BSCKids Speaks With Idol Seiyuu Uchida Aya

To have the resolve to take a leap – to change everything for the chance to do what you can in the present- would you?

To save the school they love from closure, nine girls band together to become school idols—hoping to attract new students and preserve the legacy of Otonokizaka High School. Through hard work and honest feelings, their story created a true miracle—one that resonated not only within their fictional world, but in ours as well.

On June 30, 2010, a new multimedia project titled Love Live! was announced in Dengeki G’s Magazine. At the time, little was known about what this modest two-page spread would ultimately lead to. Nearly fifteen years later, Love Live! has grown into a global phenomenon, shaping and inspiring fans around the world. While the franchise now spans multiple idol units, anime adaptations, and creative projects, it all began with one truly miraculous group of nine talented idols: μ’s (pronounced “Muse”).

Among those legendary idols is Uchida Aya-san. Her journey with Love Live! began with her role as Kotori Minami—the group’s gentle heart and costume designer. Through her performance, Uchida-san gave voice to a character defined by warmth, sincerity, and quiet strength—qualities that continue to resonate with fans to this day.

While Kotori Minami remains a beloved character, Uchida-san’s versatility extends across anime fans’ favorite worlds—Kaban in Kemono Friends, Sylph in Black Clover, and Frieda in Ascendance of a Bookworm, to name a few. Beyond her voice acting, she has also carved out a successful music career, most recently with her sixth album, Re:Birthday (July 2025), showcasing the same warmth and sincerity fans cherish in her performances.

Fans from across America traveled this past December to the four-day anime convention Anime Weekend Atlanta for the chance to meet Uchida-san and offer words of thanks in person. Her autograph sessions drew large crowds, offering a testament to the global legacy of Love Live! and the way Uchida-san’s talents have resonated with fans’ hearts.

During Anime Weekend Atlanta, BSCKids was honored to sit down with Uchida-san and hear firsthand about her career, music, and the impact of Love Live! as the franchise enters its fifteenth anniversary.

Sitting down with Uchida-san, it’s impossible not to feel the same warmth, hope, and excitement that her characters inspire—proof that life and art move together in a cosmic dance that can touch hearts across the globe, and that taking a chance can reveal an unexpected light within.

Behind the Mic

BSCKids: Thank you so much for meeting with us. As a singer and voice actor, you are always creating. Where do you find your inspiration, and how do you overcome creative blocks?

Uchida-san: When I work on a project based on an original manga or novel, I begin by reading the source material very carefully and letting my imagination expand from there. I often practice at home, but if I rehearse too much before going into the recording studio, I can become stiff. Because of that, I try not to overprepare. In the studio, I prefer to build the performance through discussion with the director and staff on site.

BSCKids: As both a voice actor and a singer, what is the difference between singing character songs and your own original songs?

Uchida-san: When I sing character songs, I sing entirely from the character’s point of view. I think deeply about their personality and what they value. Even something as simple as saying “Do your best” can sound completely different depending on whether the character is energetic and passionate or gentle and caring. I place a lot of importance on expressing that personality through the song.

When I sing as myself, my own expression comes first. I don’t focus on character traits—I focus on delivering the song honestly, in my own words.

When performing as a character, the most important thing is expressing who that character is: their emotions, style, and interests. Some characters are confident and skilled singers, while others may not be very good at singing—and that difference is important to respect. Especially with character songs, honoring those individual differences matters greatly.

BSCKids: If you had to recommend one song, which would it be?

Uchida-san: It’s hard to choose, but if I had to pick one, it would be my own song, Sign. It was the ending theme for the anime The Quintessential Quintuplets. Many anime fans have listened to it and shown a lot of love, which makes me very happy.

BSCKids: Next, we have to talk about μ’s. It is an extremely popular project worldwide. How does it feel to be part of it?

Uchida-san: Honestly, the strongest feeling is still surprise. We have been doing this for about fifteen years now, and even today, when I come to places like Atlanta and see people enjoying cosplay, singing, and dancing, it reaches far more people than I ever imagined. Seeing it with my own eyes still feels unbelievable. That so many people continue to love it is incredible—there really isn’t another word for it.

In Love Live!, there is a scene where the girls travel to New York and suddenly become extremely popular, overwhelmed by fans. Experiencing something similar in real life gave me a strange but powerful sense of connection to that story.

BSCKids: Among all of μ’s achievements, what surprised you the most?

Uchida-san: μ’s was only active for about five years, but within that time, our biggest achievement was performing at Tokyo Dome. That final live concert was incredibly meaningful. In the anime, μ’s dreams of performing at a dome called the “Akiba Dome”,and being able to realize that dream in real life at Tokyo Dome felt like our greatest accomplishment.

We were also the first animated group to appear on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Japan’s historic year‑end music program. That felt like a truly historic achievement.

BSCKids: When you are cast as a new character—whether it is Kotori or another role—what approach do you take?

Uchida-san: In most cases, it begins with an audition. During auditions, you are only given a few lines, so I focus on showing the most appealing aspects of the character within that limited space. I imagine who the character is, what makes them special, and try to express that clearly.

Once the role is decided and I arrive at the studio, I observe the atmosphere and the intentions of the staff. From there, I think carefully about what kind of performance is being asked of me and adjust my approach accordingly.

BSCKids: BSCKids is a website focused on acting and animation. Do you have any advice for children or aspiring voice actors?

Uchida-san: This advice is for anyone who wants to become a voice actor. I first wanted to become one because I watched anime and felt inspired. I remember thinking I wanted to be Sailor Moon, and that feeling of admiration is incredibly important. I have held onto that feeling even after becoming a voice actor.

You are still young, so as you live your everyday lives, pay close attention to what makes you happy, what you like, what you dislike, and how things make you feel. Those experiences will naturally come through in your acting.

We live in a very digital world now, where you can access almost anything through smartphones and the internet. But truly feeling things through your own experiences is essential for expression. If something interests you, try it—that curiosity and willingness to challenge yourself is the first step.

Music Start 

As long-time fans of Uchida-san, we cannot thank her and the staff of Anime Weekend Atlanta enough for this wonderful opportunity. During our conversation, her passion for her work and for her fans was clear—even without stage lights, her warmth and radiance shone through with every word.

As Love Live! begins its fifteenth anniversary celebration, we look forward to Uchida-san embodying Kotori Minami once again. We’re also excited to see her return as Frieda in the forthcoming season of Ascendance of a Bookworm, along with all the new roles and music she has in store.

Follow Uchida-san on X and Instagram, and stream her music on Spotify. We are deeply grateful to Uchida-san and the staff of Anime Weekend Atlanta for making this unforgettable experience possible.