Interview: Ai Kobayashi

It is our great pleasure to share an interview with Ai Kobayashi, the Japanese voice of Samus Aran in Metroid: Other M! This is her first interview regarding the game that we know of. Ms. Kobayashi discusses how she got the role of Samus and her memories from recording it.

Disclaimer: In an effort to ensure that Ms. Kobayashi’s words are not misinterpreted in our translation, we have also included the full interview in Japanese, which can be accessed here.

SHINESPARKERS :

Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Kobayashi-san! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

AI KOBAYASHI :

I’m Ai Kobayashi, and I played Samus in “Metroid: Other M”. Although I’m originally a stage actress, I also did voice work. Lately, in addition to voice acting, I’ve been working as an acting instructor. Nowadays, many young people aim to become voice actors, and there are plenty of professionals too. If I’d been born 20 years later, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to play Samus. (laughs)

SHINESPARKERS :

To start, what inspired you to become a voice actress?

AI KOBAYASHI :

Originally, I aspired to be a film actress, but when I was in high school I watched a small theatre performance which left a great impression on me, and I ended up becoming a stage actress. What led me to do voice work was one of my seniors, who convinced me I could do it as a part-time job while doing stage acting.

SHINESPARKERS :

Please tell us about your favorite role from your past work. (Our Japanese translator enjoyed your performance as Sara Kodama from Overman King Gainer, and thought it was the most impressive!)

AI KOBAYASHI :

My most well-known role was Deunan Knute, the protagonist of Appleseed. Among works that I believe are still beloved by fans, I also had guest appearances in the Crayon Shin-Chan movies “The Adult Empire” and “The Battle of the Warring States”, as Chaco and Princess Ren respectively.

But the role I’m the most attached to, personally, is Tanyuu from “Mushishi”. I was really drawn to her character, and she was an emotional support when I was going through some difficult times.

SHINESPARKERS :

Please tell us about the process of casting you as Samus in Metroid: Other M.

AI KOBAYASHI :

I think I had to do a self-tape audition, but I can’t remember.

SHINESPARKERS :

When did you start recording for Other M and how long did it take?

AI KOBAYASHI :

About 15 years ago, I think. If I remember correctly, the recording took about 2 days.

SHINESPARKERS :

How familiar were you with the Metroid games before this opportunity?

AI KOBAYASHI :

Other than that [Samus] was a character in a popular video game, I didn’t know anything.

SHINESPARKERS :

Other M was your first voiceover role for a video game. What would you say is the difference between recording for games versus film or television?

AI KOBAYASHI :

It’s not particularly different, though because there were a lot of monologues I had to be careful about maintaining a consistent tone of voice.

SHINESPARKERS :

What guidance, if any, did the Producer of Other M, Yoshio Sakamoto, give you when voicing Samus?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I don’t remember much, although I do remember being told a few times not to lower the tone of my voice too much.

SHINESPARKERS :

The recording for video games often includes damage sounds in addition to spoken dialogue. Did you record these sounds as well?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I did record them, yes.

SHINESPARKERS :

Were you able to give your personal input on the character of Samus?

AI KOBAYASHI :

Not particularly.

SHINESPARKERS :

Samus’s dialogue in Other M is delivered mostly through introspection, with some scenes being more emotional. What are your feelings about her as a character?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I really liked that, while she is this strong, intelligent, calm and collected bounty hunter, her true self also has some vulnerability and charm.

SHINESPARKERS :

Which was your favorite scene to record in Other M?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I liked the flashback scenes of when Samus was a trainee, they were charming. The thumbs down during her parting with Adam was also an unforgettable scene.

SHINESPARKERS :

Were you able to record at the same time as the other voice actors for the game?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I was by myself for the entire recording.

SHINESPARKERS :

In the English version, Jessica Erin Martin provided the voice of Samus Aran. Do you know about her? When she played Samus, Sakamoto-san asked her to deliver in that way to match your delivery of the Japanese voice track.

AI KOBAYASHI :

Sorry, I don’t know Jessica at all. I would love to be able to meet her, though…

SHINESPARKERS :

There was criticism from fans of how Samus was characterized in Other M. How do you personally feel about this criticism?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I was completely unaware of such criticism.

SHINESPARKERS :

Did you have a chance to play or watch Metroid: Other M after it was released?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I only finished the game on the easiest mode. I don’t usually play a lot of games, but I enjoyed it a lot.

SHINESPARKERS :

Given the chance, would you reprise the role of Samus in a future Metroid game?

AI KOBAYASHI :

Of course, I would definitely love to play that role again if I get the chance!

SHINESPARKERS :

Kobayashi-san, thank you again. To close off this interview, is there a message you wish to share with Metroid fans?

AI KOBAYASHI :

I want to thank everyone who loves the world of Metroid, and the character of Samus. Please lend me your support so I get the chance to play her again someday! (laughs)

© 2024 Shinesparkers and Ai Kobayashi
Special thanks to Roy, Quadraxis, Wata Ridley and Darts
Interviewed on 11th June 2024