During the mid-2000s, Atsuko Enomoto had become a popular name among anime fans. With dozens of fan favorite roles under her belt, as well as numerous theme songs, Enomoto seemed to be a rising star.
Sadly, her career also appears to have been plagued by sexual harassment and bullying. Yesterday, Enomoto took to Twitter to share her “#MeToo” story.
We’ve provided the tweets, plus rough translations below.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982637337107546112
Rough Translation: #MeToo My story is a bit spread out. I also remember a lot. A few years after my début, I had a hard time, and had an intense desire to quit my job, and my mind was in utter chaos. But now, I think it is due to the sexual harassment and bullying I endured. Nobody helped me, and it was natural that there was nobody to consult with in the first place.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982637693711540224
Rough Translation: Today, I have my career and I’m respected, but I really struggled when I was younger. The idol voice actor wasn’t a princess, it was very straining. It became painful to have to keep smiling.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982637950491017216
Rough Translation: Even so, I made my debut when I was young, and I still have a great outlook. But it’s okay, I’m not working with such a person. I think he’s gone. Everyone is watching now.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982638356570910721
Rough Translation: But I’d like to tell you that there is no misunderstanding. The voice acting industry is pretty clean, as far as the entertainment world goes. Really, it’s a wonderful industry where everyone working is humble. Still, I believe there is still as much harassment as you’d find in other industries.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982639311085453313
Rough Translation: I want to say this right now, because the number of children who aspire to be voice actors has increased. Anime is like a sparkling dream, but it’s human beings who make it, and there are problems everywhere, and it’s not possible to remain a princess.
May I continue to work in an industry where we protect the youngest children. May the adults show more concern. I wish for everyone to enjoy their work.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982640352342425600
Rough Translation: Well, the voice acting industry has expanded considerably, so I know that the talent industries have entered that field. It’s something that changes daily. I feel that there there will be a lot that’s felt by future generations.
https://twitter.com/atsuko_bewe/status/982640740189650944
Rough Translation: I’m a careful person!! When I was out drinking, I couldn’t get the last train, so I’d go by taxi! During those times, I’m not going to leave if there’s even one girl there. I have an obligation to protect her.
Because I also had a lot of protection from a senior female voice actor.
Atsuko Enomoto has been active in the anime industry since 2001.She’s voiced more in than 90 anime projects, including:
- Miki Makimura (Amon – Apocalypse of Devilman)
- Emi Sendo (Cardfight!! Vanguard)
- Mai Mishou / Cure Egret (Futari wa Precure Splash Star)
- Triela (Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino)
- Emeraldas (Maetel Legend)
- Megumi Akiba (Nurse Witch Komugi)
- Erika Koenji (Skip Beat!)
- Kurumi (Steel Angel Kurumi)
- Yukino Miyazawa (His and Her Circumstances)
In 2016, Enomoto married fellow voice actor Mark Ishii.
Source: Yaraon!
