Voices Behind the Legends: 10 Anime Icons You Should Know

Anime has captivated viewers all over the world with its intriguing stories, distinct animation techniques, and most importantly, compelling characters. However, the talent behind the voices is what truly brings these characters to life. Whether it's the fiery determination of Naruto, the cool confidence of Spike Spiegel, or the raw intensity of Goku, these iconic characters owe much of their impact to the talented anime voice actors behind the mic.

In this guide, we'll explore 10 of the most famous and influential voice actors anime in the world - artists whose voices have become just as legendary as the characters they portray.

Part 1: 10 Anime Voice Actors Every True Fan Should Know

The best animated voice actors don't simply read lines; they inhabit their characters completely, bringing nuance, emotion, and authenticity to every role they undertake. Here are the top 10 anime voice actors who have shaped the landscape of anime with their unforgettable performances.

1. Christopher Sabat

When it comes to the best Anime English voice actors, Christopher Sabat is always on the list. He is an American voice actor who has lent his voice to numerous iconic anime characters, including Vegeta, Piccolo, Yamcha, Shenron, and various characters in Dragon Ball, Roronoa Zoro in One Piece, Giroro in Sgt. Frog, All Might in My Hero Academia, and more.

His voice acting not only demonstrates a remarkable vocal range and acting ability but also his talent for adapting to diverse character personalities. Sabat's contributions have earned him awards from Behind the Voice Actors for Best Vocal Ensemble in Dragon Ball Z Kai and Best Male Lead in My Hero Academia.

2. Yuki Kaji

Yuki Kaji is a Japanese voice actor and singer affiliated with the agency VIMS. He has also been a radio host and acted on stage since 2015 has occasionally been cast in on-screen roles in television dramas. He has voiced many notable roles such as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, Todoroki Shoto in My Hero Academia, Speed-O Sound Sonic in One-Punch Man, and more.

3. Mamoru Miyano

Mamoru Miyano has established himself as one of the most charismatic voices in the anime industry, known for his ability to create larger-than-life characters that leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. He is best known for his roles in Death Note, Steins; Gate, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Durarara!!, Soul Eater, Wolf's Rain, Ouran High School Host Club, Ajin: Demi-Human, and more.

4. Tara Strong

The next voice actor anime on our list is Tara Strong. Though better known for Western animation, Tara Strong's vocal talent crossed into anime and earned her a reputation for incredible range and emotional delivery. Strong's voice roles include animated series such as The Powerpuff Girls, The Fairly OddParents, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Teen Titans, Ben 10, and more. Throughout her career, she has also voiced characters in video games, including Mortal Kombat X, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Jak and Daxter, Final Fantasy X, and Batman: Arkham.

5. Kana Hanazawa

Kana Hanazawa is one of Japan's most popular anime voice actors, known for her soft, soothing voice and emotionally resonant performances. Rising to fame with roles like Kanade Tachibana in Angel Beats! And Akane Tsunemori in Psycho-Pass. Beyond voice acting, she is also a successful J-pop singer, with several hit albums and live performances.

6. J. Michael Tatum

If you're a fan of Erwin Smith from Attack on Titan, you'll be thrilled to know that the English voice behind the commanding Survey Corps leader is none other than J. Michael Tatum. He is an American voice actor, ADR director, and scriptwriter who has been captivating audiences since 2004. Tatum's impressive range also shines in roles like Kyoya Ootori in Ouran High School Host Club and Sebastian Michaelis in Black Butler.

7. Hiroshi Kamiya

Hiroshi Kamiya stands as one of the best anime voice actors in the industry, with a vocal range that allows him to disappear completely into characters that seem nothing alike. From the calm and intelligent Levi Ackerman in Attack on Titan to the sarcastic and chaotic Yato in Noragami, Kamiya brings authenticity and nuance to every performance.

8. Steve Blum

Steve Blum is one of the most influential anime voice actors English. Blum has brought to life countless iconic characters, most notably Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop - a role that remains a benchmark in English anime dubbing.

9. Ootsuka Houchuu

His famous role was Jiraiya from Naruto, similarly to Hidekatsu, who played the Third Hokage or King Bradley in Fullmetal Alchemist. His ability to portray wise mentors, sinister villains, and complex antiheroes has made him one of the most respected figures in the voice acting industry.

10. Crispin Freeman

The last voice actors of anime on our list is Crispin Freeman. Known for his commanding presence, rich vocal tone, and powerful performances in both anime and video games. With a background in theater and mythology, Freeman brings depth and intellect to every role he takes on.

Part 2: Best AI Voice Changer With Anime Voices

There are countless anime voice changers available online, but most fall short in quality and performance. If you're looking for a tool that truly delivers, HitPaw VoicePea stands out as the best anime voice changer by far. The program offers 300+ realistic voice effects, which include high-quality anime voices such as Jiraya, Naruto, Vegeta, and more. Furthermore, HitPaw VoicePea also supports voice cloning, allowing users to upload an audio clip of the desired anime character's voice and convert it into a voice effect in no time. The standout feature of this tool is that it also works as a real-time voice changer, enabling users to alter their voice in real-time on platforms like Discord, Zoom, Twitch, and more.

Key Features of HitPaw VoicePea

• Anime Voice Effects: VoicPea supports 300+ voice effects, including anime like Naruto, Jiraiya, Goku, SongeBob, and more.
• Text-to-Speech: With the help of this tool, you can turn any prompt into a high-quality voiceover in minutes.
• Real-Time Voice Changer: The program allows users to alter their voice in real-time on platforms like Discord, Zoom, Twitch, and Steam.
• High Quality Output: HitPaw VoicePea sets itself apart with its exceptional audio quality, delivering clear, natural-sounding voice transformations that stand above the rest.
• Intuitive Interface: Offers a user-friendly interface, which is best for non-tech and beginner users. No professional help required.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow the instructions below to learn how to alter your voice in real-time with HitPaw VoicePea.

• Go to any third-party program such as Discord, Zoom, or Twitch. Select "HitPaw Virtual Audio" as the input device.
  
• Select "Soundboard" from the left panel. A list of voice effects will appear on your screen. Select any anime voice and click to apply.
  
• Enable "Hear Myself" and "Voice Changer" to preview the sound. If you're in a noisy environment, we recommend that you activate the "Noise Reduction" feature.
  
• Adjust the volume of the sound effects on the right side according to your needs. And now you may enjoy the sound effect with your customized shortcut.
  

Final Thoughts

In this guide, we have mentioned the top 10 anime voice actors - both Japanese and English, who have left an undeniable mark on the anime industry. Further, we have also introduced you to the best voice change with anime voices known as HitPaw VoicePea.