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Hōchū Ōtsuka's Real Name: Yoshitada Ōtsuka
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Hōchū Ōtsuka (大塚芳忠) 本名: Yoshitada Ōtsuka (大塚芳忠)
Answer: Hōchū Ōtsuka's real name is Yoshitada Ōtsuka. It is written with exactly the same kanji, 大塚芳忠; only the reading of his given name changes.
Hōchū Ōtsuka was born on May 19, 1954, in Okayama Prefecture. He is a clear example of a common seiyū custom: the stage name and the real name share the same kanji, but use a different reading. His given name 芳忠 is read "Yoshitada" as a legal name, while he performs using the on'yomi (Chinese-style) reading "Hōchū."
He is one of Japan's most recognizable voices. In anime he voices Jiraiya in Naruto, and he is widely known as the Japanese dub voice of action stars, including Jean-Claude Van Damme. He has also done extensive narration work.
This reading trick is popular because the name stays familiar on paper while sounding more distinctive.
FAQ
Is Hōchū Ōtsuka a stage name? Partly. The kanji are his real name, but his legal reading is Yoshitada; Hōchū is an alternate reading.
Who does Hōchū Ōtsuka voice in Naruto? Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin.