Ascendent Animation has announced the English dub cast and staff for the anime shorts Isekai Onsen Paradise, also known as Meitō “Isekai no Yu” Kaitaku-ki: AraFō Onsen Mania Tensei-saki wa, Nonbiri Onsen Tengoku Deshita. The studio is partnering with the Japanese company WWWave Corporation to bring this series to English-speaking audiences. The anime, which premiered in Japan in January 2024, follows the adventures of a hot spring enthusiast who finds himself reincarnated in a fantastical world.
The Story of “Isekai Onsen Paradise”
The story centers around Kozo Yukawa, a dedicated hot spring hunter with an uncanny ability to locate the source of any hot spring. In his quest to bring fame to a small town, Kozo tragically falls off a cliff and dies. However, a fox god intervenes, reincarnating him in another world alongside Mayudama, the god’s messenger princess. Upon arrival, they are immediately drawn to a nearby hot spring, but their peaceful soak is interrupted by an elf girl who attacks them. This encounter marks the beginning of their adventures in this new world. The anime blends elements of isekai, comedy, and fantasy with the relaxing theme of hot springs, creating a unique and engaging narrative.
English Dub Cast
Ascendent Animation has assembled a talented cast to voice the characters in the English dub:
- Christopher Escalante as Kozo Yukawa: The main character, a hot spring enthusiast reincarnated in another world.
- Diana Garnet as Mayudama: The messenger princess of the fox god, who accompanies Kozo on his adventures.
- Miann as Lilium: An elf girl who is initially hostile towards Kozo and Mayudama.
- Laura K. Welsh as Ohendek: Another character in the series.
- Betty BAT as Komachi: A character who appears to be a recurring presence in the show.
- Katlyn Dannes as RuiRui: One of the characters, adding to the charm of the show.
- Steve Warky Nunez as Tulio: He voices this character, adding to his multiple roles within the production.
- Elsie Lovelock as Elf Female: Provides voice for the female elf characters.
- DJ Hansen as Elf Male: Voices the male elf characters in the show.
In addition to the main cast, there are several additional voice actors, including:
- Steven Aries
- Reece Bridger
- Grant Corvin
- Chloe Eves
- Daniel Ivatt
- Luke MacQueen
- Lee Tamayo Mendez
- Ceara Morgana
- Ruben O’Neill
- Leah Rocha
- P.M. Seymour
- Corinne Sudberg
- Josie-D Sumner
- Shane Tay
- Lisle Wilkerson
English Dub Staff
The English dub of Isekai Onsen Paradise is supported by a skilled team behind the scenes:
- Executive Producer: Stevie Corn
- ADR Director: Sean Tay
- Assistant ADR Director: Michaela Laws
- Translation: Kevin Frane
- ADR Engineering and Mixing: Steve Warky Nunez
- Localization Supervisor: Kevin Frane
- Quality Assurance: Paul Davey, Brian Rollins, and Shane Tay
- Marketing: Dani Duncan
- Office Manager: Katrina Caffeine
- Talent Sourcing: Reece Bridger (No Studio In Particular), Michaela Laws (Michaela Laws Productions)
- Subtitles: Danny Miller
Ascendent Animation emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the anime dubbing industry, both in terms of talent and the projects they choose. This is reflected in their choice of projects that feature a wide range of stories and talent from around the globe. They often utilize remote recording, allowing them to work with talent from various countries.
Ascendent Animation: A Rising Force in Anime Dubbing
Ascendent Animation, which is a Black-owned and LGBTQ+-operated studio, has quickly become a notable name in the anime dubbing industry since its launch in 2020. They distinguish themselves by working on anime titles that are not commonly seen outside of Japan. Some of their notable works include Henkei Shoujo, Show Time!, Game World Reincarnation, Ishida and Asakura, The Titan’s Bride, Everything for Demon King Evelogia, and Fire in His Fingertips. The studio’s mission is to bring more diversity and inclusivity to the industry, both in the stories they adapt and the talent they employ.
The studio is known for its unique approach to dubbing, often casting talent from outside the United States. This commitment to inclusivity and diverse casting has earned them recognition within the industry. They prioritize remote recordings, which allows them access to a broader range of voice actors globally, and they focus on scripts that match the project while also time-coding them to the scenes.
Ascendent Animation also received two Bronze Telly Awards, which further highlight their quality and dedication in the dubbing industry.
“Isekai Onsen Paradise” – A Unique Blend of Genres
Isekai Onsen Paradise stands out due to its unique combination of the isekai genre with the relaxing and culturally rich theme of Japanese hot springs. The anime provides a comforting and enjoyable watch, blending humor, fantasy, and lighthearted adventure with the tranquil elements of hot springs. The series explores the protagonist’s dedication to finding and experiencing hot springs in a new world, offering a fun take on the isekai trope.
The animation is also lauded for its intricate portrayal of the lush landscapes and the calming atmosphere of onsens, drawing viewers into a world of relaxation and fantasy. Each episode promises a rejuvenating journey, mixing humorous character interactions with heartwarming moments. This blend makes Isekai Onsen Paradise a must-watch for both anime and onsen enthusiasts. The series is available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, which allows easy access for fans.
The series is based on a light novel by Menrui Konao, which was adapted into a manga by Masahito Sasaki. This combination of source material has provided a rich foundation for the anime adaptation, leading to its engaging and diverse storylines.
The English dub of Isekai Onsen Paradise is a highly anticipated addition for English-speaking fans and promises to bring a fresh and unique experience to the series. With a talented cast and a dedicated production team, Ascendent Animation is poised to deliver an exceptional dub that will further the anime’s global appeal.
