Kishow Taniyama Becomes a Literary Giant♪ 50th Anniversary Photobook “KRONICLE” Bonus Designs Also Revealed
Popular voice actor Taniyama Kishow is set to release a photobook commemorating his 50th birthday, titled 『谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE』 (Taniyama Kishow 50th Anniversary Photobook KRONICLE), on August 8, 2025. Along with the announcement, the third set of preview cuts featuring him dressed as a literary figure has been released, and designs for various retailer exclusive bonuses have also arrived.
「谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE」(Published by Tokyo News Tsushinsha)
Taniyama Kishow was born on August 11, 1975, in Yamaguchi Prefecture and made his voice acting debut in 1995. His major roles include Shinomiya Natsuki from the 『うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪』 (Utano☆Purisama♪) series, Jean Kirstein from the 『進撃の巨人』 (Shingeki no Kyojin) series, and Nakahara Chuuya from the 『文豪ストレイドッグス』 (Bungo Stray Dogs) series.
In 2005, he formed the music unit GRANRODEO with Iizuka Masaaki (e-ZUKA), performing under the name KISHOW. To commemorate their 20th anniversary, GRANRODEO will hold the live event “GRANRODEO 20th Anniversary LIVE 2025 G20 ROCK☆SHOW LOVE＆FIRE ～愛と情炎のGRANRODEO～” on November 8th and 9th, 2025, at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa.
The photobook, now officially titled 『谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE』, celebrates Taniyama-san reaching the milestone age of 50 this year. The title “KRONICLE” creatively combines “CHRONICLE” and the initial “K” from Taniyama’s first name, KISHO, making it a fitting name for a book that visually chronicles his life. Alongside this, the designs for the acrylic stands exclusively sold at Animate and Gamers, the design for the making-of DVD disc (over 1 hour of content!) included with the limited cover editions from Amazon and Rakuten Books, and the third set of preview cuts portraying him as a literary figure have been unveiled.
「谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE アクリルスタンド（A）付アニメイトセット」Acrylic Stand
「谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE アクリルスタンド（B）付ゲーマーズセット」Acrylic Stand
「谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE メイキングDVD付限定表紙版」Making-of DVD Disc Surface
In 2023, Taniyama-san released his first photobook, 『KROSS OVER』, captured by renowned photographer Leslie Kee. That work was highly acclaimed as a piece of art, a collaboration between top artists. This new photobook, however, shifts focus entirely to capturing the various looks and sides of Taniyama-san that fans have longed to see.
The shooting concept revolves around “Past, Present, and Future,” representing Taniyama-san’s journey over 50 years. It includes scenes of Taniyama-san, a former member of the track and field club in school, running dynamically on the ground after a long hiatus. He also embodies the persona of a literary giant, diligently engaged in writing in a Showa-era retro ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
There are also playful shots in a game center, reminiscent of his younger days in the Heisei era after moving to Tokyo. Taniyama-san’s signature sexy shots were captured in a luxurious hotel. The “Future” section delivers sweet, fan-favorite scenarios like waking up and cooking together, evoking the feeling of cohabitation with a partner.
Furthermore, as a special project, he courageously took on the challenge of an oiran (courtesan) experience, resulting in beauty that could make women envious. The book also features fantasy-like cuts, such as a gothic style faithfully reproduced as if leaping from a manga world, and even a charming rabbit costume shot themed after the Chinese zodiac. It’s not an overstatement to say this single book contains everything about Taniyama-san, as he pursued photographic expression with more aggression than many younger talents, even at 50 years old. Anticipation for this release is soaring!
The popular voice actor Taniyama Kishow’s 50th anniversary photobook, 『谷山紀章50歳記念写真集 KRONICLE』, is priced at 4,400 yen and will be released on August 8, 2025. A release commemoration event is also scheduled for September 6th, so keep an eye out!
By Nakase Koutarou
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