Kano
The voice behind Hanamichi Sakuragi's fiery spirit.
Takeshi Kusao is the Japanese voice actor who portrays Hanamichi Sakuragi in the anime series Slam Dunk. Born on November 20, 1965, in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Kusao works for Aoni Production and is also known for his roles as Trunks (Dragon Ball Z) and Ryo Sanada (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers). His performance as the energetic and passionate Sakuragi is one of his most recognized works, bringing the character's loud personality and emotional range to life throughout the series and its four theatrical films.
Quick Facts
- Position number
- 5
Lore & Background
Takeshi Kusao voiced Hanamichi Sakuragi in the 1993 television anime Slam Dunk, as well as in all four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995: Slam Dunk (1994), Slam Dunk: Conquer the Nation, Hanamichi Sakuragi! (1994), Slam Dunk: Shohoku's Greatest Challenge! (1995), and Slam Dunk: Howling Basketman Spirit!! (1995). These films followed the TV series and featured Sakuragi's continued growth as a basketball player. Kusao's vocal performance captured Sakuragi's signature loud declarations, his comedic frustration, and his moments of genuine determination. The role remains one of the most iconic in Kusao's career, alongside his work as Trunks in the Dragon Ball franchise and Ryo Sanada in Yoroiden Samurai Troopers.
Reader's Guide
Takeshi Kusao is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer born November 20, 1965, in Tokorozawa, Saitama. He is affiliated with Aoni Production. His role as Hanamichi Sakuragi in Slam Dunk (1993 television anime) is one of his best-known performances. He also voiced Sakuragi in four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995. Beyond Slam Dunk, Kusao is widely recognized for voicing Trunks in Dragon Ball Z (starting 1991), Ryo Sanada in Yoroiden Samurai Troopers (1988), and Ky Kiske in the Guilty Gear video game series. His filmography spans television animation, OVAs, theatrical films, video games, and tokusatsu productions. In his personal life, he married voice actress Yuka Saitō in May 2015, and they have two children, with the second born on November 13, 2021.
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