Key Takeaways
- Mayumi Tanaka, famous for voicing Luffy, has also played iconic characters in Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Yuyu Hakusho.
- Tanaka's versatile voice actor shines in roles such as Paz in Castle in the Sky Laputa and Turbo Granny in Dandan.
- From her early performances in Urusei Yatsura to more recent roles like Phyllis in The Ancient Magus' Bride, Tanaka's career has spanned a wide variety of characters.
protagonist of one piece, Monkey D. Luffyis undoubtedly one of the most recognizable anime characters in the world. There could be several reasons for this, one of which was his unique voice in the Japanese version, portrayed by the legendary figure. Mayumi Tanaka.
![Dimple, Blackbeard, Iskandar](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mixcollage-20-feb-2024-03-38-pm-8706.jpg)
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She is a talented and seasoned voice actress who has not only voiced Luffy for over 27 years, but has also lent her voice to countless other characters before. one piece The broadcast has started. most likely one piece Fans have heard Mayumi Tanaka's voice in other shows, and the following performances are some of the most notable examples.
1 dragon ball
Krillin and Yajirobe
dragon ball
- release date
- February 26, 1986
- studio
- toei animation
- number of episodes
- 153
As extensive as her role as Luffy was, that's not why Mayumi Tanaka received attention. dragon ball Fans probably remember her voice in two of her most important and iconic roles. Krillin and Yajirobe. This is a different but equally fun performance, and the voice that he will later use for Luffy can be heard a bit in both performances.
Needless to say, Tanaka was a very important figure in Japan. dragon ball In the franchise, she has voiced these two characters for over 38 years. That's a lot longer than her tenure as Luffy (though she never returned to voice Mini Krillin). Dragon Ball Daima).
2 Sailor Moon
As Robert
- release date
- March 7, 1992
- studio
- toei animation
- number of episodes
- 200
- Japanese title
- Pretty Warrior Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon It is another massively popular and influential anime series animated by Toei Animation. However, Mayumi Tanaka usually plays the lead or minor role, but this time she did the voice. robertA boy who only appears in episode 143.
Despite his brief appearance, Tanaka still gave his all. Robert is quite different from the usual male roles as he is not as comical and simple as Luffy or Krillin. Ultimately, this means she's appeared in three of Toei's biggest shows. dragon ball, Sailor Moonand one piece.
3 Urusei Yatsura
Fujinami Ryuunosuke
Urusei Yatsura
- release date
- October 14, 1981
- studio
- Pierrot, Studio Dean
- number of episodes
- 195
Most anime fans are familiar with the latest anime adaptations. Urusei Yatsura It aired in 2022. However, considering that the original manga came out in 1980, it is not surprising that it was already adapted earlier in 1981, with Mayumi Tanaka voicing the character. Ryunosuke FujinamiOne of the main characters in the series.
![Multi Voice Actor - Excel Son Goku Sailor Moon](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/6-Anime-Characters-Who-Have-Had-Multiple-Voice-Actors.jpg)
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6 anime characters with multiple voice actors
Not all characters have the same voice. Examples of characters with multiple voice actors, especially in long-running franchises, include:
Her performance as Fujinami is particularly fascinating because she is completely different from the two types of characters she usually portrays: a young boy and an old woman. Instead, Ryunosuke Fujinami is a young woman and her voice sounds like a young woman. This means Tanaka used his normal voice for her more often. After all, she would have been 26 years old at the time.
4 Yuyu Hakusho
As Koenma
Yuyu Hakusho
- release date
- October 10, 1992
- studio
- Pierrot
- number of episodes
- 112
dragon ball and one piece This isn't the only classic action shounen anime where Mayumi Tanaka has shown off her talents. He debuted as a character in 1992. Koenma Animation adaptation by Studio Pierrot Yuyu HakushoAnother classic performance that cemented her as an icon among fans of the genre.
Koenma has two forms: a baby form (sounds like Luffy's Chibi Gear 3 form) and a teenage form (sounds like a calmer version of Luffy). This is a fun character trait that allows Tanaka to show off her extensive and impressive range. And since Koenma is the ruler of the spirit world, he has been able to make his voice heard for a long time.
5 Laputa: Castle in the Sky
As a Paz
castle in the sky
- release date
- August 2, 1986
- supervision
- Hayao Miyazaki
- studio
- studio ghibli
Of course, Mayumi Tanaka has excelled at voicing many iconic characters on several TV shows, but she's also done quite a bit of work in feature films. dragon ball and one piece). One of her most important roles is PazOne of the main characters in director Hayao Miyazaki's second film. Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
As always, Tanaka does an amazing job as Paz, a young and energetic boy. Considering that she began voicing Krillin around the same time, both roles seem to have unintentionally defined Tanaka's career, and if it weren't for these two incredible performances, she would never have voiced Luffy. You can say that it is.
6 Gegege no Kitaro
As Sunakakebaba
Gegege no Kitaro
- release date
- April 1, 2018
- studio
- toei animation
- number of episodes
- 97
- Japanese title
- Gegege no Kitaro
Most of Mayumi Tanaka's roles other than Luffy have been done before. one piece This long-running and popular anime began airing because it most likely kept her very busy, especially considering the supplements (movies, video games, commercials, etc.). However, she still occasionally appeared in other shows, one of the most notable being the 2018 version. Gegege no Kitaroher voice Sunakake Baba.
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Tanaka, now in her 60s, began to use her age and experience to voice the voice of an older woman. As a result, her performance as Sunakakebaba is charming and entertaining. She stands out as a yōkai who is Kitaro's advisor and also the manager of the yōkai apartment. The animators included the familiar straw hat right next to her in one scene, which is probably a fun little nod to Tanaka's most iconic role.
7 The Ancient Magician's Bride
As Phyllis
- Release date: October 7, 2017
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
- studio: Wit Studio, Studio Kafka
- creator: Yamazaki Kore
These days, Mayumi Tanaka may specialize in voicing older women in anime, but that doesn't mean she always has to be a comedic or light-hearted character. Around the same time in 2018, she appeared in another popular contemporary show. The Ancient Magician's Bridewhere she found her voice Phyllis.
Phyllis is a faceless witch who is also the leader of the entire coven. This means that she never finds herself in exaggerated, comical situations like Tanaka's other characters. With this incredible performance, Tanaka proved that she can seamlessly transition into darker, more serious roles when needed.
8 Dan Dan Dan
As Turbo Grandma
- release date
- October 3, 2024
- studio
- science history
- number of episodes
- 5
Dan Dan Dan'S turbo granny It feels like the epitome of Mayumi Tanaka's entire career as a voice actress. Because she simultaneously portrays two types of characters, something she has always excelled at. Turbo Granny is first introduced as a powerful vengeful spirit who is very creepy despite her foul mouth.
However, later in the show, Seiko Ayase traps her inside a cat doll, where a more comical side of the character is revealed. Turbo Granny's new version looks much more like Monkey D. Luffy, but Tanaka still gave it a unique identity. Overall, Turbo Granny is definitely one of her best performances and showcases her amazing vocal range. In episode 1, Mayumi Tanaka's fellow voice actor and Kazuya Nakai, the voice actor of Roronoa Zoro, shared the screen with Serpo Aliens, who was also the voice actor.
![A collage of Monkey D. Luffy's best costumes: the Dressrosa costume, the Enies Lobby costume, and the Egghead costume.](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-piece-luffy-s-best-outfits-ranked-featured-image.jpg)
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Fans have seen Luffy wear a variety of cool and even wacky outfits throughout the One Piece manga and anime, and these are some of the most iconic.