Ms. Yokoyama's first trip to the United States was a busy one. On her first day, she shot two music videos in Los Angeles. The following day, she gave a live performance sponsored by Pioneer Animation. It was after this concert that I was able to talk with her.
After giving her time to escape and freshen up a bit when she finished signing autographs for a mad rush of people, I was able to interview her in person. I got to wait up on the balcony area where her dressing room was, and I was invited inside to conduct the interview. It turns out she was sharing it with Ms. Sharyn Scott. With four or five people in the small space, it was slightly cramped, but this did not dampen Ms. Yokoyama's enthusiasm. As we talked, she looked quite happy and cheerful sitting on a three-person couch, still slightly flushed from the concert and signing autographs for her American fans. She was quite easygoing and approachable, very easy to talk to, and perhaps even a little soft spoken.

EX: How did you become a voice actress?

YC: I went to voice acting school, and afterwards I auditioned and got a part (Feris in BLACK MAGIC M-66).

EX: Was this your dream job?

YC: Yes, it's a job I love very much.

EX: What do you like most about your job?

YC: What I like best. That's very hard to say... I think getting to watch the animation is fun. Also seeing the translation of [American] movies into Japanese is very fun.

EX: Did you ever think that TENCHI MUYO would be this popular?

YC: Never! (laughs)

EX: What do you think of Anime's popularity in America?

YC: I think it's wonderful, I hope it grows ever more popular in the future. I'd really like to come back and do another concert here.

EX: What have you enjoyed the most, visiting America?

YC: The best thing is that I didn't have to work. I'm going to Disneyland and hopefully Universal Studios as well. [Editor's note: Of course, Ms. Yokoyama is exaggerating about not having to work!]

EX: Do you watch anime? If so what do you watch?

YC: Yes. I watch everything I've played a part in. TENCHI MUYO, PRETTY SAMMY, STREET FIGHTER V, and the like.

EX: Which do you like better? Being a singer or an voice actress?

YC: I prefer voice acting.

EX: What are the differences between an American band and a Japanese one?

YC: They [the American band] are good! (laughs) They seem to enjoy themselves more, and their bodies seem so in tune with the music.

EX: What kind of character would you like to play next?

YC: Currently, I'm playing the voice of the American actress Alicia Silverstone. I'd like to continue in this role. As for my next anime role, I'd really like to play a villainess.

EX: You've played many roles, which one is your favorite?

YC: The one I like best is... it's so difficult. I'd have to say Yellow Doraemon (from 2112-nen Doraemon Tanjou)

EX: Are you currently involved in any other projects, aside from PRETTY SAMMY?

YC: I'll be holding a concert back in Japan on October 24th.

EX: Do you have a particular voice actress that you look up to as a role model?

YC: Nozawa Masako. She's the voice actress for Son Goku, Gohan and Goten in DRAGONBALL.

EX: What do you think of your part in PRETTY SAMMY?

YC: Well, I get to sing the opening [theme]. And I have so many lines, it's incredibly fun, but at the same time it's difficult.

EX: How do you decide on the "voice" of the characters you play?

YC: I see the character design, and hear the scenario of the story. After that, I decide if I should make her voice cute or if it should be low like a boy's. That's my line of reasoning.

EX: What do you find most interesting about being a voice actress?

YC: Well... since I'm in front of the microphone, I can't see the faces of my fans very often. It's great when I can do events like this concert because I can see the faces of the people who send me fan mail.

After the interview, I asked Ms. Yokoyama to autograph a signboard for inclusion in the magazine for all of her American fans who could not attend her concert. She graciously obliged and produced a very intricate autograph.