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Seiyu (Voice Actors) (声優 · 本名)
Japan's voice actors, 声優 (seiyū), are stars in their own right, with fan clubs, concerts and radio shows. Most work under their real names, but a notable group uses stage names, and fans love finding out which.
The naming custom. Seiyū stage names usually take one of three forms: - Same kanji, different reading. The name is written the same way, but read differently. Hōchū Ōtsuka writes his name 大塚芳忠; the given name is read "Yoshitada" in his legal name. - A shortened or one-character name, such as Chō (チョー). - A fully invented name, often grand or funny, like Banjō Ginga (銀河万丈, "galaxy, ten thousand feet").
Older voice actors often came from stage theater (新劇 shingeki), where stage names were common. Agencies such as Aoni Production, 81 Produce and Mausu Promotion publish official talent profiles, which are the best sources.
Privacy. Many younger seiyū, especially those who also perform as idols, keep their real names private. We only list names that are public in official or reliable sources.