The 15 Best Japanese Anime Voice Actors of All Time

Anime, Japan’s vibrant and visually stunning contribution to global entertainment, owes much of its emotional depth and narrative power to the talented voice actors who bring its characters to life. These artists masterfully convey a wide range of emotions, making viewers laugh, cry, and feel every nuance of the characters’ journeys. Here, we pay homage to the 15 best Japanese anime voice actors of all time, whose contributions have become integral to the anime experience.

Top Japanese Anime Voice Actors

1. Megumi Hayashibara
2. Mamoru Miyano
3. Maaya Sakamoto
4. Jun Fukuyama
5. Aoi Yūki
6. Kana Hanazawa
7. Akio Ōtsuka
8. Rie Kugimiya
9. Hiroshi Kamiya
10. Akira Ishida
11. Yuki Kaji
12. Takahiro Sakurai
13. Tatsuhisa Suzuki
14. Kenjirou Tsuda
15. Daisuke Ono
16. Romi Park
17. Yuichi Nakamura
18. Saori Hayami
19. Miyuki Sawashiro
20. Nana Mizuki

Megumi Hayashibara — The Versatile Icon

Megumi Hayashibara stands as a towering figure in the anime voice-acting world. Known for her incredible range and versatility, Hayashibara has voiced a plethora of characters, each with their unique charm and complexity.

Perhaps most famously, she lent her voice to Rei Ayanami in “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” a character whose enigmatic and detached nature contrasted sharply with the emotional depth Hayashibara brought to the role. Her ability to convey deep emotions with subtle nuances has made her a favorite among fans and directors alike.

Mamoru Miyano — The Charismatic Powerhouse

Mamoru Miyano has charmed audiences with his dynamic voice, capable of capturing both the intense and softer moments of the characters he portrays. Notable for his role as Light Yagami in “Death Note,” Miyano masterfully conveyed the character’s descent from a high school student to a megalomaniac with godlike powers.

His performances are marked by a charismatic energy that brings a unique vitality to his characters, making him one of the most sought-after voice actors in the industry.

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Maaya Sakamoto — The Elegant Storyteller

Maaya Sakamoto has a distinct, elegant voice that has graced many anime with its presence. Her role as Hitomi Kanzaki in “The Vision of Escaflowne” showcased her ability to portray characters who are both strong and vulnerable.

Sakamoto’s voice carries a storytelling quality that adds depth and resonance to the narrative, making her performances memorable and impactful.

Jun Fukuyama — The Master of Flexibility

Jun Fukuyama is celebrated for his remarkable ability to adapt his voice to fit a wide range of characters, from the mischievous Lelouch Lamperouge in “Code Geass” to the comedic Koro-sensei in “Assassination Classroom.”

Fukuyama’s flexibility and expressive range allow him to fully embody his characters, bringing out their distinct personalities and emotional layers. His dedication to his craft is evident in the authenticity and depth he brings to each role.

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Aoi Yūki — The Rising Star

Aoi Yūki has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most talented voice actors of her generation. Her portrayal of Tanya Degurechaff in “Saga of Tanya the Evil” demonstrated an incredible ability to capture the complex psyche of a young girl with the mind of a ruthless, battle-hardened soldier.

Yūki’s performances are characterized by an intensity and depth that belie her youthful voice, making her a force to be reckoned with in the anime industry.

Kana Hanazawa — The Voice of Innocence

Kana Hanazawa has become synonymous with characters that exude innocence and sweetness. Her role as Nadeko Sengoku in “Monogatari Series” highlights her ability to infuse her characters with a genuine sense of vulnerability and sincerity. Hanazawa’s voice has a soothing quality that draws listeners in, making her characters’ emotional journeys all the more poignant.

Akio Ōtsuka — The Veteran with a Golden Voice

Akio Ōtsuka’s deep, resonant voice has made him a favorite for roles that require a commanding presence. His portrayal of Black Jack in the series of the same name is a testament to his ability to convey wisdom, compassion, and a touch of mystery.

Ōtsuka’s extensive experience and mastery of his vocal instrument have made him a revered figure in the voice-acting community.

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Rie Kugimiya — Strong Girl

Rie Kugimiya, known as the “Tsundere Queen” of the seiyuu world, has a unique voice that is ideal for strong, irrational heroines. Due to her recognized yet adaptable performances, she built up a remarkable portfolio as a prolific VA over time. Her bratty, juvenile voice made her a preferred choice for young, rebellious characters.

She is still well-known, though, for lending her voice to some of the most infamous tsunderes in anime, including Shana from Shakugan no Shana, Taiga from Toradora!, and Louise from The Familiar of Zero. Despite her notoriety, Kugimiya had several successful parts that did not fit the tsundere stereotype, such as the overly busy and bratty Kagura in Gintama and Happy, the cute mascot of Fairy Tail.

Hiroshi Kamiya — Confident Voice

Hiroshi Kamiya is known for his deep and powerful voice, making him a perfect fit for characters who exude confidence and strength. From the stoic and commanding Levi Ackerman in “Attack on Titan” to the charismatic and cunning Trafalgar Law in “One Piece,” he injects a unique charisma into every role.

Akira Ishida — Adaptable Voice

Akira Ishida is a rare seiyuu who, despite having a very distinctive and instantly recognizable voice, was never typecast or restricted to any one archetype throughout his career. He can use his talents to deliver a variety of performances, from comical playboys like Cavendish from One Piece to clever and cunning masterminds like Bungo Stray Dogs’ Dostoevsky.

His smooth, angelic voice fits both serious and humorous parts, but it shines when the two are combined, like in his most well-known performance as Gintama’s Katsura Kotarou. Ishida played the stupid leader of the insurrection with the proper amount of casual silliness.

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