The Ultimate Ranking: Top Anime Characters Ever Voiced By Kenjiro Tsuda

Kenjiro Tsuda, a highly regarded voice actor in the realm of anime, is renowned for his portrayal of dark and passionate characters. Although he has lent his voice to various media forms such as games, movies, radio, and theater, Tsuda remains most widely recognized for his compelling performances in anime. With his extensive list of roles since his debut in 1995, Tsuda has established himself as an incredibly prolific figure in the industry.

Tsuda's distinctive style is characterized by his deep and menacing tone, imbuing his characters with a sense of danger that poses a threat to the heroes or their adversaries. Despite his inimitable sound, Tsuda showcases remarkable versatility as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between various genres, including action and comedy. His noteworthy roles in anime instantly become iconic, serving as a testament to his exceptional talent.

15 Jigen/Isshiki Ōtsutsuki - Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

14 Kishibe - Chainsaw Man

: Tsuda's commanding voice brings the villainous characters Isshiki and Jigen to life in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Isshiki, one of the most significant foes in the series, forces Naruto to unleash his awe-inspiring Baryon Mode just to have a fighting chance. While opinions on Boruto may vary, the intense battle between Isshiki and Naruto is undeniably a standout moment, fueled in part by Tsuda's electrifying performance. Tsuda's portrayal amplifies the already formidable presence of Isshiki, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Though Tsuda has played even more chilling antagonists, few rival Isshiki in terms of power and impact.

Although Kishibe doesn't receive much screen time in season 1 of Chainsaw Man, every appearance he makes leaves a lasting impression. Kishibe debuts in episode 10 of Chainsaw Man, where his role involves training the main characters Denji and Power. What ensues is a unique and comical twist on traditional training sequences, with Kishibe's intense training methods contrasting with the hilariously unpredictable duo of Denji and Power. Tsuda brings Kishibe to life with clever wit and dry humor, instantly establishing the character as a beloved fan favorite for obvious reasons.

13 Seijuro Mikoshiba – Free

12 Atomic Samurai – One Punch Man

Seijuro, a character in the anime Free! that revolves around competitive swimming teams, assumes a supporting role. As the stern captain of the Samezuka Swimming Club, Seijuro specializes in the demanding butterfly stroke. However, beyond the confines of the pool, he exhibits a carefree and cheerful demeanor. Seijuro unabashedly flirts with Gou Matsuoka and wholeheartedly supports his younger brother during competitions. The distinctive deep voice of Tsuda gives life to Seijuro, playfully adapting to match his competitive spirit. Additionally, Tsuda's signature style is evident in Seijuro's maniacal laugh when issuing challenges for showdowns.

One Punch Man chronicles Saitama's daily life as he searches for a worthy opponent to match his unparalleled power. Despite surpassing the esteemed S-Class heroes, Saitama struggles to move up the hero rankings. The indomitable Atomic Samurai, known for his arrogance and self-assuredness, showcases his exceptional skill in working alongside his allies to defeat adversaries far superior in strength. With Tsuda's captivating and sinister voice, Atomic Samurai fearlessly provokes enemies, showcasing his remarkable might as he triumphs over them.

11 Shin Yasuda - Horimiya

10 Fango – 91 Days

Despite his limited appearances in the 2021 anime adaptation of Horimiya, Shin Yasuda, portrayed by Kenjiro Tsuda, manages to leave a lasting impression. As an English teacher with a rather unsettling fascination with his female students, his peculiar fixations are often used for comedic purposes, although some viewers in the Western audience may find him rather disturbing. Nevertheless, even though this may not be one of Kenjiro Tsuda's most prominent roles, he still delivers a lively and amusing performance, which greatly enhances the primarily character-driven narrative of Horimiya.

In the gangster-themed revenge tale of 91 Days, a young boy embarks on a quest of vengeance for the murder of his family. Among those he seeks retribution from is Fango, a chaotic and unpredictable individual who frequently betrays and strikes deals with shady characters. Fango not only derives pleasure from both inflicting and enduring pain but also resorts to deceitful tactics to achieve his desires. Tsuda's portrayal of Fango brilliantly captures the character's eccentricity and flamboyance, allowing him to delve into madness and showcase his commanding voice. With Fango's insatiable desire for attention, Tsuda's casting is a perfect match, as his compelling voice unquestionably demands notice.

9 Hannes – Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan is a highly popular anime that follows a group of soldiers who strive to defeat the colossal Titans that imprison humanity within three immense walls. At the onset of the series, Hannes is portrayed as a heavy drinker accustomed to a time of peace and unfamiliar with combat. However, witnessing Eren's mother being devoured by a Titan serves as a turning point for him. Hannes' dormant instincts awaken, leading him to act responsibly by ensuring the safety of Eren and Mikasa, despite their objections. The attention to detail in developing each character in Attack on Titan, including the significance of their names, is evident. Even a secondary character like Hannes undergoes a captivating transformation, evolving from a drunken soldier to a genuinely selfless hero with a rich character arc.

8 Overhaul (Kai Chisaki) – My Hero Academia

7 Roku - My Roomate Is A Cat

In the world of My Hero Academia, the majority of individuals possess unique abilities known as Quirks. While some Quirks are more advantageous than others, not all individuals pursue the path of becoming a hero. Among the formidable characters in My Hero Academia is Overhaul, a fearsome villain who possesses one of the most powerful Quirks. As the captain of a yakuza group, Overhaul exploits a young girl named Eri to create drugs that can eradicate Quirks. Initially, Overhaul remains composed and displays strategic thinking, but as his villainous journey progresses, he becomes increasingly erratic. He subjects Eri to abuse and manipulation, yet when confronted with formidable adversaries, Overhaul resorts to fusing with another villain, transforming into a monstrous entity.

Debuting in 2019, "My Roommate is a Cat" revolves around Subaru Mikazuki, a young writer who has isolated himself from society after a tragedy that claimed the lives of his parents. However, his perspective gradually changes when he takes in a cat named Haru, leading to a reconnection with his friends. Kenjiro Tsuda expertly portrays Roku, an older cat who, despite his initially imposing demeanor, proves to be a kind and protective companion to Haru. Tsuda's performance brilliantly showcases Roku's gruff exterior and wisdom that surpasses his age, highlighting his role as a guardian.

6 Joker – Fire Force

Fire Force portrays various groups of firefighters who confront a sudden outbreak of uncontrolled human combustion. Individuals spontaneously burst into flames and transform into Infernals, requiring the firefighters to engage in physical combat in order to extinguish them. In this narrative, Joker assumes an ambiguous role, neither a hero nor a villain, but rather a provider of information to those who seek it, as long as it serves his personal agenda. Raised as an assassin and fervently identifying himself as an anti-hero, Joker influences events from behind the scenes to accomplish his objectives. Having experienced abandonment during childhood, he perceives the world to be unjust and corrupted, leading him on a relentless pursuit of truth, for which he will stop at nothing to acquire.

5 Jegal Taek - The God Of High School

In the world of The God of High School, things escalate quickly, shifting from a lighthearted tournament among teenagers to an all-out battle against a deity. Among the top fighters in the series is Jegal Taek, known for his aggressive nature and penchant for starting fights even with his own teammates. Utilizing his Charyeok, an awe-inspiring Megalodon shark, Jegal dispatches his adversaries with deadly precision. However, it is not just his summoning abilities that make him formidable, as his endurance, strength, stamina, and speed are equally impressive. Portraying Jegal with an eerie and intimidating voice, Tsuda perfectly captures the villainous essence of the character.

4 The Beholder – To Your Eternity

3 Kento Nanami – Jujutsu Kaisen

To Your Eternity, one of the standout anime releases of 2021, tells the poignant tale of Fushi, a supernatural entity on a quest to comprehend the essence of humanity. Tasked with this mission is the enigmatic Beholder, who serves as Fushi's guide and reveals his purpose: "to safeguard the world." Tsuda's voice perfectly embodies the enigma and commanding presence of the Beholder. Each character in the series is exquisitely crafted, leaving a profound impact on Fushi. While initially devoid of emotion, it becomes increasingly clear that Fushi holds great significance for the enigmatic Beholder.

Nanami, a mature and sharp-witted sorcerer, is one of the most unexpectedly powerful characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. Despite his unassuming appearance, he possesses immense strength and skill in combating the terrifying demons that plague humanity. After leaving the sorcery school to pursue a career in business, Nanami returned four years later. However, his businessman background is still evident in his punctuality and no-nonsense demeanor. While he recognizes Itadori's potential, Nanami often treats him like a child, fearing that the world of sorcery might jade him just as it did to him.

2 Tatsu – The Way Of The House Husband

1 Seto Kaiba - Yu-Gi-Oh!

This fantastic comedy anime centers around Tatsu, a former yakuza boss who decides to leave his criminal past behind and embrace the role of a househusband after settling down with his wife. Previously known as The Immortal Dragon, Tatsu brings his unwavering seriousness and unwavering passion to everything he undertakes, whether it's efficiently cleaning the house, preparing delectable lunches for his wife, or even participating in yoga classes alongside the other housewives. Tsuda's voice perfectly complements both the comedic and serious moments that Tatsu encounters. His distinctive drawl adds a delightful contrast to the comedy, while Tatsu's mysterious demeanor turns even the most mundane bargain shopping trip into a thrilling and terrifying experience.

Seto Kaiba, the most iconic character in anime for Tsuda, has truly become a star-making role. Despite initially appearing as a spoiled and egotistical rich kid (which he definitely is), as the Yu-Gi-Oh series progresses, audiences gain a deeper understanding of him and the reasons behind his behavior. One aspect in which Tsuda excels in his portrayal is the evolution of Kaiba's relationship with the protagonist, Yugi. Witnessing Kaiba's transformation from complete disdain to a small amount of respect is a genuine delight. Tsuda's portrayal of Kaiba is a significant factor in his immense popularity among viewers.

Kenshiro Tsuda has voiced numerous iconic characters in anime. What sets him apart is his ability to infuse life into each character he portrays. Even with roles like Kaiba or Isshiki, who may initially appear one-dimensional, Tsuda manages to add a captivating depth to them. Through his exceptional voice acting, Kenshiro Tsuda showcases the significant influence a voice actor can have on a character.