Akira Ishida
Voice ActorAkira Ishida is a Japanese voice actor renowned for his gentle, refined delivery, and among his signature parts is Gaara in Naruto, the anime produced by Studio Pierrot.
Naruto Role
Ishida voices Gaara, who begins the series as a merciless, isolated jinchuriki carrying the One-Tailed beast Shukaku for the Hidden Sand. Over the course of Naruto he sheds his bloodlust, forms a bond with the title hero, and rises to become the Fifth Kazekage and a steadfast ally of the Leaf.
Career and Notable Roles
Ishida has taken leading and supporting parts across anime and games since 1990, and his cool, polished tone made him a fan favorite, earning him the top male prize at the first Seiyu Awards in 2007. He is widely recognized as Athrun Zala in the Gundam SEED films, Akaza in Demon Slayer, Kaworu Nagisa in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cho Hakkai in Saiyuki, Zeref in Fairy Tail, and Katsura Kotaro in Gintama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Akira Ishida voice in Naruto?
Ishida voices Gaara, who begins Naruto as a merciless, isolated jinchuriki carrying the One-Tailed beast Shukaku for the Hidden Sand. Over the course of the series he sheds his bloodlust and rises to become the Fifth Kazekage.
What is Akira Ishida best known for outside Naruto?
Ishida is widely recognized as Athrun Zala in the Gundam SEED films and as Akaza in Demon Slayer. Both roles showcase the cool, polished delivery that has defined his career.
What awards has Akira Ishida won?
Ishida won the top male prize at the first Seiyu Awards in 2007, recognition for the refined tone that has made him a fan favorite.
What other anime characters has Akira Ishida voiced?
Beyond Gaara, Ishida has voiced Kaworu Nagisa in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cho Hakkai in Saiyuki, Zeref in Fairy Tail, and Katsura Kotaro in Gintama.
When did Akira Ishida start his voice acting career?
Ishida was born in 1967 and has taken leading and supporting roles across anime and games since 1990, giving him more than three decades in the industry.
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Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- 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 Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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