Naruto Shippuden Voice Actors: Who Brings Your Favorite Ninja To Life?

Hey anime fans! Ever wondered who's behind the voices of your favorite characters in Naruto Shippuden? Well, you’re in the right place! We're diving deep into the amazing world of voice acting to uncover the talented individuals who breathe life into Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and all the unforgettable characters from the Naruto Shippuden universe. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer dedication and skill these voice actors bring to the table. It’s not just about reading lines; it’s about embodying a character, feeling their emotions, and delivering performances that resonate with millions of fans worldwide. So, grab your ramen, and let’s get started!

The Voices Behind Team 7

Let's kick things off with the iconic Team 7! These are the characters we've grown to love (and sometimes hate) throughout the series. Their voice actors have played a crucial role in shaping their personalities and making them relatable. The voice acting for Team 7 is truly iconic, it is hard to imagine the characters without their voice actors. These actors have given so much character to the show, and have truly captured the persona of Team 7.

Naruto Uzumaki: Maile Flanagan (English) / Junko Takeuchi (Japanese)

When you think of Naruto, you instantly hear that unmistakable voice! In the English dub, Maile Flanagan has been the voice of Naruto since the beginning. She perfectly captures Naruto's never-give-up attitude, his boundless energy, and his occasional goofiness. Flanagan's portrayal is so spot-on that it’s hard to imagine anyone else voicing the Seventh Hokage. She brings a youthful exuberance to the role, even though she's an adult woman, which is a testament to her incredible talent. She understands the nuances of Naruto's character, from his determination to his underlying loneliness, and conveys it all through her voice. She has mentioned in several interviews that she loves voicing Naruto, and it is a role that she cherishes.

On the other side of the Pacific, Junko Takeuchi voices Naruto in the Japanese version. Takeuchi’s voice is equally iconic, bringing a raspy, energetic quality to the character. She manages to portray both Naruto's childish enthusiasm and his moments of serious determination with equal skill. Takeuchi has been voicing Naruto since he was a kid, and she has grown with the character. She has said that she feels a deep connection to Naruto, and she is honored to be the voice of such an inspiring character. For many Japanese-speaking fans, Junko Takeuchi is Naruto. The energy and emotion she brings to the role are simply unmatched, making her an integral part of what makes Naruto so beloved.

Sasuke Uchiha: Yuri Lowenthal (English) / Noriaki Sugiyama (Japanese)

Ah, Sasuke – the brooding, angsty ninja we all love to hate (and secretly admire). Yuri Lowenthal lends his voice to Sasuke in the English dub, capturing the character's cool, detached demeanor perfectly. Lowenthal's performance is nuanced, conveying Sasuke's inner turmoil and his gradual descent into darkness with subtle shifts in tone. He manages to make Sasuke sound both intelligent and emotionally wounded, which is no easy feat. He also voices many other anime characters, such as Suzaku Kururugi from Code Geass. He has also stated that voicing Sasuke is a role that he is very proud of.

In Japanese, Noriaki Sugiyama voices Sasuke, bringing a similar sense of coolness and detachment to the character. Sugiyama's voice has a slightly sharper edge, which emphasizes Sasuke's intelligence and his single-minded focus on revenge. He conveys the character's inner pain and his struggle with his own identity with incredible skill. Sugiyama’s portrayal is essential to understanding Sasuke's complex character arc. Both Lowenthal and Sugiyama capture the essence of Sasuke, making him a compelling and believable character.

Sakura Haruno: Kate Higgins (English) / Chie Nakamura (Japanese)

Sakura often gets a bad rap, but her voice actors have always done an amazing job of bringing her character to life. In the English dub, Kate Higgins voices Sakura, portraying her evolution from a somewhat insecure genin to a strong and capable medical ninja. Higgins captures Sakura's determination and her unwavering loyalty to her friends. She also brings out Sakura's softer side, making her a more relatable and sympathetic character. Higgins does a great job of showcasing Sakura's growth throughout the series.

Chie Nakamura voices Sakura in Japanese, giving her a voice that is both strong and feminine. Nakamura perfectly captures Sakura's intelligence and her unwavering determination. She also brings out Sakura's caring nature, making her a more well-rounded character. Nakamura's performance is essential to understanding Sakura's importance to Team 7. Both Higgins and Nakamura bring their own unique strengths to the role, making Sakura a more compelling character.

The Senseis and the Legends

Of course, Naruto Shippuden wouldn't be the same without its incredible supporting cast. Let's take a look at some of the voice actors behind the senseis and the legends.

Kakashi Hatake: Dave Wittenberg (English) / Kazuhiko Inoue (Japanese)

Kakashi, the cool and enigmatic sensei of Team 7, is voiced by Dave Wittenberg in the English dub. Wittenberg perfectly captures Kakashi's laid-back demeanor and his hidden depths. He manages to make Kakashi sound both intelligent and mysterious, which is exactly what the character needs. Wittenberg's performance is essential to understanding Kakashi's appeal.

Kazuhiko Inoue voices Kakashi in Japanese, bringing a similar sense of coolness and detachment to the character. Inoue's voice has a slightly softer edge, which emphasizes Kakashi's kindness and his hidden vulnerability. He conveys the character's wisdom and his deep understanding of the ninja world with incredible skill. Inoue’s portrayal is essential to understanding Kakashi's complex character. Both Wittenberg and Inoue capture the essence of Kakashi, making him a compelling and believable character.

Jiraiya: David Lodge (English) / Houchu Otsuka (Japanese)

Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin and Naruto's mentor, is voiced by David Lodge in the English dub. Lodge perfectly captures Jiraiya's perverted sense of humor and his underlying wisdom. He manages to make Jiraiya sound both funny and wise, which is exactly what the character needs. Lodge's performance is essential to understanding Jiraiya's impact on Naruto.

Houchu Otsuka voices Jiraiya in Japanese, bringing a similar sense of humor and wisdom to the character. Otsuka's voice has a slightly rougher edge, which emphasizes Jiraiya's experience and his world-weariness. He conveys the character's deep love for Naruto and his unwavering commitment to protecting him with incredible skill. Otsuka’s portrayal is essential to understanding Jiraiya's complex character. Both Lodge and Otsuka capture the essence of Jiraiya, making him a compelling and believable character.

Tsunade: Debi Mae West (English) / Masako Katsuki (Japanese)

Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage and another of the legendary Sannin, is voiced by Debi Mae West in the English dub. West perfectly captures Tsunade's strength, her determination, and her hidden vulnerability. She manages to make Tsunade sound both powerful and compassionate, which is exactly what the character needs. West's performance is essential to understanding Tsunade's importance to the Leaf Village.

Masako Katsuki voices Tsunade in Japanese, bringing a similar sense of strength and determination to the character. Katsuki's voice has a slightly sharper edge, which emphasizes Tsunade's authority and her unwavering commitment to protecting the village. She conveys the character's inner pain and her struggle with her own past with incredible skill. Katsuki’s portrayal is essential to understanding Tsunade's complex character. Both West and Katsuki capture the essence of Tsunade, making her a compelling and believable character.

The Villains We Love to Hate

No great story is complete without its villains, and Naruto Shippuden has some of the best. Let's take a look at the voice actors behind some of the most iconic antagonists.

Orochimaru: Steve Blum (English) / Kujira (Japanese)

Orochimaru, the creepy and ambitious scientist, is voiced by Steve Blum in the English dub. Blum perfectly captures Orochimaru's sinister nature and his unsettling obsession with immortality. He manages to make Orochimaru sound both intelligent and terrifying, which is exactly what the character needs. Blum's performance is essential to understanding Orochimaru's motivations.

Kujira voices Orochimaru in Japanese, bringing a similar sense of creepiness and ambition to the character. Kujira's voice has a slightly raspy edge, which emphasizes Orochimaru's age and his decaying body. She conveys the character's hunger for power and his willingness to do anything to achieve his goals with incredible skill. Kujira’s portrayal is essential to understanding Orochimaru's complex character. Both Blum and Kujira capture the essence of Orochimaru, making him a compelling and terrifying villain.

Pain: Troy Baker (English) / Ken Narita (Japanese)

Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, is voiced by Troy Baker in the English dub. Baker perfectly captures Pain's cold and detached demeanor and his twisted sense of justice. He manages to make Pain sound both powerful and sympathetic, which is exactly what the character needs. Baker's performance is essential to understanding Pain's motivations. Baker really nails the duality of Pain, showcasing both his god-like power and his underlying pain and suffering. This complexity is what makes Pain such a memorable and impactful villain.

Ken Narita voices Pain in Japanese, bringing a similar sense of coldness and detachment to the character. Narita's voice has a slightly deeper edge, which emphasizes Pain's authority and his unwavering commitment to his cause. He conveys the character's inner pain and his struggle with his own past with incredible skill. Narita’s portrayal is essential to understanding Pain's complex character. Both Baker and Narita capture the essence of Pain, making him a compelling and believable villain. Baker and Narita both capture the conflicting emotions that drive Pain, making him a villain that you can almost sympathize with.

Madara Uchiha: Neil Kaplan (English) / Naoya Uchida (Japanese)

Madara Uchiha, one of the most powerful and influential characters in the Naruto universe, is brought to life by Neil Kaplan in the English dub. Kaplan delivers a commanding performance, capturing Madara's ruthless ambition, his immense power, and his centuries-old wisdom (and cynicism). Kaplan's voice resonates with authority, making Madara's presence truly imposing. He perfectly conveys the character's belief in his own superiority and his determination to reshape the world in his image. The gravitas and intensity that Kaplan brings to the role are truly remarkable.

In the Japanese version, Naoya Uchida voices Madara, providing a voice that is equally captivating and powerful. Uchida's deep and resonant voice perfectly embodies Madara's age, experience, and overwhelming power. He conveys the character's arrogance and his disdain for those he considers weaker with chilling precision. Uchida's performance captures the essence of Madara's character, making him a truly unforgettable villain. Both Kaplan and Uchida deliver performances that are worthy of the legendary Madara Uchiha, making him a villain that is both feared and respected.

Why Voice Acting Matters

Voice acting is an art form that often goes unnoticed, but it's an integral part of what makes anime so engaging. The voice actors bring depth, emotion, and personality to the characters, making them more relatable and believable. They help us connect with the characters on a deeper level, making us laugh, cry, and cheer along with them.

The voice actors of Naruto Shippuden have done an exceptional job of bringing these characters to life. They have given us performances that will be remembered for years to come. So, the next time you watch Naruto Shippuden, take a moment to appreciate the talent and dedication of the voice actors who make it all possible. They are the unsung heroes of the anime world, and they deserve our recognition and appreciation. Without these talented voice actors, Naruto Shippuden would not be the same. Their voices have become synonymous with the characters they portray, and their performances have enriched our viewing experience immeasurably. They have truly brought the world of Naruto to life.