Hiroaki Hirata
Voice ActorHiroaki Hirata is a veteran Japanese voice actor who provides the voice of Billy Banx Jr. in Bleach, the anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Bleach Role
Hirata voices Billy Banx Jr. in the Japanese broadcast of Bleach. The part sits alongside a long list of supporting anime roles he has taken since the mid-1980s, delivered with the seasoned, versatile style he is known for across live-action and animated work alike.
Career and Notable Roles
Beyond Bleach, Hirata is the Japanese-language voice of Sanji in One Piece, a role that made him a household name in anime fandom. He has also played Klein in Sword Art Online, Kotetsu Kaburagi in Tiger & Bunny, and Vergil across the Devil May Cry games, and lent his voice to Mutta Nanba in Space Brothers. He runs his own talent agency and serves as the regular Japanese dub artist for Hollywood actors such as Johnny Depp and Matt Damon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiroaki Hirata still active?
Yes, Hiroaki Hirata has been active as a voice actor since 1985 and continues working today. He was born in 1963 and has built a long career across live-action and animated work.
Does Hiroaki Hirata do dubbing work?
Yes, Hirata serves as the regular Japanese dub artist for Hollywood actors such as Johnny Depp and Matt Damon. This dubbing work runs alongside his original anime and video game roles.
Who does Hiroaki Hirata voice in Bleach?
Hirata voices Billy Banx Jr. in the Japanese broadcast of Bleach. The part sits alongside a long list of supporting anime roles he has taken on since the mid-1980s.
What is Hiroaki Hirata best known for?
Hirata is the Japanese-language voice of Sanji in One Piece, a role that made him a household name in anime fandom. It stands as his most widely recognized credit.
What other anime and games has Hiroaki Hirata voiced characters in?
Hirata has played Klein in Sword Art Online, Kotetsu Kaburagi in Tiger & Bunny, Vergil across the Devil May Cry games, and Mutta Nanba in Space Brothers. He also runs his own talent agency.
Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Anime, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and the production committee.
- Game pages: official box art for the Bleach console and mobile games, credited to Bandai Namco and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Tite Kubo.
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