Japanese Voice Actors with VTuber Personas
"We already know the likes of the Multiverse Monarch and Cy Yu trace their careers in voice acting, but as both an enthusiast of Japanese voice actors AND VTubers, I felt it's necessary to list down seiyuu who have their virtual personas."
One of the goals that VTubers share during their debuts is to take a path in voice acting. There are several who have already achieved this goal, starting with:
- hololive's Natsuiro Matsuri and Shirakami Fubuki appearing on The Detective is Already Dead; Oozora Subaru taking on a role in the latest Lupin III series following her winning an audition; and Momosuzu Nene playing the role of Kerry, a side-character in The World's Finest Assassin.
- Asano Ruri, who is signed with voice talent agency Crocodile Co., Ltd. in November 2021.
- Pioneering VTuber Kizuna AI and virtual singer Fuji Aoi played the roles of Administrator B and Administrator Juugo in Magical Girl Site respectively.
There may be more to add, but let's flip the script. We already know the likes of the Multiverse Monarch, Cy Yu and Alpha Aniki trace their careers in voice acting, but as both an enthusiast of Japanese voice actors AND VTubers, I felt it's necessary to list down seiyuu who have their virtual personas.
Who Is Expected to Be on This List?
- If a Japanese voice actor/actress has a VTuber persona disclosed publicly, we should be able to list them down here.
- As with existing rules on VTubing, if the voice actor did not reveal who they are as a VTuber, it won't be here at all.
- This list is updated as soon as new information comes out—you can send us a tip by mentioning us on X.
Tomoe Tamiyasu
- She's now more active as the VTuber Tammy (debuted live December 30, 2018 with Miazo, forming MiaTami Channel).
- Voice actress since 2005—Best known for her roles as: Makina Irisu (Grisaia series), Rin Natsume (Little Busters!).
- Unique milestone: Getting interviewed by Joey / TheAnimeMan as Tammy, talking about the seiyuu as a character—"[...] So I thought probably everyone wanted to see the voice actress Tamiyasu Tomoe as a 'character' instead. If I was to appear and talk with my actual appearance, it might be 'too real' for them to handle."
Naruse Mia
- She's more active nowadays as Miazo (debuted live December 30, 2018 with Tammy, as MiaTami Channel; went on to debut her own channel in January 2021).
- Voice actress with credits recorded as early as 2003, best known for her roles as: Anri Hiiragi (Happiness!), Hinata Kagura (H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~), Rinia (Moekan The Animation).
Hekiru Shiina
- Even as a VTuber, you can still call her Hekiru (debuted October 30, 2021 on the King Amusement Creative YouTube channel).
- Voice actress since 1992—Best known for her roles as: Hikaru Shidou (Magic Knight Rayearth), Tenshiko (K.O. Beast), Celestia (Danganronpa: The Animation)
- Unique milestone: A 24-episode weekly series on YouTube telling the story of how Hekiru—reincarnated as a VTuber to preserve her existence—came to be. This is on top of broadcasting a total of 6 live streams.
Mayu Iizuka
- She is the soul behind: Kotobuki Yume (debuted April 23, 2018).
- Voice actress who is also part of musical group DIALOGUE+—Best known for her roles as: Maekawa Suzune (Tamayura), Airi Eniwa (CUE!), Rina (Million Doll)
- Unique milestones: Getting interviewed by Agence France Presse (AFP), which circulated its story across its partner news outlets. (We can also count her Tiktok presence.)
Shu Uchida
- As a VTuber self, you can call her Siyu (debuted January 21, 2023).
- Voice actress since 2017—Best known for her roles as: Mia Taylor (Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Club), Warspite (Kantai Collection), Cleo and Hatori Shikishima (Alice & Zoroku), Fujiwara (Asobi Asobase)
- Unique milestone: Collaboration with PRISM Project's Sara Nagare and Rita Kamishiro.
Asami Imai
- She has debuted as a VTuber on October 27, Friday—It will be streamed on eplus, but the first part will be streamed for free on YouTube.
- Voice actress since 2000—Best known for her roles as: Chihaya Kisaragi (The iDOLM@STER), Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate), Noire / Black Heart (Hyperdimension Neptunia)
- Unique milestone: Her debut live, as mentioned.