2nd-gen A-bomb survivor and 'Gen' voice actor reflects on Japan's 'Barefoot Gen' anime

Hiroshima -- Second-generation atomic bomb survivor Issei Miyazaki, 55, discussed voicing Gen Nakaoka, the main character from the animated film Barefoot Gen, in a Nov. 7 interview with the Mainichi Shimbun. Miyazaki appeared at a post-screening talk on the 1983 film at Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library, which was part of the city's Culture of Peace Month celebrations. The anime is frequently shown in schools and other venues as part of peace education initiatives.

Barefoot Gen originated as a manga series authored by late manga artist Keiji Nakazawa, who drew from his own experiences during the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima. A sequel film was released in 1986, and Miyazaki provided the voice for Gen in both films. When the first film was produced, Miyazaki was a sixth grader living in Hiroshima's Asaminami Ward. He successfully auditioned for the role at the age of 12, the same age as Gen in the anime.

Before his involvement in the project, Miyazaki was unfamiliar with Gen. He bought the manga, read it thoroughly, and attended the audition. Miyazaki had learned from his father and relatives, who were also atomic bombing survivors, that the aftermath of the bombing was devastating. However, upon seeing the atomic bombing scene in the anime, he was profoundly shocked and struggled to get his voice out during recording.

He recounted feeling a sense of astonishment and disbelief, questioning whether what he was witnessing was real.

Reflecting on the scene where Gen exclaims, "They're ghosts!" after seeing people with burn injuries that caused their skin to hang down, Miyazaki explained that he was trying to embody Gen's perspective and incorporate the images he had just seen into his voice. He also mentioned speaking with Nakazawa during breaks in the post-recording sessions, where actors would sync their voices with the animation.

When Nakazawa discussed the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombing with Miyazaki's father, Miyazaki interjected, "I am Barefoot Gen." Nakazawa responded, "Gen is me."

Miyazaki expressed satisfaction that screenings of the film continue worldwide more than 40 years after the Barefoot Gen anime adaptation was made. He emphasized the importance of allowing people to watch Gen and understand the reality of the atomic bombing to prevent future wars and tragedies. Despite the graphic and disturbing elements in the work, Miyazaki highlighted the presence of hope and kindness as well.

He concluded by stating that as Gen's voice carries the message of peace, he believes that wars will continue to break out across the globe, and Gen will continue to run barefoot in pursuit of peace.