Watch and Download “The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio” – Total Episodes, Seasons, Characters
If you’ve been searching for a fresh take on the coming-of-age anime genre with a unique lens into Japan’s voice acting industry, “The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio” (Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote) is a must-watch. With behind-the-mic drama, nuanced character development, and a blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, this series stands out as a 2024 gem for anime fans worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know, including its IMDB rating, characters, total episodes, review, and streaming options.
What is “The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio”?
“The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio” is an anime series adapted from the popular light novel by Kō Nigatsu, with illustrations by Saba Mizore. Animated by Studio Connect, it aired from April to June 2024. The series delves into the world of high school voice actresses with two lead characters whose dual lives—on air and off—create a web of drama, rivalry, and unexpected friendship.
IMDB Rating
- IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
- The series has been well received by fans, maintaining a steady rating nearly throughout its release. Individual episodes have ratings ranging from 6.1 to 7.5, reflecting consistent viewer engagement and appreciation4.
Total Episodes and Seasons
- Total Episodes: 12
- Seasons: 1 (Spring 2024)
- Original Air Dates: April 10, 2024 – June 26, 2024
Each episode spotlights the growth and challenges of the characters, addressing themes such as identity, honesty, and the hurdles of the entertainment industry.
Story & Review
Plot Overview
Yumiko Sato, a fashionable and outspoken gyaru in high school, secretly works as the voice actress Yasumi Utatane. Her classmate, Chika Watanabe—the reserved and introverted type—also moonlights as a voice actress under the name Yuhi Yugure. Fate (and their entertainment agency) throws them together as co-hosts of a weekly radio show.
Despite projecting perfect friendship and synergy on air, backstage they are catty rivals, constantly at odds with each other. What ensues is a rollercoaster of misunderstandings, growth, and the struggle between their public personas and personal selves.
Critical Reception
Reviews describe the anime as
“Heartwrenching… but will do enough to make for one of the good animes of the season. A watch for sure. The plot is pretty creative.”
Critics have praised the show for accurately portraying the demands and behind-the-scenes realities of voice acting. While the character models and animation style have received some criticism for being less polished, the voice acting performances—particularly from Miku Itō (Yasumi) and Moe Toyota (Yuhi)—are highlighted as standouts.
The series is also noted for tackling real industry issues, such as overwork, competition, and fan expectations, while contrasting the lead characters’ “on-air” personas with their real-life struggles8. The chemistry between the leads, especially as their friendship evolves from rival antagonists to genuine support, is repeatedly cited as a highlight.
Main Characters
Character Name | Real Name | Seiyuu (Japanese VA) | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Yasumi Utatane (歌種 やすみ) | Yumiko Sato | Miku Itō | Gyaru high schooler, secretly a voice actress, energetic but masking insecurities |
Yuhi Yugure (夕暮 夕陽) | Chika Watanabe | Moe Toyota | Quiet, disciplined, secretly a voice actress, driven by complex family background |
Otome Sakuranamiki (桜並木 乙女) | — | Ikumi Hasegawa | Senior voice actress and mentor |
Mekuru Yubisaki (柚日咲 めくる) | — | Nao Tōyama | Accomplished voice actress, strict and professional |
Ringo Kagasaki (加賀崎 りんご) | — | Ami Koshimizu | Support character, offers industry guidance |
Mirei Asaka (朝加 美玲) | — | Misato Fukuen | Supporting character, part of the agency network |
Wakana Kawagishi (川岸 若菜) | — | Miyuri Shimabukuro | Supporting character, classmate |
The dynamic between Yumiko and Chika—both on air and off—is the bedrock of the show, with surrounding cast members providing depth and realism to the inner workings of the entertainment industry.
Why Should You Watch It?
- Unique Industry Insight: Rarely does anime explore the “double-life” of entertainers with such specificity and humor.
- Strong Female Leads: The complex relationship between two girls forced to get along publicly while clashing privately offers both comedy and genuine emotion.
- Authentic Voice Work: As a series about voice actors, the performances are exceptional, with real-life VAs bringing authenticity to scenes within scenes.
- Relatability: Themes of self-doubt, friendship, pressure, and public versus private self resonate with anyone balancing personal and professional expectations.
- Relevant Subplots: The show isn’t afraid to tackle heavy topics, from internet harassment to the rigid expectations placed on public figures.
Where To Watch and Download
- Official Streaming: “The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio” is streaming on platforms including Crunchyroll, Amazon Video, Prime Video, and Apple TV, offering both simulcast and video-on-demand options.
- Animohub: While Animohub is commonly referenced as a source for anime content, it is important to check its legality depending on your region and always prioritize official licensed platforms to support creators.
- Blu-ray & DVD: Physical editions are expected to be available post-broadcast, often with extras like commentary from the cast.
Final Thoughts
Despite some animation shortcomings, “The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio” delivers a heartfelt narrative with plenty of industry in-jokes, emotional beats, and authentic performances. Fans of character-driven slice-of-life anime will find much to enjoy, and the look behind the microphone is a refreshing breath in the spring 2024 season lineup.
Watch it for:
- The fascinating depiction of professional voice acting
- Chemistry and rivalry between strong-willed heroines
- Honest portrayal of public and private personality clashes
- Memorable comedic and dramatic moments that elevate a seemingly light premise into something impactful
Before streaming or downloading, always verify the source and opt for official providers to ensure the best quality and to support the anime industry.
Start your journey with Yumiko and Chika today, and witness the many sides of voice actor radio!