Anime fans in Abu Dhabi had the chance to meet some of the biggest names in the industry at Animenia, the capital’s largest anime festival. Voice actors Fumi Hirano and Masaya Matsukaze, both veterans of the business with hundreds of credits under their name, were at the event.
“I’m genuinely impressed by how large and well-organised everything is," Hirano tells The National. "It not only showcases Japanese anime but also highlights local animation, like Spacetoon. I was pleasantly surprised by how well everything is integrated and how much the people of Abu Dhabi appreciate Japanese culture.”
Matsukaze adds to the appreciation, saying the festival "was amazing" and he wished he could have directly communicated with fans who attended. He says: "I’ve noticed that many anime and manga fans in this region not only love Japanese culture but also share values that are important in Japan, like politeness, generosity and putting others first.”
Matsukaze’s comments highlight the strong bond between Japanese culture and fans in the region, a connection deepened by the work of voice actors like Hirano, who have brought beloved characters to life for many anime fans around the world.
Hirano first rose to fame as the voice of Lum in the anime series Urusei Yatsura. However, before that, she began her journey as a child actor, where she took on various roles. Then, when she was 17 until she graduated from university, she worked as a radio DJ, hosting popular midnight radio shows.
She says: “One day, I received a postcard from a fan who suggested: 'Miss Fumi, why don’t you become a voice actor for anime?' That comment stuck with me, and it led me to audition for my first voice acting role: Lum in Urusei Yatsura. My favourite character remains Lum – my very first character and one that's very close to my heart.”
Urusei Yatsura aired from 1981 to 1986 with 194 episodes over four seasons. The show was popular during its original run and remains a cult favourite of that period. Hirano has been a prolific voice actor since her debut on the show, even doing Japanese dubbing work for English films such as Lorraine Bracco’s character Karen Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas.
Meanwhile, Matsukaze, whose career in the industry began in 1997, had his big break in 2001 as he voiced a character on the popular Pokemon series and again in 2007 when he voiced a character on the anime show Death Note. Since then, he’s appeared on series such as Hunter x Hunter, One-Punch Man 2 and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. He also famously voiced the main character Ryo Hazuki on the popular Sega game Shenmue.
He says that the way he shapes his voice for a character is about finding an interesting way to grab the attention of the audience. He adds: “When preparing for a role, I focus on giving each character a unique quality or hook that makes viewers think: 'This character is really interesting.' This keeps each performance fresh and engaging for the audience.”
Hirano, on the other hand, says that the script for a job informs much of how she shapes her voice for a character. “The script gives us a basic sense of the character, like the type of voice you’d expect – a young kid might have a high, cute pitch, while an older lady might have a bolder tone. But as a voice actor, I try to add my own unique touches to bring the character to life beyond what’s expected.”
Although both have had lengthy careers, they are aware of the integration of artificial intelligence into their industry but don’t seem fazed by it, at least not yet. Matsukaze says: “People now have a different view of voice acting, especially with the rise of AI technology. While voice acting used to be seen as a unique art, AI is now presenting both challenges and new opportunities. For example, it's becoming common to use one actor's voice for different characters thanks to AI tools.”
Hirano says: “In the future, the focus in the industry seems to be on combining AI with the natural talents of voice actors. Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI, the goal is to find ways to work together to create better productions and more enjoyable anime for fans.”
The pair also believe that learning Japanese as a second language should not deter people from hoping they can become anime voice actors. Matsukaze says: “Everyone has their own strength and weapon that they can use. For example, let’s say if your Japanese is not as good – maybe you can take on a role of a half-Japanese, English-speaking character in the show. You would be better at acting the role than a normal Japanese person."
Hirano says that with determination and passion for voice acting, people can still achieve great things. "Even if Japanese is your second language," Hirano adds. "Don’t let anyone discourage you or tell you that you can’t do it. What matters most is your enthusiasm and dedication to what you love.”
Stage 2
1. Mathieu van der Poel (NED) Alpecin-Fenix 4:18:30
2. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates 0:00:06
3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma 0:00:06
4. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe 0:00:06
5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 0:00:08
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Poacher
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Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Tributes from the UAE's personal finance community
• Sebastien Aguilar, who heads SimplyFI.org, a non-profit community where people learn to invest Bogleheads’ style
“It is thanks to Jack Bogle’s work that this community exists and thanks to his work that many investors now get the full benefits of long term, buy and hold stock market investing.
Compared to the industry, investing using the common sense approach of a Boglehead saves a lot in costs and guarantees higher returns than the average actively managed fund over the long term.
From a personal perspective, learning how to invest using Bogle’s approach was a turning point in my life. I quickly realised there was no point chasing returns and paying expensive advisers or platforms. Once money is taken care off, you can work on what truly matters, such as family, relationships or other projects. I owe Jack Bogle for that.”
• Sam Instone, director of financial advisory firm AES International
"Thought to have saved investors over a trillion dollars, Jack Bogle’s ideas truly changed the way the world invests. Shaped by his own personal experiences, his philosophy and basic rules for investors challenged the status quo of a self-interested global industry and eventually prevailed. Loathed by many big companies and commission-driven salespeople, he has transformed the way well-informed investors and professional advisers make decisions."
• Demos Kyprianou, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"Jack Bogle for me was a rebel, a revolutionary who changed the industry and gave the little guy like me, a chance. He was also a mentor who inspired me to take the leap and take control of my own finances."
• Steve Cronin, founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com
"Obsessed with reducing fees, Jack Bogle structured Vanguard to be owned by its clients – that way the priority would be fee minimisation for clients rather than profit maximisation for the company.
His real gift to us has been the ability to invest in the stock market (buy and hold for the long term) rather than be forced to speculate (try to make profits in the shorter term) or even worse have others speculate on our behalf.
Bogle has given countless investors the ability to get on with their life while growing their wealth in the background as fast as possible. The Financial Independence movement would barely exist without this."
• Zach Holz, who blogs about financial independence at The Happiest Teacher
"Jack Bogle was one of the greatest forces for wealth democratisation the world has ever seen. He allowed people a way to be free from the parasitical "financial advisers" whose only real concern are the fat fees they get from selling you over-complicated "products" that have caused millions of people all around the world real harm.”
• Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"In an industry that’s synonymous with greed, Jack Bogle was a lone wolf, swimming against the tide. When others were incentivised to enrich themselves, he stood by the ‘fiduciary’ standard – something that is badly needed in the financial industry of the UAE."
