Voice actor Uchiyama Kouki-san has brought to life numerous beloved characters, including Banagher Links from Kidou Senshi Gundam UC, Tsukishima Kei from Haikyuu!!, and Inumaki Toge from Jujutsu Kaisen. Many likely associate him with a “downer-type handsome voice” due to the captivating roles he has taken on throughout his career.
The Summer 2025 anime season also featured a plethora of roles where it’s hard to imagine anyone but Uchiyama-san lending his voice! Here, we’ll introduce some of the most talked-about characters and their compelling aspects from the recent season.
A Heartwarming Experience in Just About 3 Minutes! Cart from Ginga Tokkyuu Milky Subway
Ginga Tokkyuu Milky Subway, despite its brief episodes of roughly 3 minutes and 30 seconds each across 12 episodes, garnered significant buzz for its captivating characters and unique world-building. Cart, voiced by Uchiyama-san, quickly became a hugely popular character.
Cart’s character design is full of intriguing elements: he’s a former soldier skilled in combat, generally indifferent to others, and often engrossed in video games. His center-parted hair and cool eyes only add to his overall appeal.
Uchiyama-san’s voice further amplified Cart’s charm. His natural delivery, almost as if he’s speaking in real life rather than acting, and the perfectly synchronized banter with his companion Max are utterly addictive. Especially in Episode 7, titled “Shigoto to Mikaeri” (Work and Reward), you’re guaranteed to find yourself feeling a delightful “kyun” at Cart’s unexpected side!
The Unfair Gap Between On and Off-Duty! Narumi Gen from Kaijuu 8-gou Dai 2-ki
In Kaijuu 8-gou Dai 2-ki, Uchiyama-san took on the role of Narumi Gen, the formidable captain of the First Unit, widely known as the strongest man in the Defense Force.
While Narumi-san possesses extraordinary combat abilities, in his daily life, he’s a rather unmotivated individual with a serious gaming addiction. In Episode 13, “Kaijuu Heiki” (Kaijuu Weapon), even the new recruits were taken aback by his intense gaming session under a futon, completely neglecting his meals. Pay close attention to Uchiyama-san’s intense whispers during his gaming and his utterly drained shriek when his subordinate kicks him!
However, once Narumi-san enters combat mode, his entire demeanor shifts dramatically. With a calm yet commanding low voice, he utterly overwhelms his surroundings. This sharp contrast between his “on” and “off” modes truly showcases Uchiyama-san’s incredible vocal range and acting prowess.
Savor Uchiyama-san’s Voice Even in Theaters! Zaitsu from Hyaku Emu.
In the film Hyaku Emu., which portrays individuals dedicating their lives to the grueling 100m sprint, Uchiyama-san plays Zaitsu, a top-tier athlete in Japan.
His detached narration and lines filled with unique philosophies are perfectly suited for a solitary genius. Uchiyama-san’s voice further accentuates Zaitsu’s undeniable “extraordinary” presence, making him truly stand out.
Yet, towards the end, the words he entrusts to his juniors reveal a surprising warmth and purity. Make sure to immerse yourself in Uchiyama-san’s delicate vocal nuances and breaths, truly experienced through the immersive sound system of a movie theater!
The Autumn 2025 Anime Season: Another Treasure Trove of Uchiyama Kouki’s Voice!
Uchiyama-san is also set to appear in numerous TV anime series scheduled to air from October 2025, promising an exciting autumn for his fans.
Among them, a particular highlight is Shigaraki Tomura from Boku no Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. As this TV series, which has aired for about 10 years, finally reaches its conclusion, we can expect a magnificent culmination of Uchiyama-san’s performance as Shigaraki. How will he portray the loneliness lurking beneath Shigaraki-kun’s profound madness?
Furthermore, in One Dance, an anime about high school students dedicated to the world of street dance, Uchiyama-san takes on the lead role of Kotani Kaboku. Kaboku is a first-year high school student who struggles with a stutter. He intended to live out his high school life as inconspicuously as possible, but after witnessing the passionate dance of Wanda Hikari one day, he becomes deeply engrossed in this unique form of self-expression that requires no words. While it’s certainly a challenging and complex role, anticipation is high for a fresh and different Uchiyama Kouki voice performance!
Beyond these, Uchiyama Kouki-san has also voiced other memorable characters in the Summer to Fall 2025 anime seasons, such as Raku from SAKAMOTO DAYS, Ema Jouji from Muchuu sa, Kimi ni., and Idia Shroud from Disney Twisted Wonderland The Animation. Why not revisit these titles and enjoy his captivating voice multiple times, alongside the stunning visuals?
Hashibiroko
