Manila, Philippines – Get ready, anime and gaming fans! The renowned voice actress Yuko Miyamura, best known for her iconic roles as Asuka Langley Soryu in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Chun-Li in the Street Fighter series, will be a special guest at Geek+Pop Alpha in the Philippines. The event, organized by Cadre 28, is set to take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
A Gathering of Fandoms
Geek+Pop Alpha aims to bring together diverse communities within the Philippine fandom, including videogamers, cosplayers, card gamers, tabletop gamers, and toy enthusiasts. This year’s highlight is undoubtedly the presence of Yuko Miyamura, a true icon in pop culture. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Miyamura’s Legendary Roles
Yuko Miyamura’s voice has resonated with millions worldwide. Her portrayal of Asuka Langley Soryu in the groundbreaking anime Neon Genesis Evangelion is legendary, and her performance as Chun-Li in the Street Fighter video game series has solidified her status as a voice acting powerhouse. Beyond these roles, Miyamura has voiced many other beloved characters including:
- Kazuha Toyama from Detective Conan
- Larxene from Kingdom Hearts
- Akane from the Pokemon Anime
- Lei Lei from Darkstalkers
Her ability to bring such varied characters to life has made her a fan favorite across multiple platforms and genres.
Meet and Greet Opportunities
Fans will have the chance to see Yuko Miyamura for free on the center stage. There will also be exclusive opportunities for meet-and-greet sessions, however these require an additional fee. The details for the meet and greets are as follows:
Basic Meet and Greet
- Price: ₱2,200
- Includes: Photo Op, Photo Fansign, Signing of one item related to her character roles (toys, merchandise, etc.). Attendees must bring their own items. This pass includes a 1-Day Pass to the event.
VIP Meet and Greet
- Price: ₱4,200
- Includes: Photo Op, Photo Fansign, Signing of three items related to her character roles (toys, merchandise, etc.). Attendees must bring their own items. This pass includes a Priority Meet & Greet Timeslot, access to the VIP Area, and a 3-Day Pass to the event.
Tickets for the event, including the meet-and-greet add-ons, can be purchased via the Geek+Pop Alpha website. While specific schedules have not yet been released, fans are eagerly anticipating more details.
Miyamura’s Extensive Career
Born on December 4, 1972, in Kobe, Japan, Yuko Miyamura’s career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry. She is a voice actress, singer, sound director, and actress, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Miyamura graduated from the theater division at Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music. Her voice acting debut was in the popular game, Street Fighter. Her breakthrough roles came in 1995 with the anime Wedding Peach, where she played Hinagiku Tamano, and Neon Genesis Evangelion where she voiced Asuka. Miyamura originally auditioned for the role of Rei Ayanami but her powerful voice led her to be cast as Asuka instead.
One of Asuka’s most memorable lines, “Anta Baka?!” (Are you stupid?!), became a trademark of the Evangelion series and further cemented Miyamura’s impact on anime culture.
Musical Achievements
Beyond voice acting, Miyamura has also had a successful music career. She released her first solo single, “Koi wo Surunara,” in 1995 and her first solo album, “Kenka Bancho,” in 1996. In total, she has released 14 albums and 9 singles. She has also collaborated with well-known Japanese musicians, including Susumu Hirasawa, Jun Togawa, and Yasuharu Konishi.
Other Notable Works
Miyamura’s filmography includes a wide variety of roles, including:
- Casca in Berserk
- Nanako Mizuki in Great Teacher Onizuka
- Whitney in Pokemon
- Aisha Clanclan in Outlaw Star
- Alyssa Searrs in My-HiME
- Ritsuko Inoue in Those Who Hunt Elves
She also had an on-screen role in the movie Battle Royale as the video announcer, showcasing her range as a performer.
Personal Life and Challenges
Miyamura has been married twice, first to manga artist Nakatani D from 1998 to 1999 and then to stuntman Takayuki Seki from 2004 to 2016. She has two children. For a period of time, Miyamura lived in Melbourne, Australia.
In 2007, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. This condition initially threatened her voice acting career, but she made a remarkable recovery and returned to her iconic roles, including Asuka in the Rebuild of Evangelion films.
Geek+Pop Alpha: More Than Just a Convention
Geek+Pop Alpha isn’t solely about voice acting. It’s a comprehensive celebration of geek culture, featuring eSports tournaments, card games, and the World Cosplay Summit. The event provides a platform for exhibitors and cosplayers to showcase their talents and connect with fans in an engaging environment.
The event will also include various activities and exhibitors, providing attendees with an immersive experience into the world of gaming, anime and other geek related sub cultures.
Geek+Pop Alpha promises to be an unforgettable event, drawing attendees from across the Philippines and beyond. The presence of Yuko Miyamura adds an extra layer of excitement, giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and celebrate the voice behind some of their most beloved characters.
