Voice actor Kobayashi Chiaki, known for roles such as Gabimaru in Hell’s Paradise and Mash Burnedead in Mashle: Magic and Muscles, is set to release a commemorative photobook for his 10th debut anniversary. Published by Tokyo News Service, the photobook will go on sale nationwide at bookstores and online retailers on September 10, 2026 (Thursday).
Kobayashi was born on June 4, 1994, in Kanagawa Prefecture. He made his voice acting debut in 2016 and landed his first anime lead role in 2019 as Kuga Hiroto in Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE. His recent notable works include Adachi Kiyoshi in 30-sai made Doutei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii, Hananoi Sousei in Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai, Kasahara Kyou in Ao no Hako, Saitou Hajime in Ao no Miburo, Shijinso Shien in Shijinso-ke no Kodomo-tachi, Tsujinaka Yoshiki in Hikari ga Shinda Natsu, and Tachu Ninja in Ninja to Gokudou. He is currently voicing the protagonist Nakamura Nankuto in the ongoing series Ganbare! Nakamura-kun!! (airing on TOKYO MX and other stations).
Now, as a top voice actor despite his relatively young career, Kobayashi is marking his 10th anniversary with a photobook. The location chosen for the shoot was Venice, Italy—a city he had long dreamed of visiting. The photobook captures him exploring historic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, enjoying the colorful streets of Burano, and playing like a child on the beach of the Lido resort island. He also indulges in his much-anticipated Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and wine. Beyond these candid moments, the book also reveals a side never seen before: sexy expressions and a physique honed specifically for this shoot, showcased in a luxury hotel setting.
The photobook, tentatively titled “Kobayashi Chiaki Debut 10th Anniversary Photobook,” is described as a fitting celebration of his decade in the industry, with scenic locations and a sense of growth and change as a performer, subject, and individual. It also includes a long interview where he talks extensively about his 10-year journey, making it a must-read keepsake edition. Additionally, events are planned in Tokyo and Osaka in October.
Furthermore, the July 13 issue of TV Guide VOICE STARS vol.38 will feature exclusive advance cuts and a first interview from the photobook—a must-see for fans who can’t wait until the release.
Special editions are available at various retailers. Animate and Gamers will offer a set including an acrylic stand (different designs for each store) for 6,600 yen, and purchasers will be entered into a lottery to attend events on October 4, 11, and 18, 2026 (total 600 winners). Amazon and Rakuten Books will sell a limited cover edition with a different cover design, as well as a “Making DVD included limited cover edition” (6,600 yen, limited quantity). Seven Net Shopping will offer an autographed copy (limited quantity, while stocks last).
Kobayashi also provided a comment upon the announcement:
Comment from Kobayashi Chiaki
“This is a very important milestone for me, marking 10 years since I started voice acting, and it became the largest-scale shoot of my voice acting career. The location was Venice, a place I had always admired. Thanks to the wonderful sightseeing spots and the wonderful people, I hope you can share in that wonderfulness through this photobook. I would be happy if you can feel my gratitude to everyone who has supported me over these 10 years. Thank you.”
Photobook Details:
- Title: Kobayashi Chiaki Debut 10th Anniversary Photobook (tentative)
- Release date: September 10, 2026 (Thursday) *Some regions may have different release dates
- Price: 4,400 yen
- Publisher: Tokyo News Service
- Available at bookstores and online retailers nationwide. For details, check “TOKYO NEWS magazine & mook.”
Event Information:
Events will be held on October 4, 11, and 18, 2026, in Tokyo and Osaka. Each date has two sessions (first session around 13:00, second around 14:30). Winners will be selected by lottery from purchasers of the Animate/Gamers sets or the standard photobook. For full details, refer to the official announcement.
Special Editions:
- Animate/Gamers Set with Acrylic Stand: 6,600 yen (stand design differs per store)
- Amazon/Rakuten Limited Cover Edition: 4,400 yen (different cover)
- Amazon/Rakuten Making DVD Limited Cover Edition: 6,600 yen (limited quantity)
- Seven Net Shopping Autographed Copy: limited quantity
Note: The making DVD edition and standard edition have the same content except for the cover and the DVD. Pre-order start dates may vary by store.
