CAREER
I run courses under Voiceover Japan, supporting narrators in expanding their careers internationally. On a personal level, I work as a bilingual MC, hosting international conferences and receptions such as the G7 Summit, World Economic Forum Japan Night, and the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Additionally, as a Japanese-English narrator, I have lent my voice to corporate videos, programs, commercials, and audiobooks for brands such as Google, PRADA, and Amazon.
I originally began my career as an announcer for a TV station affiliated with Nippon TV, where I worked on news programs, informational shows, and field reporting. However, I left the position to get married, which left me unable to work despite my desire to do so.
Determined to change my circumstances, I moved to Hollywood, where I had an internship and gained experience interviewing Hollywood stars. Upon returning to Japan, I resumed working in TV. However, due to the competitive nature of the broadcasting industry, I doubted whether I could continue to thrive in it. While working at the TV station, I decided to attend translation and interpretation schools to improve my English skills thoroughly.
Later, after giving birth to my daughter, who was born prematurely, I left my TV career to take care of her. Wanting to work from home while raising my child, I asked myself, “What kind of work can I do from home or even in rural areas?” That’s when I discovered narration recording from home.
As I explored this field, I realized there was demand for Japanese narration in overseas markets. I began securing work from international clients. As I shared my experiences with the overseas market on my blog, I received numerous requests to teach others how to do the same. This led to the establishment of Voiceover Japan.
BUSINESS
Currently, we are offering a course called “The Voice Work Revolution: Narration Course You Can Start from Home”, designed for talented narrators who haven’t yet found opportunities to shine, or those who have given up on pursuing voice work due to family circumstances or their location.
With narration, as long as you have a microphone, a computer, and a quiet environment, it’s possible to record from home. However, the rates for home-recorded narration can vary significantly even for the same Japanese narration—sometimes by as much as 5 to 2000 times—depending on the genre and the country. So, wouldn’t it be wonderful to work with clients who truly value your contribution?
In our introductory course, we cover everything from setting goals, selecting equipment, recording methods, audio editing techniques, and overseas marketing, to precautions for working with international clients.
Thanks to the course, participants have shared feedback such as:
▪️ “The changes I experienced after taking the course were rapid, even in such a short period. I’m amazed to discover that such opportunities exist!”
▪️ “I secured my biggest project to date! I never imagined earning this much from a single job. VOJ has completely turned my life around for the better!”
▪️ “Although I was rejected by domestic agencies, I managed to start working overseas after turning 60. With my first paycheck, I bought a gift for my grandchild!”
▪️ “I thought it would be impossible to negotiate with overseas clients without speaking English, but now I get excited every time I see English emails in my inbox!”Additionally, for those who complete the introductory course, we offer advanced programs like the “Practical LinkedIn Course for Narrators” to master the popular business-oriented social networking platform, and the “Overseas Awards Preparation & Utilization Course” for those aiming to participate in international narration awards.
Last year, several of our participants were nominated for a prestigious American narration award, walking the red carpet at the awards ceremony in Beverly Hills. Moreover, with the cooperation of overseas narrators, our students had the opportunity to co-author and publish a book documenting their journey as narrators.
We want to instill a proactive mindset in our participants—not just passively waiting for opportunities and reading scripts, but actively carving out their own paths as narrators.
Voiceover Japan website
VISION
Until now, I have supported narrators in expanding their presence overseas. Moving forward, I want to assist those with incredible talents or products that remain undiscovered globally, helping them thrive on the international stage.
If your product or service were to expand beyond Japan into English-speaking markets, your potential customer base could grow by approximately 12 times. Furthermore, Japan ranks only 26th in the world for annual income per capita (according to WorldData.info). Expanding into markets with higher-income customers is essential for those concerned about Japan’s economic future, including challenges like recessions and a declining birthrate.
What becomes essential in such an endeavor is the ability to confidently present your business, your passion, and the value you bring to your customers through a “Powerful English Self-Introduction.” This is not your typical introduction—it’s more like an elevator pitch designed to attract business opportunities.
Our program includes:
▪️ Script Creation using interviews that bring out the best in you—skills honed during my time as a TV announcer.
▪️ Speaking Techniques and Confidence Building that helped American participants win contests through local coaching.
▪️ Pronunciation Improvement Methods that have dramatically transformed the English skills of interpreters and Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel in a short time.
▪️ Overseas Marketing Strategies that have brought anonymous narrators lucrative projects, such as a ¥1 million commercial.
▪️ Business Introduction Videos where you can confidently present your business to an international audience at any time.With all of this included in the “Ultimate English Self-Introduction Program,” I aim to help you unlock new business opportunities.
The smiles I see when someone overcomes their challenges and achieves something new are truly incredible. These moments inspire and bring me immense joy.
I hope to create a world where more people can step onto the global stage with confidence, enjoy their lives, and make a positive impact. I’d be thrilled to connect with anyone who aspires to expand their business globally and build their self-confidence.
Yukiko Fujimura
PROFILE
While working as a TV announcer, I was responsible for news and information programs. After leaving the position, I went to the United States, where I interned by interviewing Hollywood stars before returning to Japan. Subsequently, as a bilingual MC, I hosted international conferences and receptions such as the G7 Summit, the World Economic Forum Japan Night, and the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. I also served as a speech interpreter for presidents, cabinet ministers, and ambassadors. As a Japanese-English narrator, I have provided voiceovers for corporate videos for companies like Google, PRADA, and Amazon, as well as for TV programs, commercials, and audiobooks.
In 2023, I became the first Japanese individual to be appointed as an international ambassador for the U.S. voice acting organization SOVAS. Currently, I am supporting companies aiming to expand overseas as narrators, incorporating trends from the international narrator market.
Place of Birth: Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
Education: Graduated from Waseda University, School of Political Science and Economics
Awards:
・ Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 Best Voice Artist
・ SOVAS Voice Arts Awards 2022: First Japanese Nominee in the International Category
・ One Voice Awards USA 2021: First Japanese Nominee in the International Category
・ 1st Place in the U.S. Soundbyte Contest (English Narration, Popular Vote)
Publications:
VOICE OVER SECRETS JAPAN (Co-author)
VOICE OVER SECRETS 2 (Co-author)
▼ Voiceover Japan website
https://voiceoverjapan.mykajabi.com/
▼ LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/japanesevoiceover/
Voice Arts Awards
December 2024 : Voice Arts Awards 2024 Back Stage Yukiko
