Joshua Seth Interview: Digimon’s Tai Returns

With the English dub of Digimon Adventure tri. on the way, we speak with the voice behind the leader of the Digidestined.

Digimon Adventure tri. is heading to American theatres on September 15th with a brand new english dub featuring none other than Joshua Seth, the original english voice for Tai. In the lead up to this fan favorite franchise making a return to American shores, we got a chance to talk with Joshua about stepping into the booth again, what he’s been up to since Digimon ended, and how Tai ever survived his mom’s cooking.

Let’s get right to the point. How were you approached to reprise your role as Tai in Digimon Adventure tri.? You had been teasing fans for the last few weeks; did you know you were cast the whole time?

We were in talks during that time and I was not at liberty to disclose anything until the studio announced my involvement. So yes, I did tease the fans a bit but nothing was confirmed yet anyway. As it turns out of course, everything came together, I’m back as the voice of Tai, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

What’s it like coming back to play Tai after so long?

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I thought I’d need to warm into the part again but he was right there from the first take as soon as I approached the mic in the very first studio session. I do his voice briefly in my live stage shows and when I make appearances at comic cons so he never really left. Plus Tai’s voice is essentially my own, just pitched up a bit.  

This isn’t the first time a Digimon movie has been released to cinemas, the first being Digimon: The Movie. We here at Den of Geek are huge fans of that film. We’ve written a top ten list why it’s a flawless masterpiece including that your performance should have taken home the Best Actor Oscar that year. What was it like to be a part of a movie that’s still so fondly remembered to this day?

Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d still be talking about Digimon 15 years later let alone making a new movie. Yet here we are. And it never really went away. It’s great to have helped create something that’s been a part of so many people’s lives.  

Digimon fans are passionate to no end. What’s it been like meeting so many of them recently at conventions or speaking to them over social media?

I really enjoy making appearances at cons. Especially doing the q&a panels. I get to meet so many new people that way. Voice over acting is done in isolation so you never really know how your work will be received until you get out there in the real world and mix with the fans. Plus I like all the costumes they wear 🙂 

A few years after Digimon you pretty much left voice acting and now you’re performing around the country. How’s this new life treating you?

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There’s nothing like jumping on a stage in front of a hot crowd, grabbing the mic, and creating an amazing experience. I’ve flown all over the world to do that 40+ countries to date and just about every state. And it never gets old. It’s exhausting to be sure, all the travel that is, but the shows are worth it. I’m grateful for every show and every audience member and hope this tour I’ve been doing for the past few years lasts a long long time. As long as people turn out to see me I’ll keep doing these live shows. I love it!

We’ve seen your book Finding Focus In A Busy World, was a number one best seller on Amazon. What’s that like to have that feather in your cap?

I was amazed when it beat perennial best seller “Getting Things Done”, albeit briefly. Opened a lot of doors in the speaking world. I now speak to corporate and college groups about how you can achieve more in life through the use of focus and the techniques that have helped me to get where I am today. It’s exciting to be able to give back what I’ve learned in that way.

Let’s get to know more about Joshua Seth outside of the magic. What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t on the road, writing, or voice acting?

In my down time I just like hanging out at home and being with my family. That’s the most important thing after all. I also like being on the water. Swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and sometimes golfing. Golf isn’t supposed to be played in the water of course, but the balls do tend to end up there 🙂 

Do you have any other messages for your fans? Anything you’d like to promote/plug?

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Just that if you’d like to follow me online I’m @joshuaseth on Twitter or officialjoshuaseth on Facebook. Also, you can get my book on Amazon or have me read it to you in the audiobook version, which is available on Audible and iTunes.  

Final fun question. In the original Digimon: The Movie, Tai’s mother was always making crazy recipes, whether it’s beef jerky shakes, juiced onions, or a cake made without flour. How did Tai survive all these years with that cooking?

That’s why his hair is always sticking straight up. It’s in shock! 

We would like to extend a huge thanks to Joshua Seth for taking the time to answer our questions. If you want to learn more about the English dub of Digimon Adventure tri., check here!

Shamus Kelley remembers when he was in junior high school and took classes at junior high school. Follow him on Twitter!