Video] Popular Voice Actor Kana Hanazawa Tries Her Hand at Live Horse Racing for the First Time!　Short movie of the excitement of the Japan Derby at Tokyo Racecourse

Popular voice actress Kana Hanazawa took on the challenge of playing a horse race in the "Different Kinds of Live Action Challenge," a web content developed by the Japan Racing Association (JRA).

Kana Hanazawa is a popular voice actress who has appeared in more than 150 anime and game titles, including "March comes in like a lion" as Hinata Kawamoto and "Rewrite" as Bonito, and has gained tremendous support from fans for her high acting ability and voice quality.
⇒Kana Hanazawa, Voice Actor Page

On September 7, 2017 (Thu), JRA (Japan Racing Association) released a limited-time web content called "Different Kinds of Live Voice Challenge," in which "voice professionals" from industries and sectors different from horse racing challenge live horse racing. In this project, popular voice actress Kana Hanazawa is challenging her first live horse racing commentary alongside the comedy duo ANZEN Manzai, Kyoko Fujio, an overly sexy Japanese bush warbler, Koneko, an American shorthair, and the track makers HIFANA & PARKGOLF. Ms. Hanazawa will be reporting live on the "80th Japan Derby (GI)" held on Sunday, May 26, 2013. Kizuna, the son of the legendary Derby horse Deep Impact, won the top of the Japan Derby in this historic race.

Ms. Hanazawa's commentary can be heard in a short movie in which she visits Tokyo Racecourse to experience the excitement of the "80th Japan Derby. After footage of the actual race is shown, Hanazawa's live racing commentary begins as the racehorses come out of the final corner and enter the straightaway course. She conveys the final stretch of the race with a freshness and power that differs from that of male commentators. After she finishes her commentary, she jumps up and down, exclaiming, "This is the horse race ......! and jumped up and down to express his enthusiasm with his whole body. One of Hanazawa's favorite scenes is when she plays with a white horse and pats its nose, saying, "Good boy, good boy.

The site is also hosting a "Tryout" challenge where users can try their hand at live horse racing on their smart phones. The first place winner will receive a one-on-one training course for race announcers. For more details, please check the official website.

Lastly, we have received a message from Ms. Hanazawa, who took on the challenge of this project, so let us introduce it here.

Interview with Kana Hanazawa, voice actress] (*Honorific titles omitted)

--How do you feel now that you have finished shooting the video?

I had been to a racetrack once before on a private trip, but this time I was shocked to see how big it was. There were many more people than I had imagined, including families and couples, and I also discovered how cool it is to see horses running and how amazing their muscles are. I was very happy that I was able to go inside the turf where the races were actually held for the filming, as well as into the playground, which was a very valuable experience. I was especially excited to be able to go inside the track, which is something I would never normally do.

--What are the highlights of the video?

I think it is quite rare to hear a female voice in a play-by-play video, and since it was my first time to play a play-by-play video, I would like people to pay attention to my play-by-play scene. Also, in the scene where I was playing with the white horse, I got my left hand licked very softly (laughs). (Laughs) I have never had my left hand licked like that before. The horse was cute and I personally found it amusing, so I hope you can see that too.

--Did you practice the actual commentary?

I practiced a lot on what kind of tension to use. I thought that if I followed the actual horse racing, it would sound like a comedy. Also, the names of the horses are unique, and it was difficult to say them all at once.

--I was also very impressed with the live commentators, as they are really amazing.

I wanted to experience a race at Tokyo Racecourse if I had the chance. I heard that there are a lot of people coming in, so I would like to hear their cheers.

--I would love to hear the cheers of the crowd.

As a play-by-play host?　I'm sure I'll be scolded for being too naïve (laughs). (Laughs.) If you can give me a break for being a bit of a snob, of course I'd be happy to do it!