Is Umehara Yuuichirou problematic?

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Equipment:
writing/script & voice over recording by me (earpods, iphone)
editing on macbook air via vllo
timestamp:
0:00 - the "problematic" remarks
0:55 - opening
1:23 - ume's clarifications
3:28 - my thoughts

[@konpeisubs]

As long as he is not committing actual crimes, I will always defend Ume. I love his humour code and I take what he said with a light heart

[@ElleEcs]

Yeah, I agree.

[@PixelMochi]

He didn't make a mistake though. People are just expecting more out of this man than he's willing to give, and that's fine. He doesn't have to please everyone becuase can you imagine how exhausting that must be? People are also just too sensitive these days. Breathe the wrong way and you're getting CaNcElLeD. I'll always defend him, just as you do. He didn't do anything wrong.

[@Walu355]

He aint wrong in any way tho theres nothing to defend here😂

[@Gummy_Pop.]

Thank you! Finally someone understands my stand on this. I've seen/heard much worse things celebs have done and this is far the least worse one out there.

[@pau3600]

(correct me if im wrong) i like how he establishes a relationship where both parties are human. he doesn’t see his fans as “fans” but just /people/ who supports him, and tries to let them know that he won’t just do whatever just to please them. ume’s so honest and doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not and as a “person who supports him” its kind of refreshing. i would def perfer that he airs this stuff outright than learn hes a piece of **** behind the scenes by someone else

[@fatinnasir8490]

Tbh, I felt that Ume-chan is almost the same as Ucchi. Both of them stand strong to their own thoughts and opinions and I really want them to keep it that way. And truthfully, I felt cringe whenever a seiyuu do those "fanservice" thingy (or maybe it is just me). And They are SEIYUU, not an idol. Ppl cant expect them to be what they expect them to be. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@_ray_4]

I feel like they want to promote him as an ideal Ikkemen but he was like “nope that ain’t for me” good for him I hope his agency helps him succeed in the path *he* chooses and makes him happy 🖤

[@Einlehrer_]

Tbh i get what Ume-chan is saying. They're seiyuu not idols, they're more of the behind the scene type of occupation. Pretty sure Ume-chan didn't want to be treated as an idols because of how controlled and stuffy that kind of life would be. Hiroshi kamiya was cancelled by his so called fans just because he secretly got married and had a child. I think Ume-chan is the type that became seiyuu because he didn't need to be in front all the time and had more privacy compared to actors. But now a days, it close to impossible to not be in front because there is a lot of Seiyuu event for almost all the anime.

[@cloudykhushi]

he is so unfiltered it makes me love him even more tbh

[@myz_ka]

Just bcs a celebrity does fanservice, doesn’t mean it’s genuine. It’s mostly business. Maybe there’s some gems out there who are happy to serve fans but don’t expect everyone to be like that.

[@kristin7146]

I totally agree with your take. I thought it was funny when he said at 0:48 "How long can he put up with this?" 😅 I feel there are probably 3 kinds of seiyuu - 1) Those who want to go into acting, but are shy, so they excel at non-stage acting, but are more reserved or embarrassed when doing stage events. Matsuoka-san is also probably in that boat. 2) Those who don't really mind either way whether they are on-stage or off-stage, and they go with the flow. 3) Those in the Mamo-chan category, who absolutely love being in front of people and receiving crowd feedback. The way I see it, they are doing something that is a passion for them and I'll accept them no matter how they feel about it (unless they're downright nasty to their fans and other actors, which I haven't heard of yet).

[@Kanateepuka]

In other words, he finds it cringy when someone says they are “his fan” lmao I understand where he’s coming from tho famous ppl shouldn’t be forced to give some sort of fan service just because the fans demand so they should follow wut the person themselves feel comfortable on doing.(especially if they claim to be a fan of said person) I admire how honest he is all the time even if it’s considered controversial i think seiyuus should be more open and honest bout these things to u kno snap some fans mentality out of their minds

[@michiru465]

Boy decided to spit facts and there's nothing wrong with that. The only reason he went up in flames is because he accidentally offended the other seiyuus who might or might not be like him regarding the fan service issue. In Japanese, it kind of sounded like he was making fun of the other seiyuus, which I'm pretty sure he didn't do it intentionally. But yeah, that one's on you my boy.

[@myz_ka]

Ume’s comments were misinterpreted bcs he might came off condescending but hey he made it clear and apologised for the way it was phrased. Hope nobody’s trying to drag him for his past comment.

[@nurainsakinahmohdpuzi4539]

I agree with you a lot! I don't understand why fans often take things like this seriously, instead of looking at it as a joke and expect seiyuus to be perfect because they are not perfect. I guess they feel entitled, like you said. Even idols who people picture as perfect are just humans and they ARE entitled to having emotions and opinions of their own. Thanks for sharing this video by the way!

[@yuralost]

I can see why he got into trouble. When he said "how long can [other seiyuu] put up with this?" it sounded REALLY condescending, like he was assuming *everyone* in the industry is forced and none of it is genuine. It was rude to imply that the fans were of a much lower standing, as if they were dogs begging for attention. It was rude to his colleagues as well. To be fair, I can really understand his dislike for the word 'fan'. The affection of 'fans' is often fleeting, and fans can be unreasonably demanding. For me, the most I'd say is I enjoy so-and-so's work. Especially in Japan, it's important to understand that the person we see on the screen is merely their public persona/facade. It is okay to like that side of them, but be prepared to learn that they are different in private. If Ume was a woman celebrity, he'd be torn to pieces for this comment... Not sure about the fan service he is referring to, but speaking in general, it's necessary to meet some professional standard at least in paid (live) events, I feel. My first paragraph might sound harsh, but yeah I do like that there are different viewpoints of what it means to be a pro in the industry as it is a fluid and dynamic entertainment sector.

[@AishahKamal]

I agree with your insight on this. There's nothing particularly wrong with what's mentioned by him regarding how he views the people that supports him and not liking the word 'fan'. That is justifiable for him to feel how he feels on these kinds of things. The only thing that rubs me the wrong way, was when he tried to pin his views onto other seiyuus that may not feel the same way as he is. That generalization comes off condescending and disrespectful.

[@homurafayel]

i like how blunt he is like i get how fanservice actions could be tiring and i totally get with how he said 'im excited to know how long they can last' its exactly how i feel. real fans would stan their real self not the fake persona just to please others. tbh i actually find his comment amusing nothing is infuriating here for me i mean i literally laughed along hshs

[@TheRandomGirl5109]

I think the whole fan thing just starts to feel transactional to him rather than real, once it becomes expected behaviour. I definitely see what he means. Maybe he didn't word it the best way he could've, so I get people being upset (not THAT upset tho lol), but whatever he said comes across to me as something he said from a position of *wanting* to be genuine when it comes to interacting with people. He probably doesn't like to NOT be genuine but he can't help it (because he's told by the important people to wave and smile), so he wants to make it clear he's doing it because he's told to and not trying to sell a fake image on purpose. If you take his words as it is, it sounds like : haha i just smile and laugh but i feel nothing but what I think it really is is: I do it to project the image expected of me but I don't want to pretend it's genuine when it's not genuine.

[@pau3600]

THANK YOU for the goldmine of ume pics btw we are grateful for ur service

[@umemehara]

ppl be coming up with whatever reasons to ‘cancel’ celebs srsly 😅 i like his honesty. and yess refreshing to see someone who feels reluctant to do fanservice. at least thats better than bad mouthing ppl who root on him (like that one kpop trainee who said his fan’s breath stank lol. his debut was cancelled btw bcs of that)

[@doggerz_]

Ume is so real. He is human and he has all the right in the world to feel as he feels. I mean, if other artists are ok with fan service, that's great, but everyone is different and Ume has the right to feel like he feels.

[@nasaaca]

I totally see where he's coming from and I'm absolutely positive that he had zero malice when he said it. He's so real for that and I guess that's one of the things I like about him. Honestly, I'd rather stan Ume-chan over talents who pretend to like their own fans and then talk shit about them behind closed doors.

[@viridis9525]

I still don't understand why they would hate that. He's not an idol at all and he works behind the cameras, he's a voice actor. I love him so much. It's not that he hates fans, he just didn't sign up for that shit.

[@monsterkink]

i personally really love that he is unfiltered about this topic? the idea that idols, seiyuu etc. are told/sold as being fans' """property""" is not weird in the "geek" culture in japan, but you see that the younger generation of seiyuu and idols are not necessarily agreeing with that aspect anymore, and that should be fine imho!! i mean, the job description for idols and seiyuu is changing a little and thats. healthy? haha!

[@Solving-Together]

I believe I get his point. Of course, I can't say anything about the seiyuu industry since I'm not sure how it works but I hope fans and staffs understand and take seiyuus' boundaries in consideration when doing fan service and stuff.

[@cherry-nw1sl]

oof people got offended on it huh. i mean ngl ive always seen ume-chan as a very strongheaded? guy. he knows what he can and doesn’t want to do, and i notice hed cringe openly. getting into this ‘drama’ ig was something i expected tho….but thats just how it is with the annoying netizens

[@jugemujugemugokounosurikirekai]

So he's just realistic and people hate that? Pffft. As long as he doesn't commit a crime, or cheating on his partner, I'll still like him tho. I know him from the start of his career and always been liking him till now. I like his voice and his is one of voices that I can recognise in every anime eventho I didn't know the casts yet

[@Akane040]

i love how down to earth ume-chan is, he’s very straightforward and genuine - i get why the phrasing can cause other to take it negatively, but personally its hard to take it negatively when hes so relaxed 😅

[@shafirahoney2378]

All I want for seiyuu is enjoying their work, that's for sure. I really appreciate for all their good work, whether with or without fanservice. They can like and dislike it, as long as they can continue their work comfortably

[@velfarre]

tbh, nothing wrong. I think if you understand the context and how he usually speaks you can tell it's just him deadpanned speaking and there isnt any condescension. it's so millenial, i get it. it's a healthy boundary. also as a person who works in production bts, i can honestly tell you that 90% of all ple who appear in front of camera treat it as a job and compartmentalise it as such. otherwise it is not humanly feasible to work in this industry for long. boundaries are impt and should be normalized.

[@lemonwillow]

Its good that he voiced out his views, it was well put together, polite and I totally understand where he's coming from, but ig its better for one not to bring other (seiyuus) into the conversation, regardless of whether theyre sincere or not.

[@zera00771]

I'm actually impressed that Ume chan still did fan service when he was told to even when he disliked it so much

[@cardiacarrester6090]

Well I don’t care about his personal life both in positive trait and negative trait as long as he have the talent in voicing that all matter to me. After everyone is stranger to each other so why bother on something like this?

[@anniarry131]

Oh man... i just hope ume have a strong heart facing all this 😢

[@gasterrific]

honestly, this is a very informative video! i haven't been keeping up with the seiyuu scene but seeing content like this is pretty interesting. good work! umeme's view regarding this subject is pretty understandable, and i can see why he thinks that way 🤔

[@mbbbits4847]

His comments and point of view are refreshingly honest and human. Especially when it comes to a culture that focuses a lot on how things are phrased, it's interesting to see a person being unapologetically clear with his words.

[@alessaluna213]

I agree with you, please continue with the hard work to translate these statements and events, thank you for all the videos but specially those about Umehara.

[@william_riku]

His views is actually normal for western standards imo. However it might be misaligned with japanese fans

[@hanayuuki790]

LMAOOO I HAD THE SAME THOUGHT AS HIM EXACTLY. His words sounds bad but he has a lot more to say and i can say he would mostly be misunderstood because his way of thinking is too big for normal people to understand. He seems to be someone who is sincere and only doing things that resonates with his values more. His words may come unfiltered but he can't lie or not eloquent enough to say it in indirect way. I also always get misunderstood that way.

[@UItraVioIet]

I thought it and said it at the time, but it's obvious he doesn't like being treated like a performing monkey. He wants to do stuff that comes natural to him and wants people to accept that. "Oh, maybe he doesn't smile and wave as often as others, but at least we know what when he does [xyz] we know it's genuine" type thing.

[@synthesis37]

I feel like Ume was always like that, I like him he has a good voice and he's also handsome if I watch an anime and he's casted or if he voices a character in some game I play then I would roll for it only because I like his voice. I think the remarks he said it just shows how the industry have changed through the years. Voice actors don't just give his voice to the characters they play anymore, now they give their image too. Is more common the events of a popular anime when the seiyuus are invited or something like that and it wasn't always like that. I admire Ume because I feel like he always tries and wants to prove he's a real seiyuu and if he gets a role is because he won it and not only because he's a "ikemen" who will help to promotes the anime and thats why he wants to drop that image of a handsome and cool men by the remarks and personality he shows.

[@erisneedsoloyolo]

Ume: just doing ume's things People: NOOOO YOU ARE FAMOUS YOU MUST FAKE FOR US PEOPLE ume is so funny because HE IS LIKE THIS.

[@gilangadlisdastifa7464]

Ah yes, I can confirm that as Umehara Yuuichiro enjoyer.

[@blind_aggression]

i expected something worse from the title (don't really follow ume, but love some of his works) but it's just a man who's not good at irl interactions. seiyuu aren't idols ffs. fanservice in general is a stupid concept.

[@shiz3579]

Love how ume is true to himself ❤ pls nvr change

[@hfzhfarahin8480]

I second this a lot. Him being different and have his own opinion while being damn honest in funny way are things that make me truly like him. He's a seiyuu but never forget that he's a human too. If he felt embarassed and not comfortable doing things unlike how other seiyuus do, chill. He has his own ways to appreciate and grateful towards those people who support him. Be nice, that matters!

[@Voulvre]

Woah, this guy is deep. I like him and I'm following him, thanks for your coverage.

[@Will-wo7wo]

I really do like how unfiltered and honest he is about this tho, if I was in his place and saw other people do fanservice and actually be uncomfortable with it for example, I probably would think the same thing like "How can he do that? omg" and it's pretty normal. I bet a lot of people share the same thoughts as him but cannot speak about it bc they know their career would be over. While it might sound harsh to "fans" he shouldn't be cancelled for talking about this

[@kittyythecat]

I knew for a LONG time that Ume-chan hated fanservice to the point he never did so. I just shrugged it off, not truly wondering why until now. After hearing his reasons, I kinda see his point.... It's why I dislike the word "stan" because we should be able to see these people as humans. Not to be worshipped. I fully agree with him. I think he's allowed to not say "fan" but rather as he wanted it: "people who support him".

[@rainabraun1350]

I like how straightforward he is, just that he was gravely misunderstood. Those were careless words, yes, and context (further explanation) might have been needed, but yeah, it's really not that serious. Not a big deal. Those who reacted negatively kinda just proved Umehara-san's point. lol

[@rainabraun1350]

and this is very Alhaitham of him. No wonder he's the perfect VA for that character. :))

[@haruotokireimon]

​@@rainabraun1350Seiya & Goblin slayer as well

[@leenari]

I don't see any reason to criticize him. He's a voice actor, not an idol. If you want to support people who enjoy performing and doing fanservice, it's ok, but don't expect everyone to be like that. It's true that he generalized that seiyuu are forced to do fanservice, but that's no reason to criticize. Just supprot other people if you don't like him.

[@kolapsg7748]

even tho I'm agree with umechan I somehow understand why people got mad . . . I guess he need to learn from kamiya-san how to be mean without actually making people mad . . . also as someone who just enjoying playing genshin . . . he potray alhaitham so well . . . alhaitham is the type of person who will said something like this

[@han__nya]

The only thing wrong with him is seemingly being honest and more forward thinking than his peers. He doesn't seem to want to perpetuate old habits that are simply outdated or simply doesn't want to keep up appearances, in a culture that is more worried about not standing out or being individualistic. His mindset is more in line with Westerners, but Japanese society tends to want to squash individualism in order to achieve "harmony".

[@phoebecara4361]

Hi! Kind of vid related but still off topic I need help finding a supercut (or was it a compilation) of Uemehara saying his name but it keeps getting more chaotic? I think they were wearing blue (?) School uniforms

[@rhythmicrain]

I have always respected Umechan because of how honest and unfiltered he is and how he stands by his opinions and true feelings, and additonally establishing his boundaries. Personally I have always felt he's a humble and down to earth guy but that's just my impression of him so far from whatever umehara content i've come across. On a side note, Hyorotto Danshi clips are always hilarious and great to listen to and I love both Ume and Nishiyama on the radio.

[@kennynakawaki]

He just doesn’t like the word “fan”. That’s all there is to it 😂

[@nabillaulfa5452]

His bluntness reminds me of Alhaitham (whom he voiced in Genshin Impact). 🤭 I hope he doesn't get "cancelled", I really admire his talent in voice acting.

[@haruotokireimon]

well,he is normal meanwhile Alhaitham is a piece of s--t

[@haruotokireimon]

Also Umehara Yūichirō is fun guy But Alhaitham is like the pain in the @$$

[@ichiroutakashima4503]

Umehara wants to be SugiBro, the thing is, he's got that ikemen image. The fans wouldn't even react if SugiBro said those words, fans would definitely be like, "That's just SugiBro being SugiBro".

[@wizny70]

Idc as long as he still get roles every season. I love every single character he voices, he's like the more manly version of Matsuoka rn

[@isa33937]

Rude to seiyuu who give fanservice? You're looking wrong place to ask fanservice altho nowaday seiyuu is low-key idol doesn't mean they sincerely give fanservice if not because entertainment.

[@rona-chan6547]

Maybe his choice of words were inappropriate for others but i don't see any wrong with what he said. He has no ill intention at all. Others just took it seriously. Regardless, i like how unfiltered he is. He doesn't care at all on what others will think of him, and that's what i like the most about him. 😊

[@spoon3413]

Ooohhh I can't wait for the teaaaa

[@konpeisubs]

it's an old tea tho :P

[@spoon3413]

@@konpeisubs Ahh, I remember this one. I was wanted to have subs for this since my jp comprehension isn't the best.

[@waterlemon9710]

Isn’t because he just want to work as regular workers, i mean…doing his job, get paid, go home

[@diegoromero3734]

Damn that crazy people, I will continue supporting Yuichiro Humehara forever.❤❤❤ I will always be "a person who supports him" and not a fan if that doesn't please him, who cares about the rest?

[@ayakoha]

I think a lot of his colleagues might feel the same as him, regardless these are the kind of things it's better to keep to yourself or you really need to phrase your thoughts very well, otherwise everyone will misunderstand you.

[@kazukawa-rt2xi]

Well at least he is honest. Plus, artist are all being good and treating their "fans" nicely because they are the source of income. So if anything, at least he is honest that he disliked the word "fan"

[@pinkburberry]

This is the first time I heard drama

[@ervira1986]

I didnt see any problematic stuff here, he just stated which one is comfy him and which one is not. Thats not a big deal i guess, since he's only person behind the curtain

[@pinkairez]

Japanese fans are rlly harsh huh, probably not worse than Korean but still, idol fans in general r always watching everything their idols do and say

[@user-uk3lf7vj1c]

The fans should not idolize seiyuu as gods and should respect their privacy and personality

[@kumanderneko1858]

I understand what Ume means but if he really doesnt like it, then he can just dont do it. I mean like Ucchi does things. Just be natural

[@user-tc6je2mq5j]

Somehow because Ucchi has been acting since he was a young child, and has established himself in the industry, even though he is younger in age than many seiyuus, he is considered as a senpai in the industry… hence it is easier for him to “get away with it”. Also Ucchi is not the kind who would openly voice his opposition, he just refuses to do it but says nothing. Whereas, for Ume-chan, he’s not considered a full veteran in the industry yet. And for better or worse, he has good looks to match his voice - which makes some fans project their unhealthy fantasies on him. I think overseas fans aren’t as bad, since we have natural geographical boundaries to overcome in the first place. But domestic and Korean fans perhaps, can get too carried away between what’s reality vs “make-believe”. Seiyuus are voice actors and some are stage actors. If they’d wanted to have fans obsessing over them, they’d go become tv/film actors, models, and idols (not just singers).

[@Walu355]

Bruh anyone whos offended at this are snowflakes you go ume san dont worry bout your fake supporters. I guess the word fan has been very established in the laymans term so theres nothing you can do bout it, but 'fan' doesnt necessarily mean that much for me personally.

[@echizenkirino113]

He's giving alhaitham vibes 😂

[@haruotokireimon]

and how tf Alhaitham relates?

[@echizenkirino113]

​@@haruotokireimonhow alhaitham refuse to do what he didn't want to do, no matter what people think of him

[@haruotokireimon]

@@echizenkirino113 he is jerk but Umehara Yūichirō is still great as he is also a funny dude

[@sopranometal]

A mí me asusta cómo ponen las manos al fuego por una persona que no conocen, así sea Umehara o quién sea. Hace muy poco estoy buscando contenido de este actor de voz porque me gusta mucho su registro. Sin embargo, no deja de ser un humano primero. La verdad que he encontrado videos donde está cantando y se le ve algo incómodo interactuando, aquí confirmo que no me equivocaba, no le agrada tener mucha interacción con el público y está bien, es su decisión. Lo que se menciona aquí, más allá de su opinión sobre sus "fans" es que asumió que todos los seiyuus se sentían como él, ese fue el error. A mí tampoco me agrada la palabra fan pero si tengo muy claro que hay que ser muy cuidadosos a la hora de expresarnos si se trabaja en el medio artístico. Así se quiera mostrar honestidad, hay que ser respetuosos, independientemente del país que seas. Y aunque no le guste tener fans o seguidores, es un trabajo dirigido hacia un público específico, donde va a haber una respuesta frente a lo que ofrece. Por lo tanto, debe haber una buena interacción con el público. No exagerada, sólo la necesaria. Al final, es parte de ese trabajo. Por supuesto, esta es sólo mi opinión. Su trabajo me sigue gustando, ojalá que evolucione la interacción con sus seguidores en su país y que los vea desde otra perspectiva, así no sentiría que es una obligación. Todo está en observar :) Gracias por la traducción.