Saori Hayami Reflects on Her Journey as Yor Forger in SPY x FAMILY White last spring, it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beloved manga-based saga. During Japan Expo 2024, they organized a grand event dedicated to SPY x FAMILY. On Friday, July 12, fans were treated to a special screening of the film, accompanied by an extraordinary guest appearance: Saori Hayami, the Japanese voice actress for Yor Forger.
This event became even more significant when Hayami met her voice counterpart, Adeline Chetail, who brought Yor to life in the French dub of the anime. This unique moment not only honored the newly released film but also built excitement for the upcoming third season of SPY x FAMILY.
In addition to the screening and the event, Crunchyroll provided an exclusive opportunity to sit down with Saori Hayami for a one-on-one interview. Here, the talented seiyû shared her experiences, insights, and thoughts about portraying Yor, as well as her feelings on the global success of the SPY x FAMILY franchise.
The Audition: Stepping into Yor’s Shoes
Saori Hayami’s journey with SPY x FAMILY began with her audition for the role of Yor Forger. Reflecting on the process, she shared:
“I was given the chance to audition for Yor, and that’s when I first picked up Tatsuya Endô’s manga. I found it incredibly interesting. I loved the way the story unfolded and was immediately drawn to Yor’s character. She was so charming, and I hoped with all my heart to be chosen for the role.”
Hayami’s genuine appreciation for the manga’s humor, pacing, and emotional depth made her an ideal candidate for Yor.
The Manga’s Unique Appeal
Hayami fondly recalled her first impressions of the manga:
“What struck me most was the balance between humor and the serious undertones of the story. SPY x FAMILY progresses in a way that keeps the comedy flowing naturally, while still building a profound narrative. That combination of lighthearted fun and deeper emotional moments really resonated with me.”
The Challenge of Duality: Sweet Mother and Deadly Assassin
One of the defining features of Yor Forger is her complex personality. As a kind-hearted mother and wife at home, and a cold, skilled assassin in her secret life, Yor’s duality is a critical aspect of her character. Hayami described the challenges and joys of bringing this multifaceted character to life:
“Playing Yor is incredibly rewarding because she’s such a layered character. Balancing her roles as a sweet mother, a fierce assassin, and a comedic figure is not always easy. The rapid transitions, especially during action scenes, are both challenging and fun. For example, she might go from fighting for her life to a moment of domestic humor in a matter of seconds.”
Hayami highlighted how these contrasts make Yor a dynamic and exciting role to play.
Growing with Yor Over Time
Having voiced Yor across multiple seasons and a feature film, Hayami reflected on her evolving relationship with the character:
“Absolutely, I feel like I’ve grown alongside Yor. As the series progresses, I’ve come to understand her even more deeply. What’s special about playing a member of the Forger family is the collective dynamic—it’s not just about Yor, but how she fits into this loving and chaotic family.”
Hayami credited the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew for making her performances as Yor feel so authentic.
A Global Phenomenon: The Worldwide Love for SPY x FAMILY
SPY x FAMILY has become a worldwide sensation, captivating audiences far beyond Japan. Hayami expressed her surprise and gratitude for the series’ international success:
“I never imagined SPY x FAMILY would become such a global hit, but it makes me so happy! I’m curious to know what fans in different countries enjoy about the series. Perhaps it’s the mix of action, comedy, and the warmth of the Forger family dynamic that makes it so universal.”
Her enthusiasm for the franchise’s worldwide appeal was evident, as she expressed her desire to connect with fans from all over.
The Cinematic Experience: Voicing Yor in a Feature Film
When discussing her work on SPY x FAMILY CODE: White, Hayami explained how the team approached the film format while maintaining the essence of the series:
“When we were recording for the film, the sound director guided us through the process. We wondered if we needed to adjust our performances for the cinematic format, but we were told to keep things as they were in the series. The story remains focused on the Forger family, so we kept the same tone and had fun with our roles, just like we always do.”
Singing as Yor: A Sweet Challenge
One unique aspect of playing Yor was singing in character. Hayami shared her experience with this aspect of the role:
“Recording a song as Yor was a new and different experience for me. It’s not something I do often in my voice acting work. The song itself was sweet and calming, which made the process even more enjoyable.”
This added dimension to Yor’s character and allowed Hayami to explore new creative territory.
Favorite Characters Beyond Yor
When asked if any other characters from the series had left a lasting impression on her, Hayami mentioned Fiona, Yor’s determined rival:
“Fiona is such an impressive character. I loved her intensity, especially in the tennis scenes. She’s strong, charismatic, and a little quirky, which makes her stand out.”
The Bonds Behind the Scenes
For Hayami, voicing Yor has been a deeply fulfilling experience, not only because of the character but also because of the bonds formed with her fellow cast members:
“Playing Yor has been a series of positive experiences. Over time, I feel like the bonds between the characters and even between us as actors have grown stronger. Recording for SPY x FAMILY feels like stepping into a safe and supportive environment.”
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
Saori Hayami’s heartfelt reflections reveal just how much Yor Forger means to her, both as a character and as part of the larger SPY x FAMILY story. As fans eagerly await the third season of the anime, Hayami’s dedication to the role ensures that Yor’s adventures will continue to delight and inspire audiences around the world.