All of the translations linked here are my own work. Please DO NOT re-post or screenshot my work without permission.
The comments from the voice actors of the 11 idols of Uta no Prince-sama can be found on pages 280 through 283 of the 5th Anniversary Book. I've separated the comments into two parts; Part 1 includes the cast of STARISH. You can read Part 2 here.
Terashima Takuma as Ittoki Otoya
"Even though it’s felt like about eight years passed since UtaPri started, I realized it’s only been five. As I took on many challenges not just with the game but also the concerts, the after-recording of the anime, and song recording, just like how Otoya would worry, “What does it mean to be ‘myself'?” I worried about acting as Otoya would, and also came to see how he and I were different. These five years were five years that I thought a lot about Otoya. To me, Ittoki Otoya is an existence from which I learned about the sense of responsibility of portraying a character. He is himself a singer and performer, so I always think, “I have to portray not Terashima Takuma, but Ittoki Otoya.” Having had the opportunity to think about such things on a deep level, I’m so grateful for Otoya and UtaPri."
Suzumura Kenichi as Hijirikawa Masato
"For UtaPri to have continued for as long as five years, I thought, “We must have been able to do this because of all of the support we’ve received from everyone.” I think what leaves the biggest impression on me in these last five years is the dressing room for the concerts! Since we have such a fun group, whenever there’s an event, I think, “These guys really are great.” More than anything else, it made me happy when the cheers could be heard even past my in-ear monitor at Animelo Summer Live. Though at the same time I was thinking, “Is this really OK? We’re middle-aged men!!” haha. Even now I distinctly remember the support I received from everyone and the exchanges of joy as I went on stage. From here on out, in order to match those feelings, I want to eat food that builds stamina and do my best!"
Taniyama Kishou as Shinomiya Natsuki
"If I were to sum it all up in a few words, it would be, “These five years flew by!” Honestly, when UtaPri first came out I didn’t think it would turn into such a big franchise……so it’s amazing that even the general public has heard the songs before, and even know the dances! Of course I think the characters are great too, but from the first time I heard the music by Elements Garden I thought, “Wow, they made some good music!” Because of that, there’s this impression that perhaps having that musical charm combined with the series accelerated its growth. There’s plenty of otome games and anime with musical themes now, but I think it was really UtaPri that started this movement. From here on, please keep loving Uta no Prince-sama for as long as it continues."
Miyano Mamoru as Ichinose Tokiya
"The first step of Uta no Prince-sama was the production announcement event involving just me and Elements Garden’s Agematsu-san, who was appointed to produce the theme song. For these past five years I’ve walked together with UtaPri not just as Ichinose Tokiya, but also being chosen to sing the first theme song and then the anime opening theme each time. Since this is a series not only of dramas and songs but also one that presented me with many new challenges, I think that perhaps as a result, the things that I can express as “Miyano Mamoru” has also increased. What stood next to me in my own growth was surely UtaPri, and I would love to receive more motivation from here on out. Since there’s more to look forward to in the future, please come along as this group of boys grows, until they’re middle-aged men (haha), and until we as performers are old and decrepit!"
Suwabe Junichi as Jinguji Ren
"“Provided there’s a single opportunity, it’s possible that it’ll leap.” That is what I thought from the very beginning about UtaPri. But I honestly never thought it would grow to this point. Ladies poured out their love to the series and its Princes. There are many moments that I also feel it, so I am infinitely thankful. Because if it wasn’t for that love, this day wouldn’t have come. I wonder if synchronicity increases as more time is spent together? The time that I’ve spent with Jinguji Ren is irreplaceable to me. I want to aim higher, and continue to grow together with him. With him, and also our wonderful friends. We will try our best to weave songs and words one by one wholeheartedly, so please continue to support the Princes!"
Shimono Hiro as Kurusu Syo
"I think very fondly of my walk with Syo for these past five years! To me, Syo may have a totally different childhood and appearance from myself, but I think he’s a character that I have a sense of closeness with. Actually, Syo’s idea of “Let’s have fun with the audience!” is the same as how I first aspired to be a voice actor. Back when I only had just vague dreams, I thought, “I want to make someone smile,” “I want to make lots of people happy.” So when I realized that that essence is what Syo and I had in common, I was able to portray him naturally. Five years have passed, and at last I’ve been able to stand at the start line as “Kurusu Syo.” Because this series still has many hidden possibilities, I would be glad if you continue to support UtaPri as it continues on."
Toriumi Kousuke as Aijima Cecil
"Actually, at the time that I did the recording for the first game, I didn’t think that there would be this much content up to this point. I realized that, not just with the games, but every time there was another anime or concert, the support from people grew. There was even a fashion building collaboration, so even people who surely had never played the games knew about UtaPri’s existence. UtaPri is a series loved and created by many people, including the users. I even think because of that force, it’s broken out of the “otome game” shell. UtaPri is a huge movement with immeasurable power, but in order to keep up with that momentum, I will continue to do my best in my performance as Aijima Cecil."
Translator's Thoughts and Notes:
Suwabe-san's message was by far the most difficult for me to translate. Reading the English over it doesn't seem like it shouldn't have been that difficult, but I had to change a lot of words around in way that's easy for English natives to understand, while trying preserve the meaning and depth. I wish Miyano-san had spoken more about his role as Tokiya rather than the fact that he gets to sing the theme songs, but I imagine that he probably relates more to HAYATO than Tokiya. ^^; That said, I think Terashima-san's and Shimono-san's messages are my favorite.☆
