Super Mario Movie: Meet The Japanese Voice Cast!

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has taken the world by storm, and a huge part of its appeal lies in its incredible voice acting across different languages. Today, we're diving deep into the Japanese cast that brought these beloved characters to life for audiences in Japan. If you're a fan of the original games or just curious about the international adaptations, you're in for a treat! Let's explore who’s who in the Japanese dub of this animated blockbuster. The Japanese voice cast did an outstanding job that it is worth checking out.

Mario: Kōji Kondō (replacing Toru Furuya)

Kōji Kondō, a name synonymous with Nintendo's music, might surprise you as the voice of Mario. While primarily known as the composer behind iconic themes from Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, Kondō steps into the vocal shoes of everyone's favorite plumber. It's a significant change, as Toru Furuya had previously voiced Mario in several Japanese adaptations. Kondō brings a fresh, yet familiar, energy to the character. His deep understanding of Mario's world, having shaped its auditory landscape for decades, makes him a unique choice. Imagine the person who crafted the Super Mario Bros. theme now giving voice to the hero himself! This transition signifies Nintendo's commitment to staying true to Mario's roots while exploring new creative avenues. Kondō's interpretation adds a layer of authenticity, enriching the character with the same playful spirit that defines his musical compositions. For Japanese audiences, hearing Kondō's Mario is like hearing the games come to life in a whole new way. This casting decision celebrates the history of Super Mario and promises an exciting evolution for the character's portrayal in future media.

Princess Peach: Arisa Nakada

Arisa Nakada perfectly embodies the grace and determination of Princess Peach. Nakada, an accomplished voice actress, brings a blend of sweetness and strength to the character, capturing Peach's evolution from a damsel in distress to a proactive leader. Her portrayal showcases Peach's kind-hearted nature while highlighting her courage and intelligence, aligning with the movie's modern take on the princess. Nakada's voice acting credits include roles in popular anime and video games, making her a seasoned professional in the world of character voicing. Her ability to convey a range of emotions, from gentle compassion to unwavering resolve, makes her an ideal fit for Peach. Japanese audiences appreciate Nakada's authentic representation of the character, which stays true to Peach's established persona while adding new dimensions. In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Peach is not just a princess waiting to be saved; she's a vital part of the adventure, and Nakada's voice acting underscores this transformation. She captures the essence of a modern princess who is both kind and capable, making her a beloved character for viewers of all ages. Nakada's performance is a testament to her skill and dedication, solidifying her as the definitive Japanese voice of Princess Peach.

Luigi: Tasuku Hatanaka

Tasuku Hatanaka brings a mix of endearing nervousness and hidden bravery to the role of Luigi. Hatanaka, known for his dynamic performances in anime like Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal and Attack on Titan, perfectly captures Luigi's timid yet ultimately heroic nature. His voice acting emphasizes Luigi's initial fears and insecurities, making his eventual acts of courage all the more impactful. Hatanaka’s portrayal resonates with audiences because it reflects Luigi's growth throughout the film. He masterfully balances Luigi's comedic moments with his moments of genuine heroism. Hatanaka's ability to convey a wide range of emotions makes Luigi a relatable and lovable character. Japanese audiences have praised Hatanaka's nuanced performance, appreciating how he stays true to Luigi's established personality while adding depth and complexity. In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Luigi isn't just Mario's sidekick; he's a hero in his own right, and Hatanaka's voice acting beautifully illustrates this. He captures the essence of a character who is both scared and brave, making him a fan favorite. Tasuku Hatanaka’s interpretation of Luigi is a testament to his talent and versatility, solidifying his place as the definitive Japanese voice of the beloved green-clad brother.

Bowser: Kenta Miyake

Kenta Miyake roars to life as the formidable Bowser, the King of the Koopas. Miyake, celebrated for his powerful voice acting in anime like My Hero Academia (as All Might) and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, perfectly embodies Bowser's menacing presence and surprising comedic timing. His performance captures Bowser's raw strength and tyrannical ambition while also revealing his underlying vulnerability and occasional moments of hilarity. Miyake’s voice brings a unique blend of intimidation and humor to the character, making Bowser a compelling and entertaining villain. Japanese audiences have lauded Miyake's incredible range, praising his ability to switch seamlessly between Bowser's fearsome roars and his more lighthearted quips. In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Bowser is not just a one-dimensional antagonist; he's a complex character with a strong desire for power and a surprising emotional depth, and Miyake's voice acting brings all of these elements to the forefront. He perfectly embodies Bowser's larger-than-life personality, making him a memorable and captivating character. Kenta Miyake’s interpretation of Bowser is a testament to his exceptional talent, cementing his status as the definitive Japanese voice of the iconic Koopa King.

Toad: Tomokazu Seki

Tomokazu Seki infuses Toad with an infectious energy and unwavering loyalty. Seki, a highly versatile voice actor known for his roles in anime such as Fate/stay night and Psycho-Pass, perfectly captures Toad's enthusiastic personality and unwavering support for Mario and Peach. His performance highlights Toad's unwavering optimism and courage, making him an indispensable member of the team. Seki’s voice acting emphasizes Toad's boundless enthusiasm and his willingness to face any challenge, no matter how daunting. Japanese audiences appreciate Seki's ability to bring Toad's energetic spirit to life, praising his performance as both endearing and hilarious. In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Toad isn't just a sidekick; he's a vital part of the adventure, and Seki's voice acting underscores this. He captures the essence of a character who is both cheerful and brave, making him a fan favorite. Tomokazu Seki’s interpretation of Toad is a testament to his skill and versatility, solidifying his place as the definitive Japanese voice of the beloved mushroom-headed companion.

Donkey Kong: Akio Otsuka

Akio Otsuka brings a powerful and charismatic presence to the role of Donkey Kong. Otsuka, a legendary voice actor renowned for his work in anime like Metal Gear Solid (as Solid Snake) and Ghost in the Shell, perfectly embodies Donkey Kong's strength, confidence, and surprising sense of honor. His performance captures Donkey Kong's imposing physical presence while also revealing his playful and loyal nature. Otsuka’s voice acting emphasizes Donkey Kong's raw power and his unwavering dedication to his friends, making him a formidable ally to Mario and Luigi. Japanese audiences have praised Otsuka's authoritative portrayal, appreciating how he brings a sense of gravitas and depth to the character. In the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Donkey Kong is not just a muscle-bound ape; he's a complex character with a strong sense of justice and a deep loyalty to his tribe, and Otsuka's voice acting brings all of these elements to the forefront. He perfectly embodies Donkey Kong's larger-than-life personality, making him a memorable and captivating character. Akio Otsuka’s interpretation of Donkey Kong is a testament to his exceptional talent, cementing his status as the definitive Japanese voice of the iconic ape.

Conclusion

The Japanese voice cast of the Super Mario Bros. Movie is a testament to the global appeal and adaptability of these beloved characters. Each actor brings a unique perspective and undeniable talent to their respective roles, enriching the viewing experience for Japanese audiences. From Kōji Kondō's fresh take on Mario to Kenta Miyake's menacing Bowser, the Japanese dub adds another layer of enjoyment to this animated adventure. So, next time you're watching the movie, consider experiencing it with the Japanese audio – you might just discover a whole new level of appreciation for these iconic characters! You might be surprised at how well they do their respective roles!