100 Seiyuu Everybody Should Know: 50-41
The second half of the 100 list.
Why you should know him: The clown of the seiyuu world.
Signature line: Love and peeeeaccceeeeee!!
More about Onosaka: Less known for his voice acting (although he is actually very good) and more for his comedy antics which make him a particularly sought after TV and radio personality.
Best known roles: Vash the Stampede in Trigun, Cerberus (big) in Card Captor Sakura, Mantaro Kinniku in Kinnikuman series, Don Patch in Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Momoshiro Takeshi in Prince of Tennis, Zelos Wilder in Tales of Symphonia
What else you should know: Frequently accused of sexual harassment (thanks to his constant, public discussions of the anatomy of female seiyuu colleagues), Onosaka is also responsible for some rather legendary memes – turning Geneva lake (レマン湖) into Lé Manko, talking at length about the word ‘opanpon’ (female equivalent of ‘ochinchin’) as well as popularising the usage of ’senzuri’ and ‘paipan’ (onani terms).
Currently heard in: Hetalia Axis Powers (France), Dragon Ball Kai (Burter)
Why you should know him: He’s a hot-blooded hero!
More on Kusao: Kusao attended Aoni’s training school – his first piece of work was as Chiba Shigeru’s corpse in Oshii Mamoru’s live-action movie The Red Spectacles, while his first voice role was in AKIRA as Kai.
Best known roles: Sakuragi Hanamichi in Slam Dunk, Lamune in NG Knight Lamune & 40, Trunks in Dragon Ball, Parn in Record of Lodoss War, Ky Kiske in Guilty Gear, Fukamachi Sho/Guyver in Guyver, Moteuchi Yota in Video Girl Ai, Sanada Ryo in Ronin Warriors
What else you should know: The popularity of the Ronin Warriors series saw the formation of seiyuu group NG5, of which Kusao and Sasaki Nozomu were a part of. CD releases and live events followed, and they were even the subject of a documentary by mainstream broadcaster MBS.
Currently heard in: Keroro Gunsou (Dororo)
Why you should know him: The man formerly known as Hayashi Nobutoshi, one of the ’90s most popular male seiyuu.
Background: He was a child actor, appearing in commercials as early as 3 years old but dropped out of showbiz to concentrate on his studies. Re-emerged on stage after graduating high school, he made his seiyuu debut in 1991’s Dragon Quest anime as Prince Frank.
Best known roles: Nekki Basara in Macross 7, Guts in Berserk, Mido Ban in Get Backers, Yakushi Kabuto in Naruto, Tasuki in Fushigi Yugi, Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog, Lancer in Fate/stay night
What else you should know: A talented guitarist/singer, he was part of the E.M.U seiyuu unit back in the 90s and also forms one half of FukuJin (福神), a side project with Fukuyama Yoshiki (who actually performed the singing parts for Nekki Basara in Macross 7).
Why you should know him: He’s currently one of the industry’s most bankable actors, and well on his way to being a superstar.
Signature line: ZETSUBOU SHITA!!!!!!
All about Kamiyan: Kamiya’s career got off on a very, very slow footing – he actually debuted in 1994 but it wasn’t until he got the lead role in Honey and Clover that things really took off. Since then he’s not looked back and has amassed a long list of credits and Seiyuu Awards to his name, being one of those Men With A Thousand Voices that can pull off just about any role with class and style.
Best known roles: Takemoto Yuta in Honey & Clover series, Tieiria Erde in Gundam 00, Itoshiki Nozomu in Sayonara Zetsubo-sensei series, Natsume Takashi in Natsume Yujincho, Araragi Koyomi in Bakemonogatari
What else you should know: I’m sure a lot of people will remember that he was involved in a motor accident in 2006 which landed him in hospital for a few weeks, leaving Nojima Kenji to take over his role for the last episode of Honey & Clover II.
My favourite Kamiyan role: Kaji Tetsushi in Ultra Maniac would seem a strange choice, but I prefer hearing him in softer roles like Takemoto & Natsume rather than talk-nineteen-to-the-dozen Itoshiki.
Why you should know her: That cosplaying seiyuu.
Signature line: JUNK NI SHITE AGERU (WA).
All about RieRie: Abandoning a nursing career (she likes kids) in favour of voice acting, Rie attended Yoyogi Animation school and won an open vocal audition
Best known roles: Lacus Clyne & Meer Campbell in Gundam Seed series, Suigintou in Rozen Maiden series, Chii in Chobits, Maria in Hayate no Gotoku!, Yomi in Azumanga Daioh, Mariel in Hanaukyo Maid series, Sanada Mitsuki in Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure
What else you should know: Is as well-known for her looks and extra-curricular activities as her voice acting feats – she’s a staple in the print media, on TV and on the airwaves. Adding to that her RPG playing skills and cosplay work, Rie is one of the most recognizable names/faces amongst the younger generation of seiyuu today.
My favourite RieRie role: Matsutaka Hiroko in Hataraki Man is a understated, under-rated performance by Rie.
Currently heard in: Asura Cryin’ 2 (Kurosaki Shuri), Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (Bianki)
Why you should know her: One of the decade’s biggest seiyuu idols, part of the forever 17 clan.
All about Hocchan: The most prolific amongst the current crop of seiyuu idols, both in voice-acting and singing. In addition to the dozens of lead roles she’s accumulated throughout her 12-year career, Hocchan formed two successful musical projects – the now-defunct idol group Aice5 and goth band Kurobara Hozonkai.
Best known roles: Narusegawa Naru in Love Hina series, Honda Tohru in Fruits Basket, Tsukimiya Ayu in Kanon, Sawachika Eri in School Rumble series, Yuki Cross in Vampire Knight, Shirakawa Kotori in Da Capo series, Kushieda Minori in Toradora!
My favourite Hocchan role: Takako/Mikage in Pretear was the first time I heard an evil Yui and she pulled it off pretty well. Shame that she tends to get bogged down in irritating genki roles most of the time.
Currently heard in: Umineko no Naku Koro ni (Ushiromiya Maria), Natsu no Arashi Akinaichu (Yamazaki Kanako)
Why you should know him: Lulu.
All about FukuJun: Had a relatively inauspicious start to his career, mainly voicing support characters and bit-part roles after graduating from Aoni Juku and then joining Production Baobab at the turn of the century. It wasn’t until he got the part of Lelouch in Code Geass in 2006 that his career launched into the stratosphere and
Best known roles: Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass series, Viscount Albert d’Morcerf in Gankutsuou, Watanuki Kimihiro in xxHOLiC, Kraft Lawrence in Spice and Wolf, Kawahira Keita in Inukami!, Mutou Kazuki in Busou Renkin
Currently heard in: Tegami Bachi (Gauche Suede), Nyan Koi! (Tama), Hanasakeru Seishonen (Carl), Kiddy Girl-and (Tweedledum),
My favourite FukuJun role: Over-the-top is his forte and SoraKake’s Leopard is perhaps the best example of his talents.
Why you should know him: Acclaimed 90s seiyuu, not to be confused with Sasaki Nozomi.
All about Nozomu: Despite never intending to become a seiyuu (he was dragged along to an audition by a friend), Sasaki has built a solid career, coming into prominence with a major role in the classic AKIRA movie in the late 80s. The height of his popularity came in the 90s, and it’s said that he’s topped more Animage Seiyuu Grand Prix rankings than any other seiyuu in history.
Best known roles: Shima Tetsuo in AKIRA, Urameshi Yusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho, Johann Liebert in MONSTER, Mello in Death Note, Olba Frost in After War Gundam X, Eriol Hiiragizawa in Cardcaptor Sakura, Aotsuki Ushio in Ushio and Tora
What else you should know: In recent years he has mentioned that the condition of his voice has deteriorated as a result of taking on roles that ‘require a lot of shouting’ as well as constant live performances.
Currently heard in: Element Hunters (Rodney)
Why you should know her: One of the ’80s great veterans.
All about Sumi: Originally an actress, Shimamoto moved into voice acting after guesting on an episode of Zenderman. Having appeared in many popular anime in the 80s, she was a regular winner of annual ‘favourite female seiyuu’ polls conducted by Animage throughout the decade. Less active from the 90s onwards as she focused on bringing up her daughter, Shimamoto has nevertheless taken on occasional roles – most recently as Konata’s mother in Lucky Star.
Best known roles: Nausicaa in Nausicaa Valley of the Wind, Otonashi Kyoko in Maison Ikkoku, Asaka Rei in Oniisama e…, Sarah Crewe in Shokojo Sera, Kudo Yukiko in Detective Conan, Mizunokoji Asuka in Urusei Yatsura, Lady Clarisse d’Cagliostro in Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
What else you should know: A Ghibli/Miyazaki Hayao favourite, Shimamoto released a CD covering Ghibli theme songs in August 2009.
Why you should know her: Woman of a 1000 voices.
All about Oririn: Not a whole lot is known about Orikasa outside her professional life, she tends to shun the spotlight and lets her work speak for itself. The second daughter of a single-parent family, Orikasa did not attend college and spent the first few years of her adult working life living in a cramped apartment (with communal toilets) while working odd jobs, including stage acting before making her voice acting debut in 1999 as the heroine Fuyutsuki Azusa in Great Teacher Onizuka.
Best known roles: Kuchiki Rukia in Bleach, Seras Victoria in Hellsing, Chise in Saishu Heiki Kanojo, Ciel in Shingetsutan Tsukihime, Saori Kido/Athena in Saint Seiya: Hades, Matsuoka Miu in Ichigo Mashimaro series
My favourite Fumi role: Yagyu Kyubei in Gintama in a bokukko who also happens to be extremely sexy. And rather tsundere.
Currently heard in: Kobato! (Okiura Sayaka), Gintama (Yagyu Kyubei), Bleach (Rukia), Inazuma Eleven (Kino Aki), Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (Riza Hawkeye)
I demand you to edit the Hocchan part and add Yamato Nadeshiko *runs* They only had 2 singles, but they had their own radio show, official fanclub, live tour.. and 4 unreleased songs ;__; ..and their the live book is highly-sought in auction world with crazy price!
..and no mention about Oririn’s singing skill?
Maybe include Hocchan is the 4th seiyuu to perform at Budokan under her own name… saaaa
Also, FAKING YEAH BASARA
Don’t believe I have that RieRie pic. *right click save
“Less active from the 90s onwards as she focused on bringing up her daughter, Shimamoto has nevertheless taken on occasional roles – most recently as Konata’s mother in Lucky Star.”
AND SHE STILL MADE ME CRY TT_TT
and Orikasa Fumiko was the one who got me interested in Seiyuu. I mean, wow… she’s prolific
Woo, another cool list!
I was wondering what those crazy “Onosaka” videos I kept seeing.
If he keeps it up, he’ll become like Wakamoto.
Oh Sasaki…there have been complaints about how his voice changes too much in YuYu Hakusho. But he sounds great/scary in Monster and Prince of Tennis!
SekiTomo had a similiar problem?
Isn’t Shimamoto a game freak? *wishes I could see a vid of her playing something*
YAY Orikasa!
Hmm, can’t say I had heard about 5 of these (mainly the old timers). Just to add, i thought tanaka ries work on canaan was the best i’ve heard from her, oh and shes in queens blade right now too (voicing this weird mynx or lynx character)
@danie~
Lol Yamanako were legendary for all the wrong reasons (naked hotel romps etc). In terms of chart performance it was…. not great (closer to 100 than top 10).
…Oririn’s songs make me sleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
FukuJun, Hocchan, Kamiya, “Konata” and Suzumura are all out. Who else is left in the game. it will be exciting to see who’s next!
You put Hocchan and Rierie, my two favorite voice actors, NEXT TO EACH OTHER? *twitch*
Wow, I literally knew just about everyone here today. I wonder if there are any left now… :S
@kevo: Of course! koshimizu ami, nakahara mai, inoue marina, shiraishi ryoko, itou kanae, tomatsu haruka, noto mamiko, nabatame hitomi, kaida yuko, kugimiya rie, emiri katou, toyoguchi megumi, hirohashi ryou, houko kuwashima etc
(too lazy to check, but I think none of these have been mentioned yet, but who knows if ms jimone san thinks they’re worthy 
)
List of folks I actually know (other than one or two) wow. Also I like that you preferred Leopard as Fukugayma Jun’s best role, seriously he was better as Leopard than as Lelouch.
That cosplaying seiyuu <— I lol’ed. What else does she ever do nowadays? Also, respect for Orikasa Fumiko indeed, and I see that Kuwashima Houko is not yet out, and neither is Neya Michiko.
oh wow, Sanada Mitsuki. I thought I was the last surviving fan of Dual!, but apparently I was wrong.
Sasaki out this early? I thought he would have been mentioned much later, but I guess this was as good a time to mention him as any.
I thought RieRie will be in a better rank like Hocchan or Fukuyama Jun.
I still have some problems to recognize Orikasa Fumiko.
And yes, RieRie is famous for her cosplay ^^. One of the rare seiyuu whose do a LOT of cosplays. Probably ’cause she’s cute after all ^^
Orikasa Fumiko as Miu from Ichigo Mashimaro = WIN!
Whats this about Yamato Nadeshiko and naked hotel romps?? Please do tell more :O
Hai!! ur list is very neat and nice!
anyway will u make a list of the most bankable/popular seiyuu??
thanks..heart ur blog!
It’s “Albert de Morcerf” (or “de Mortcerf” if you stick with the original work) and not “Albert d’Morcerf” as the last is not even pronounceable in French. ^^”
Shimamoto has actually visited Anime Boston (an anime convention in Boston, Massachusetts) a few times. Seeing how she’s been there more than once, I think she really liked it there
.
I still blame that damned Code Geass and Lelouch for making Fukuyama the most popular overseas seiyuu! He is good at what he does, though, with my personal favorite role of his being the flamboyant shinigami Grell from Kuroshitsuji. I also didn’t know that Kamiya was in a motor accident. I’m glad he recovered soon enough to really make a name for himself.
Ohara Sayaka was already listed. I’m glad Kamiyan and FukuJun made your top 50, though a couple of my other favorites haven’t made an appearance yet. I’m looking forward to see more of your list!
Praise Jesus, Canna Nobutoshi made it. One of my personal favorites of all time, and there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of biographical information available on the web (at least not with my Japanese skills as limited as they are).
HOCCHAN IS FIRST ! :@
:@