Anime wouldn’t hit as hard without its Japanese voice actors. The seiyuu behind your favorite scream, sob, or “Nani?!” turn drawings into characters you actually care about. Many of them also built fanbases as dedicated as any idol group. Here’s a look at six of the best Japanese voice actors in anime right now — what they’ve done and how they got here.
1. Megumi Hayashibara
If you watched anime in the ’90s or early 2000s, Megumi Hayashibara’s voice probably lived rent-free in your head. According to Behind the Voice Actors, she played Rei Ayanami in “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Lina Inverse in “Slayers,” Female Ranma in “Ranma ½,” Faye Valentine in “Cowboy Bebop,” Ai Haibara in “Detective Conan,” and Team Rocket’s Jessie in “Pokémon.” She became one of the most recognizable voices in the industry and shaped entire eras of anime with her range.
2. Masako Nozawa
Masako Nozawa essentially defined the sound of shonen anime for an entire generation. IMDb reports that she voiced Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Son Goten across the “Dragon Ball” franchise, along with roles like Tetsurō Hoshino in “Galaxy Express 999” and Kitarō in the 1968 version of “GeGeGe no Kitarō.” Nozawa began as a child actor in the 1950s, transitioned into anime and dubbing, and cemented her legacy when “Dragon Ball” became a global phenomenon. In 2023, the Japanese government honored her as a Person of Cultural Merit, one of the country’s highest artistic recognitions, according to The Hindu.
3. Mamoru Miyano
If a character is loud, dramatic or unhinged in the best way, check the credits — Mamoru Miyano probably voiced them. He played Light Yagami in “Death Note,” Setsuna F. Seiei in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00,” Okabe Rintaro in “Steins;Gate,” Tamaki Suoh in “Ouran High School Host Club,” Dazai Osamu in “Bungou Stray Dogs,” and Rin Matsuoka in “Free.” According to Discover Walks, Miyano began his career dubbing a live-action teen drama in 2001. He broke big with “Death Note” and “Gundam 00,” won “Best Voice Actor” at the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair, and later became the first male voice actor to score a No. 1 single on the Oricon Daily chart.
4. Kana Hanazawa
Kana Hanazawa transitioned from a child actress to one of Japan’s most popular voice actresses and singers. According to Tokyo Otaku Mode, she made her seiyuu debut at 14 and has since taken on more than 100 anime and game roles. You’ve likely heard her as Mayuri “Tuturu~” Shiina in “Steins;Gate,” Akane Tsunemori in “Psycho-Pass,” Nadeko Sengoku in “Bakemonogatari,” Kosaki Onodera in “Nisekoi,” or Angel/Kanade in “Angel Beats!”
5. Yuki Kaji
Yuki Kaji’s voice dominates modern shonen. He plays Eren Yeager in “Attack on Titan,” Shoto Todoroki in “My Hero Academia,” Meliodas in “The Seven Deadly Sins,” Issei in “High School DxD,” and Yukine in “Noragami.” According to Behind the Voice Actors, he’s earned multiple Seiyuu Awards, including Best Lead Actor. He became one of the most recognizable names in the industry as “Attack on Titan” grew into a global hit.
6. Hiroshi Kamiya
Hiroshi Kamiya delivers a perfect blend of calm and controlled chaos. Behind the Voice Actors reports that he voices Koyomi Araragi in “Monogatari,” Levi Ackerman in “Attack on Titan,” Trafalgar Law in “One Piece,” Yato in “Noragami,” and Seijuro Akashi in “Kuroko’s Basketball.” Kamiya has won multiple Seiyuu Awards, including Best Lead Actor and Best Supporting Actor. He also releases music and drama CDs as part of the Kiramune label, adding another layer to his career.
Who is your favorite Japanese voice actor? Comment below.
