During the Comic Frontier 19 event at ICE BSD, Tangerang, KAORI Nusantara had the opportunity to interview one of the rising stars of the Indonesian voice-acting industry: Prinka Ashilla. Better known by her nickname Purin, she’s one of the many talents affiliated with the Jakarta-based dubbing studio, ATM Studio.
On the first day of the event, Purin guest starred in a DANDADAN anime panel session along with the other Indonesian voice actors cast of the anime. She also participated in the event as part of the doujinshi music circle TYPExBEAT. In the middle of her busy activities, Purin took her time to answer questions from KAORI Nusantara on her career as a voice actress and the roles she’s taken on so far. Here is our interview!
When did you start working as a dubber and voice actress?
I wonder when? It was probably around late 2022. I think that was when I first got involved with a project at ATM Studio.
Why did you become a voice actress?
I’ve always admired Japanese seiyuu (voice actor) working in anime to the point that I memorize cast lists and who’s in what show, but I also grew up with Indonesian-dubbed anime that aired on local TV stations. That’s how got my interest in the local dubbing scene, and how I began to look up to veteran Indonesian voice actors too. Then I started doing fandubs and joined fandubber communities, until at one point I decided, “Seems like it would be fun if this were my actual job”. From there, I started looking into how to get myself involved in voice-acting work.
Who was the first character that you voiced acted as?
I don’t remember for fandubs since it’s been too long since I started, but as for official dubs, the first character that I voiced was Tirol Ochagama from Rust-Eater Bisco.
How many characters have you voice acted as in your professional career up until now?
I think there are quite a few by now, so I can’t remember each one at the moment. But I’ve been involved in at least more than 10 anime titles and shows.
Who’s your favourite among the characters you’ve voiced so far?
Well, my most memorable role would be Anya Forger from Spy x Family. She was among my first roles as I was starting out as a voice actress. My second-ever role in fact. But I didn’t think Anya would be so popular, and that everybody would watch the show and know about the character.
Who would be your dream role to be cast as?
Last year I mentioned in an interview that I wanted to voice Aira Shiratori from DANDADAN, and that came true! As for now, if Witch Hat Atelier is ever adapted into an anime, I’d love to voice just about any character in the show.
Who is your favourite voice actor?
I don’t follow English voice actors that much, but for Japanese seiyuu and since I consider myself a weeb, I love Aoi Yuuki! For Indonesian dubbers, it’s hard for me to choose just one person. I’ve met so many people in the industry. But I’ve been mentored by, and have for the longest time admired Mirna Haryati and hervoice.
(Editor’s note: Mirna Haryati is a veteran Indonesian dubber known for her roles as Uzumaki Naruto from Naruto Shippuden, Keita Amano from Yo-kai Watch, and Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, among others)
Do you have any memorable moments ever since you started your career as a voice actress?
Most memorable moment? It must be when I entered the recording studio for the first time. Right now, my studio (ATM Studio) has opened a voice actor training course. But when I first applied, they weren’t doing so. They just happened to be looking for people to voice anime characters, so I just applied. I went in completely blind the first time (without having any sort of professional dubbing training or experience). So that was my most memorable experience that I still remember to this day.
Any tips for anyone reading who wants to become a seiyuu themselves?
For anyone wanting to enter voice acting, always be on the lookout for training courses, competitions, and open casting calls! But if you’re brave enough, you can also try visiting a dubbing studio if you have a friend or acquaintance who works there, or if the studio is open for visits. Sometimes they allow people to come and see the dubbing process. Plus, in this day and age where everything’s online, it’s easier to look up for yourselves on the internet for things like online courses or seminars. That’s all you need!
Also read:
How the Indonesian Dub of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Gets Made – Part 1: A Visit to ATM Studio
How the Indonesian Dub of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Gets Made – Part 2: Interview with Sharon Haring and Hermawan
The Indonesian Anime Times | Interview by M.S. Azis | Translation by Caesar E.S
