Voice Acting Legacy: Saeko Shimazu's Journey as Kodachi Kuno in "Ranma 1/2"

The Unique Challenge of Voicing Kodachi Kuno

In 1989, Saeko Shimazu brought to life one of the most peculiar and memorable characters in anime history, Kodachi Kuno from the original "Ranma 1/2" series. Kodachi, an eccentric martial arts gymnast with an obsessive crush on Ranma, required a voice that could match her vibrant and somewhat erratic personality. This role demanded from Shimazu an intense level of vocal tension and energy, traits that Studio Pierrot's producer Yuji Nunokawa recognized in her audition. However, it wasn't until 30 years later that Shimazu learned Nunokawa's immediate perception of her as an "incredible new talent" fit for Kodachi.

Transitioning Into High-Tension Roles

Before donning Kodachi’s eccentric persona, Shimazu had already established herself in anime, playing roles in other Rumiko Takahashi works, such as Miyake Shinobu in "Urusei Yatsura" and Kuroki Sayoko in "Maison Ikkoku." Her experience with high-energy characters was evident from her portrayal of Megumi Ayase in "Creamy Mami," setting the stage for her seamless transition into the high-tension performance required for Kodachi. Despite having this experience, Shimazu noted that Kodachi was unlike any other character she had played, pushing her to new professional heights.

Overcoming Initial Nervousness

The role of Kodachi came with its own set of challenges for Shimazu. Despite her enthusiasm, she initially grappled with nervousness, which impacted her vocal performance. Support from her co-star Yo Inoue played a crucial part in helping Shimazu overcome this hurdle. Inoue’s assurance that Shimazu was uniquely suited for the role of Kodachi gave her the confidence to embrace the character fully. "It's fine, because you're playing a role that only you can play," Inoue's words of encouragement, have resonated with Shimazu throughout her career.

Legacy and Inspiration

Ayane Sakura's Tribute

With the recent remake of "Ranma 1/2" by Studio MAPPA, the legacy of Kodachi Kuno has been handed over to Ayane Sakura, known for her role as Ochaco Uraraka in "My Hero Academia." Sakura has expressed deep admiration for Shimazu's original portrayal, which she views as an eternal benchmark for interpreting Kodachi's character. Her respect for Shimazu's work is evident in her dedication to accurately capturing Kodachi's voice and essence in the new series.

Availability and Legacy of Ranma 1/2

For those interested in exploring both versions of "Ranma 1/2," MAPPA’s remake is now streaming on Netflix, while the classic 1989 version remains available on Hulu. Both iterations offer unique takes on Kodachi Kuno’s vibrant character, providing a rich tapestry of performances that pay homage to the original voice that brought her to life. As fans explore these series, Shimazu's performance will continue to be recognized as a cornerstone of Kodachi's lasting impact in the anime world.