While the questions were in fact interesting, the main attraction was the live dubbing. His first live dubbing was from Bleach. This clip is a confrontation between Kisuke Urahara (Shin-Ichiro Miki’s character) and Ichigo after Ichigo needs to regain his Shimigami powers. Firstly, the clip is shown with Miki’s voice in the anime. After that is shown, the clip is run again, this time with Miki doing the live dub. Comparing the two performances, Miki’s voice live is much better. He delivers a powerful performance. It was basically Kisuke on stage. The reception was strong after he delivered an outstanding performance.
The second live dubbing came from another famous role. He delivered the voice for Roy Mustang in Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The scene saw Roy and Riza, a loyal companion, at the funeral of close friend General Maes Hughes. His performance was moving. Miki showed the whole audience the emotional range as the great seyuu he is. He even got emotional near the end. In the clip, Roy weeps for his fallen friend. Miki did the same thing. He tried to hide it but the audience knew. It was an excellent performance. It relates back to what he said about performing. He always lets the character overtake him during recording. It is all about capturing the character.
The third and final live dubbing takes us from the lands of Alchemists to outer space and mechs. Miki is involved with Mobile Suit Gundam 00 as the voice of Lyle, a pilot of one of the Gundam mechs. In this clip, Lyle wants Anew, an Inventor and former lover, to come back with him. However, she rejects him and tries to kill him. However, before she delivers a final blow, she receives one herself. Lyle and Anew have a moment to themselves before she passes away, revealing their true feelings. This is another example of Miki’s emotional side with his characters. It was a powerful performance, one that moved the audience. He also proved that he has one booming voice, as a few lines required shouting.
The panel was a fantastic experience for this first time attendee. The questions were excellent, but the live dubbing was on a different level. Miki showed why he is considered one of the best seyuu in the world. His voice is powerful, enchanting and simply brilliant to listen to. The audience got into the panel and gave him the applause he truly deserves. Those who witnessed the panel left with an unforgettable experience.
Make sure you lookout for our interview with Shin-Ichiro Miki soon and be sure to check out the official SMASH! website and our SMASH! 2012 section here on Capsule Computers.