Norio Wakamoto
Voice ActorNorio Wakamoto is a Japanese voice actor represented by Sigma Seven who voiced Vicious, the central antagonist of Cowboy Bebop, in the original Japanese version of the series.
Cowboy Bebop Role
Wakamoto provided the Japanese voice of Vicious, the calculating former Red Dragon syndicate member who serves as Spike Spiegel's chief rival across Cowboy Bebop. His deep, commanding delivery shaped the character's cold menace and made the role one of the more memorable villain performances of the series. The part remains among the credits most associated with him by anime fans.
Career and Notable Roles
Born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, he was later raised in Sakai, Osaka, and graduated from Waseda University. Wakamoto has spent decades as one of Japanese anime's most recognizable deep-voiced performers, represented throughout his career by the Sigma Seven agency. For adult-oriented productions such as OVAs and dating sims, he has also worked under the pseudonym Kyonosuke Hiruma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Norio Wakamoto voice in Cowboy Bebop?
Norio Wakamoto voices Vicious, the calculating former Red Dragon syndicate member who serves as Spike Spiegel's chief rival, in the original Japanese version of Cowboy Bebop.
Where is Norio Wakamoto from?
Wakamoto was born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, later raised in Sakai, Osaka, and graduated from Waseda University.
What agency represents Norio Wakamoto?
Wakamoto has been represented throughout his career by the Sigma Seven agency, one of the constants of his decades in the industry.
Does Norio Wakamoto use a stage name?
For adult-oriented productions such as OVAs and dating sims, Wakamoto has worked under the pseudonym Kyonosuke Hiruma.
When did Norio Wakamoto start voice acting?
Norio Wakamoto was born in 1945 and has been active in the industry since 1972, building one of anime's most recognizable deep-voiced careers.
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Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, 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 Toei Animation and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Bandai Namco, Atari, and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
Official resources:
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