Meet the Voices Behind the Drama: The Nana Anime Cast

Nana, a critically acclaimed anime series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling storyline and relatable characters. A significant element contributing to its success is the exceptional voice acting that brings these characters to life. This article delves into the talented Nana anime cast, exploring the voice actors who lent their voices to the iconic characters of Nana Komatsu (Hachi), Nana Osaki, and the rest of the ensemble.

The Leading Ladies: Nana Komatsu (Hachi) and Nana Osaki

The heart of Nana lies in the complex relationship between its two protagonists, both named Nana. Their distinct personalities are beautifully portrayed by their respective voice actresses.

Nana Komatsu (Hachi)

Voiced by: Midori Kawana (Japanese), Rebecca Forstadt (English)

Nana Komatsu, affectionately nicknamed Hachi, is the naive and romantic young woman who moves to Tokyo in search of love. Midori Kawana’s portrayal captures Hachi’s innocence, vulnerability, and unwavering optimism. Kawana’s voice acting skillfully conveys Hachi’s emotional journey, from her initial naiveté to her eventual growth and maturity. Rebecca Forstadt masterfully embodies Hachi in the English dub, conveying her youthful energy and emotional depth.

Nana Osaki

Voiced by: Romi Park (Japanese), Kelly Sheridan (English)

Nana Osaki, the fiercely independent and ambitious punk rocker, is the other half of the iconic duo. Romi Park’s powerful and commanding voice perfectly embodies Nana’s strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to her music. Park’s performance is both captivating and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of Nana’s character. Kelly Sheridan delivers a similarly compelling performance in the English dub, capturing the essence of Nana’s rebellious spirit and hidden vulnerabilities. The Nana anime cast truly shines with Park and Sheridan’s performances.

The Black Stones (Blast) Band Members

Nana Osaki’s band, Blast, plays a pivotal role in the story, and its members are brought to life by a talented group of voice actors.

Ren Honjo

Voiced by: Hidenobu Kiuchi (Japanese), Matthew Erickson (English)

Ren Honjo, Nana’s former boyfriend and guitarist for the rival band Trapnest, is a complex and enigmatic character. Hidenobu Kiuchi’s portrayal captures Ren’s brooding intensity and underlying vulnerability. Matthew Erickson delivers a nuanced performance in the English dub, conveying Ren’s internal struggles and deep connection with Nana.

Yasu Takagi

Voiced by: Yoshihisa Kawahara (Japanese), Ward Perry (English)

Yasu Takagi, the level-headed and supportive drummer of Blast, serves as a mentor and confidant to Nana. Yoshihisa Kawahara’s calm and reassuring voice perfectly embodies Yasu’s wisdom and stability. Ward Perry effectively captures Yasu’s mature and grounded personality in the English dub.

Shinichi Okazaki (Shin)

Voiced by: Akira Ishida (Japanese), Samuel Vincent (English)

Shinichi Okazaki, the young and enigmatic bassist of Blast, adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the band dynamic. Akira Ishida’s performance captures Shin’s aloofness and hidden depths. Samuel Vincent skillfully portrays Shin’s complex personality in the English dub. The inclusion of young talent like Ishida adds depth to the Nana anime cast.

Nobuo Terashima (Nobu)

Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki (Japanese), Andrew Francis (English)

Nobuo Terashima, the kind and loyal guitarist of Blast, is a close friend to Nana and a grounding force within the band. Tomokazu Seki’s warm and friendly voice perfectly embodies Nobu’s good-natured personality. Andrew Francis delivers a heartfelt performance in the English dub, capturing Nobu’s genuine care for his friends.

The Trapnest Band Members

Trapnest, the rival band to Blast, is another key element of the Nana universe, and its members are also brought to life by talented voice actors.

Takumi Ichinose

Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese), Michael Adamthwaite (English)

Takumi Ichinose, the charismatic and calculating leader of Trapnest, is a complex and often controversial character. Toshiyuki Morikawa’s smooth and sophisticated voice perfectly embodies Takumi’s charm and manipulative tendencies. Michael Adamthwaite effectively captures Takumi’s complex personality in the English dub. The contrast between Takumi and Nana Osaki is heightened by the talent of the Nana anime cast.

Reira Serizawa

Voiced by: Olivia Lufkin (Japanese singing), Anna Tsuchiya (Japanese speaking), Ashleigh Ball (English)

Reira Serizawa, the beautiful and ethereal vocalist of Trapnest, possesses a captivating voice that enchants audiences. Olivia Lufkin provides Reira’s singing voice, while Anna Tsuchiya provides her speaking voice in Japanese. Ashleigh Ball delivers a captivating performance in the English dub, capturing Reira’s ethereal quality and vulnerability. The selection of singers within the Nana anime cast emphasizes the importance of music to the series.

Naoki Fujieda

Voiced by: Anri Katsu (Japanese), Paul Dobson (English)

Naoki Fujieda, the drummer of Trapnest, often provides comic relief and a more lighthearted presence within the band. Anri Katsu’s portrayal provides a contrast to the more serious members. Paul Dobson brings a similar energy to the English dub.

Supporting Characters and Their Voice Actors

Beyond the main cast, several supporting characters contribute to the rich tapestry of Nana, each brought to life by talented voice actors.

Junko Saotome

Voiced by: Risa Mizuno (Japanese), Janyse Jaud (English)

Junko Saotome, Hachi’s best friend and confidante, provides a source of support and guidance. Risa Mizuno’s portrayal captures Junko’s loyalty and practicality. Janyse Jaud effectively embodies Junko’s supportive nature in the English dub.

Kyosuke Takakura

Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe (Japanese), Brian Drummond (English)

Kyosuke Takakura, Junko’s boyfriend and a close friend to Hachi, offers a male perspective and support. Junichi Suwabe’s performance adds depth to the character. Brian Drummond brings a similar level of nuance to the English dub.

The Impact of the Voice Acting

The exceptional voice acting in Nana is a crucial element of its success. The voice actors not only bring the characters to life but also convey the complex emotions and relationships that drive the story. Their performances resonate with audiences, making the characters relatable and memorable. The careful selection of the Nana anime cast has contributed significantly to the anime’s lasting impact.

Conclusion

The Nana anime cast is a testament to the power of voice acting in animation. The talented voice actors, both in Japanese and English, have created memorable characters that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Their performances have elevated Nana from a simple anime series to a poignant and enduring story about love, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. The dedication and skill of the Nana anime cast are undeniable, making them a vital part of the series’ legacy.

The careful casting choices and the dedication of the voice actors are evident throughout the series. Whether you’re watching the original Japanese version or the English dub, the performances are consistently strong and emotionally resonant. The Nana anime cast is a significant reason why the series continues to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world. The series showcases the importance of a talented Nana anime cast in bringing a story to life. Without their contributions, Nana would not be the cultural phenomenon it is today. [See also: Best Anime Soundtracks] [See also: Anime Similar to Nana]