Voice of Luffy: 8 Famous Anime Series Featuring One Piece’s Iconic Character

Highlights from Mayumi Tanaka’s Voice Acting Career

Mayumi Tanaka, the iconic voice of Monkey D. Luffy, has also embodied renowned characters from franchises like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Yu Yu Hakusho.
Her impressive vocal range is displayed through diverse roles including Pazu in Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Turbo Granny in DanDaDan.
Spanning over four decades in the industry, Tanaka’s contributions range from her early work in Urusei Yatsura to more recent portrayals like Phyllis in The Ancient Magus’ Bride.

The protagonist of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy, stands as one of the most recognized figures in anime globally. A key factor behind his iconic status is the distinctive voice provided by the talented Mayumi Tanaka, who has shaped this character for over 27 years.

Tanaka’s career, prior to One Piece, includes a plethora of memorable roles, showcasing her versatility as a voice actress. Fans of anime are likely familiar with her diverse portfolio, some highlights of which are detailed below.

1. Dragon Ball

As Krillin and Yajirobe

Krillin and Yajirobe in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z

While her role as Luffy has greatly defined her career, Krillin and Yajirobe are the roles that truly launched Tanaka into stardom. Having voiced these characters for over 38 years, her contributions are integral to the Dragon Ball legacy, even slightly influencing Luffy’s distinct voice.

2. Sailor Moon

As Robert

In the acclaimed series Sailor Moon, Tanaka took on the role of Robert, a character who appears briefly in episode 143. Despite the limited exposure, her performance showcased her ability to diversify beyond her typical roles, further affirming her impact in several of Toei Animation’s landmark series.

3. Urusei Yatsura

As Ryūnosuke Fujinami

Tanaka’s portrayal of Ryūnosuke Fujinami in the original 1981 adaptation of Urusei Yatsura highlighted her ability to take on gender-bending roles, bringing a unique voice to this complex character, which stands apart from her usual portrayals of young boys or elderly women.

4. Yu Yu Hakusho

As Koenma

Since 1992, Tanaka has been the voice behind Koenma in Yu Yu Hakusho. Her portrayal offered a duality—having to embody both the infantile and teenage aspects of the character, allowing her to exhibit a remarkable range that further solidified her standing in the industry.

5. Laputa: Castle in the Sky

I’m Paz

Tanaka’s role as Pazu in Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky highlights her proficiency in feature films. This energetic character shares a connection with Luffy, defining a pivotal moment in her illustrious career.

6. The Great Passage

As Sunakake-Babaa

In the 2018 iteration of Gegege no Kitaro, Tanaka took on the role of Sunakake-Babaa, marking a shift to older female characters in her portfolio. Her portrayal offers a delightful blend of charm and humor, paying homage to her legacy while adapting to her current abilities as a seasoned actress.

7. The Ancient Magus’ Bride

As Phyllis

Release Date: October 7, 2017
Genre(s): Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
Studio: Wit Studio, Studio Kafka
Creator: Kore Yamazaki

In her role as Phyllis in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Tanaka embraced a more somber character, illuminating her capacity to engage audiences with nuanced performances beyond her comedic roots.

8. DanDaDan

As Turbo Granny

In her role as Turbo Granny, Tanaka expertly blends horror and humor, encapsulating the essence of her versatility. This character transitions from a fearsome spirit to a comedic entity, showcasing Tanaka’s incredible vocal adaptability, making her performance in DanDaDan one of her most memorable.

For more information on Tanaka’s remarkable contributions to anime, check out the detailed source here.