Dragon Ball Super: The Japanese Voice Actors You Need To Know

Hey everyone! Are you a Dragon Ball fan? Of course, you are! And if you're anything like me, you're totally obsessed with Dragon Ball Super. One of the coolest things about the Dragon Ball universe is the incredible voice acting, especially in the Japanese version. So, today, we're diving deep into the world of Dragon Ball Super's Japanese voice actors. Get ready to learn about the talented folks who bring our favorite characters to life. We'll be looking at the main players and a few surprises along the way. Grab your senzu beans, and let's get started!

The Super Saiyan Squad: Main Characters and Their Voice Actors

Alright, let's kick things off with the Super Saiyan Squad, the heart and soul of Dragon Ball Super. These are the characters we've come to know and love, and they wouldn't be the same without their amazing voice actors. Seriously, the voices are iconic, and they bring so much energy and personality to the show. Let's get to know them, shall we?

Goku: Masako Nozawa

First up, we have the legendary Son Goku. And who's the voice behind the hero of our story? None other than the incredible Masako Nozawa. This woman is a legend! She's been voicing Goku since the original Dragon Ball series, and she's still going strong. Can you believe it? Her voice is instantly recognizable, and she's the reason why Goku sounds exactly the way we expect him to. It's like, you can't imagine anyone else as Goku. Masako Nozawa has truly become one with the character. She doesn't just voice Goku; she is Goku. Her ability to capture Goku's strength, humor, and unwavering determination is unparalleled. From his epic battle cries to his silly moments, she nails it every time. She's also voiced Goku's sons, Gohan and Goten, as well as Goku Black and Goku's evil clone. That is the proof that she is one of the best voice actors of all time. We’re talking about a career that spans decades, and her dedication is truly inspiring. She’s a national treasure!

Vegeta: Ryō Horikawa

Next up, we have the Saiyan Prince himself, Vegeta. The voice actor bringing this proud warrior to life is Ryō Horikawa. Horikawa has been the voice of Vegeta since the early days. He's got that perfect blend of arrogance, vulnerability, and, yes, even a bit of love for his family. He has this unique ability to make Vegeta both intimidating and relatable. You know, you can't help but root for the guy, even when he's being a total jerk. Horikawa has brilliantly portrayed Vegeta’s transformation from a cold-hearted villain to a complex character with a soft spot. His voice work perfectly captures Vegeta’s development throughout the series. It's his performance that makes Vegeta one of the most beloved characters in the Dragon Ball universe. Horikawa's range is impressive. He can deliver a powerful, booming voice when Vegeta is powering up, and he can also convey the subtle emotions that lie beneath Vegeta's tough exterior. He's been the voice of Vegeta for a long, long time, and his portrayal is iconic. Truly, he is the voice of a generation.

Gohan: Masako Nozawa

As mentioned earlier, Masako Nozawa is the voice behind Gohan! This means she voices both Goku and Gohan. That is insane. From a small child to a powerful warrior, her voice acting skills are truly amazing. She manages to capture Gohan's innocence and his moments of strength. The fact that the same voice actor plays both father and son is pretty unique and showcases her versatility. It's a testament to her talent and the depth she brings to the Dragon Ball universe.

Trunks: Takeshi Kusao

Okay, next up, we have Trunks. The voice behind this time-traveling hero is Takeshi Kusao. He's got that cool, confident vibe down pat, and he's also able to bring out the more sensitive side of Trunks. From the Future Trunks's dramatic entrance to his interactions with his friends, Kusao's portrayal is always spot-on. He is perfect for the role. He brings the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability that defines the character. His performance has left a lasting impact on fans.

Bulma: Hiromi Tsuru (and Aya Hisakawa)

And let's not forget about the brilliant Bulma. The original voice actress for Bulma was the amazing Hiromi Tsuru. Sadly, Hiromi Tsuru passed away in 2017. Her voice was incredibly iconic. She brought so much energy and sass to the role, and she was an integral part of the Dragon Ball family. After her passing, Aya Hisakawa took over the role. She's doing an amazing job, honoring Tsuru's legacy while also bringing her own flair to Bulma. It's a tough role to fill, but Hisakawa has handled it with grace and skill.

Piccolo: Toshio Furukawa

Now, for everyone’s favorite Namekian, Piccolo. The voice behind Piccolo is Toshio Furukawa. He has a deep, commanding voice that fits Piccolo perfectly. He really captures the character's serious and wise nature. He’s been bringing Piccolo to life for ages. His portrayal of Piccolo has become legendary. From his intense training sessions to his moments of fatherly affection towards Gohan, Furukawa's voice acting is always on point.

The Supporting Cast: Key Characters and Their Voices

Now, let's move on to the supporting cast. These characters might not be the main stars, but they're incredibly important to the Dragon Ball Super story. Their voice actors bring so much depth and personality to the show. Let's see who they are.

Krillin: Mayumi Tanaka

First up, we have Krillin, Goku's best friend. The voice actor for Krillin is Mayumi Tanaka. She's been the voice of Krillin for a long, long time. Mayumi Tanaka's voice work captures Krillin's loyalty and his bravery. She adds a lot of heart to the role. Her voice brings a sense of warmth and humor that perfectly complements Krillin's character. She really makes you love the guy!

Android 18: Miki Itō

Next, we have Android 18. The voice actress for her is Miki Itō. She brings a cool, tough exterior but also shows us her softer side. It's her performance that makes Android 18 such a complex character. Her voice work perfectly captures Android 18's development. She gives Android 18 that strength and determination that we all love, and she also brings out her softer side. Her dedication to the role is obvious.

Master Roshi: Hiroshi Masuoka (and Kōhei Miyauchi)

Of course, we need to include the legendary Master Roshi. Hiroshi Masuoka originally voiced Master Roshi. And after his passing, Kōhei Miyauchi took over the role. Both of them brought their own unique takes on the character, capturing his humor and his wisdom. They really captured the essence of Master Roshi. The voice actor is one of the iconic voices of the series. The voice is something you can not imagine. That is exactly the reason he is so popular.

Beerus: Kōichi Yamadera

And who could forget Beerus, the God of Destruction? He is voiced by the legendary Kōichi Yamadera. He has the perfect voice for a powerful and eccentric god. His voice adds a layer of humor and menace to the character. His portrayal of Beerus is unforgettable. Yamadera has such a unique and versatile voice, and he brings a lot of personality to Beerus. He is a master of his craft.

Whis: Masakazu Morita

Last, but not least, we have Whis, Beerus' attendant. Whis is voiced by Masakazu Morita. His calm and collected voice is perfect for the character. He adds a layer of mystery and sophistication to the series. His performance is always on point. He makes Whis such a memorable character. His voice work is simply amazing.

Beyond the Main Cast: Other Notable Voice Actors

Okay, let's talk about some of the other awesome voice actors who have graced the screen in Dragon Ball Super. These are the folks who have brought even more characters to life, making the Dragon Ball universe even richer and more vibrant. So, let’s give it a go!

Frieza: Ryūsei Nakao

Let's not forget the ultimate villain, Frieza. The voice of Frieza is the very talented Ryūsei Nakao. He's a veteran of the anime world, and he brings a chilling quality to Frieza that makes him one of the most memorable villains ever. Nakao's portrayal is iconic. His voice is instantly recognizable. He perfectly captures Frieza's cruelty and arrogance. It's easy to see why Frieza is such a popular villain.

Android 17: Shigeru Nakahara

Android 17 is voiced by Shigeru Nakahara. He brings the perfect blend of rebelliousness and a newfound sense of responsibility to the role. Nakahara's voice work is perfect. He portrays Android 17's evolution perfectly. His performance has left a lasting impact on fans.

Jiren: Kazuhiro Yamaji

Who could forget the powerful Jiren? The voice actor behind Jiren is Kazuhiro Yamaji. He brings a sense of stoicism and immense power to the character. He delivers a performance that perfectly suits Jiren's imposing presence and strength. It’s hard to imagine anyone else voicing Jiren. Yamaji has nailed it.

The Magic of Voice Acting: Why It Matters

So, why is all this voice acting stuff so important? Well, the voice actors are the ones who breathe life into these characters. They give them their unique personalities, their quirks, and their emotional depth. Without them, Goku wouldn't be Goku, Vegeta wouldn't be Vegeta, and the whole Dragon Ball Super experience wouldn't be the same. The voice actors do more than just read lines. They become the characters. They pour their hearts and souls into their performances, and that's what makes the show so captivating. Their voices are a crucial part of what makes Dragon Ball so amazing. It is because of their dedication that the characters have become so iconic. Their performances add depth and emotion, making the characters feel real.

Where to Find Dragon Ball Super in Japanese

Now that you know all the amazing voice actors, you might be wondering where to watch Dragon Ball Super in Japanese. There are a few options out there. Streaming services like Crunchyroll and Funimation often have the option to watch with the original Japanese audio and subtitles. You could also try looking for the series on other streaming platforms or through physical media. Make sure to check your region. This will ensure that you’re able to enjoy the show in its original glory.

Conclusion: The Voices That Define a Universe

So there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the awesome world of Dragon Ball Super's Japanese voice actors. Hopefully, you now have a new appreciation for the talented people behind these iconic characters. From Masako Nozawa's incredible performance as Goku to Ryō Horikawa's portrayal of Vegeta, these voice actors have brought so much to the Dragon Ball universe. Next time you're watching Dragon Ball Super, take a moment to appreciate the magic of the voice acting. It's truly something special, and it's a huge part of what makes Dragon Ball so beloved. Thanks for joining me on this journey! Until next time, keep training and keep powering up!