhelming animation of Blue Lock season 2 being a great example, they are not the only artists suffering. Voice actors have reported several times that their working conditions leave much to be desired. Others have suggested that being selected for a job is becoming harder and harder, with only relevant names being given the opportunity.
The X post shared by Takahashi gives fans a better view of the realities voice actors in Japan must deal with in their everyday lives. Even then, the fact that their struggles are not receiving the same media attention as animators must make their fight for better conditions harder. Japan has recently introduced several laws that aim at bettering the conditions of all anime industry workers. This initiative will hopefully help artists like Takahashi forget about the stress of increasing their social media presence to receive roles.
The anime industry is undoubtedly one of the most successful in the world, with it bringing millions in revenue even outside of Japan. Nevertheless, despite how popular and beloved it is, the struggles and issues that afflict the artists working in it should not be ignored.
