Natsuki Hanae's Iconic Roles: Best Characters Voiced by the Anime Star

Natsuki Hanae has established himself as one of the most versatile and emotionally resonant voice actors in the modern anime industry, transitioning from niche roles to global superstardom. By balancing the raw intensity of tragic protagonists with the gentle warmth of empathetic heroes, he has redefined the expectations for a leading male seiyuu. This article explores the defining moments of his career, analyzing how Natsuki Hanae's Iconic Roles: Best Characters Voiced by the Anime Star have shaped the landscape of contemporary animation. 

The Psychological Depth of Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul

The trajectory of Natsuki Hanae’s career changed forever with his casting as Ken Kaneki in the dark fantasy series Tokyo Ghoul. Before this role, Hanae was often associated with supporting characters or softer archetypes, but the duality of Kaneki required a performance that spanned the entire spectrum of human—and inhuman—emotion. The character’s transformation from a shy, bookish college student into a tortured half-ghoul remains one of the most discussed performances in the industry.

Critics and fans alike have noted that Hanae’s ability to convey physical pain through vocal strain was instrumental in the show's success. During the infamous torture sequence at the end of the first season, his performance was so visceral that it reportedly left a lasting impression on the production staff. This role proved that Hanae possessed the range to handle psychological thrillers, cementing his status as a "top-tier" talent capable of carrying heavy, dramatic narratives.

The significance of Ken Kaneki lies in the "cracking" of the voice—a technique Hanae used to signify the loss of Kaneki’s humanity. As the character’s hair turned white and his psyche fractured, Hanae shifted his tone from a high-pitched, hesitant tenor to a lower, more controlled, and menacing register. This nuance is a hallmark of Natsuki Hanae's Iconic Roles: Best Characters Voiced by the Anime Star, showcasing a meticulous attention to character development that goes beyond simple line reading.

The Global Phenomenon: Tanjiro Kamado and Demon Slayer

While Kaneki brought him critical acclaim, it was Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba that catapulted Hanae into the realm of global pop culture icons. Tanjiro is the antithesis of the typical "edgy" shonen protagonist; he is defined by his boundless empathy, even toward the demons he is forced to slay. Hanae’s voice for Tanjiro is infused with a "pure" quality that makes the character’s kindness feel authentic rather than performative.

The success of the Mugen Train film, which became the highest-grossing anime film of all time, further highlighted Hanae’s importance to the franchise. In a 2020 interview, Hanae reflected on the role, stating, "Tanjiro’s strength comes from his love for his family and his unwavering sense of justice. I try to put all of my heart into every breath he takes." This dedication is evident in the series' high-stakes battle scenes, where his shouts are filled with a desperate, grounded energy rather than stylized bravado.

To understand why Tanjiro is one of the best characters voiced by the anime star, one must look at the balance of strength and vulnerability. Hanae excels at the "crying while fighting" trope, a difficult vocal feat that requires maintaining a heroic tone while audibly sobbing. This emotional complexity has made Tanjiro a beloved figure for millions, bridging the gap between traditional action tropes and modern emotional storytelling.

Musical Tragedy and Your Lie in April

In the realm of romance and slice-of-life, Hanae’s performance as Kousei Arima in Your Lie in April stands as a masterpiece of understated acting. Playing a former piano prodigy who can no longer "hear" the notes due to past trauma, Hanae had to convey a sense of hollowed-out grief. Unlike the explosive energy of his action roles, Kousei required a quiet, rhythmic delivery that mirrored the character’s internal monologue.

The series is famous for its emotional climax, and Hanae’s delivery of the final letter scene is often cited as one of the most tear-jerking moments in anime history. By using a soft, breathy vocal quality, he allowed the audience to feel the weight of Kousei’s recovery and eventual loss. This role demonstrated that Hanae did not need supernatural powers or high-octane scripts to command an audience; his ability to inhabit the "ordinary" was just as powerful.

The impact of Your Lie in April on Hanae’s career was profound. It showcased his ability to handle "seishun" (youth) dramas, leading to a variety of roles in the genre. The character of Kousei Arima serves as a reminder that the best characters voiced by the anime star are often those who speak the softest but carry the most emotional weight.

Versatility Across Genres: From 9S to Odokawa

Natsuki Hanae’s filmography is not limited to the "kind-hearted boy" archetype. He has consistently challenged himself with roles that subvert expectations. Some notable examples include:

• 9S (NieR:Automata Ver1.1a): In this role, Hanae portrays a sophisticated android whose curiosity leads to a descent into madness. The transition from a cheerful scout to a vengeful machine highlights his ability to play "broken" characters.
• Falco Grice (Attack on Titan): As a young soldier caught in a global conflict, Hanae brings a sense of innocence and moral clarity to a grim story.
• Kotaro Odokawa (Odd Taxi): Perhaps his most surprising role, Hanae voiced a middle-aged walrus taxi driver. He lowered his pitch significantly and adopted a deadpan, cynical delivery that was unrecognizable to many fans, proving his incredible range.
• Korai Hoshiumi (Haikyuu!!): Here, he displays a fierce, competitive energy, portraying a "Small Giant" with an explosive personality and immense confidence.

This diversity is what sets Hanae apart from his peers. Whether he is playing a cynical 41-year-old driver or a hyper-energetic volleyball player, he maintains a level of authenticity that makes each character distinct. This versatility is a key reason why he was awarded the Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 14th Seiyuu Awards, a prestigious recognition of his contributions to the craft.

The Technical Mastery of the 14th Seiyuu Awards Winner

The technical aspects of Natsuki Hanae’s voice acting deserve a closer look. He possesses a "high-tenor" voice that is naturally resonant, making it easy for him to cut through background music and sound effects. However, it is his breath control and "micro-expressions" in his voice that define his style. He often incorporates small sighs, stammers, and sharp intakes of breath that are not always written in the script, adding a layer of realism to his performances.

Furthermore, Hanae’s background as a singer and a popular YouTube content creator has influenced his approach to voice acting. His understanding of rhythm and timing allows him to synchronize perfectly with the animation, particularly in fast-paced dialogue sequences. "Hanae-san has an incredible sense of timing," noted a producer from Ufotable during a behind-the-scenes look at Demon Slayer. "He understands the 'ma' (the space between sounds) better than almost anyone else in the booth."

His work as the Duke in The Duke of Death and His Maid also highlights his ability to play charming yet cursed characters. In this role, he maintains a playful, flirtatious tone that is constantly tinged with a subtle sadness, perfectly capturing the character’s predicament of being unable to touch the person he loves. This ability to layer multiple emotions into a single line of dialogue is a testament to his technical mastery.

Legacy and Future Prospects

As Natsuki Hanae continues to take on high-profile roles, his influence on the industry only grows. He has become a mentor-like figure for younger seiyuu and a reliable "safe bet" for directors looking for a lead who can handle complex emotional arcs. The legacy of Natsuki Hanae's Iconic Roles: Best Characters Voiced by the Anime Star is built on a foundation of hard work, emotional intelligence, and a genuine love for the medium of anime.

Looking ahead, fans are eager to see how he will evolve as he moves into more mature roles. While he will always be remembered as the voice of the "shonen hero," his work in Odd Taxi suggests that his future may lie in character-driven pieces that push the boundaries of traditional voice acting. Regardless of the genre, Hanae’s presence in a cast list is a guarantee of quality and emotional depth. He has moved beyond being just a voice actor; he is a storyteller who uses his vocal cords as his primary instrument to move the hearts of audiences worldwide.