Noriko Hidaka
Voice ActorNoriko Hidaka is a Japanese voice actress, singer, and narrator who voices Near in the Death Note anime, one of many high-profile roles across a career spanning four decades.
Death Note Role
Hidaka voices Near, the reclusive young detective who takes over the investigation after L's death and becomes one of Light Yagami's principal adversaries in the back half of the series. The casting continues her long history of playing sharp, unconventional characters across major anime.
Career and Notable Roles
Working under her stage name since the mid-1980s, Hidaka is known for Akane Tendo in Ranma 1/2, Satsuki Kusakabe in My Neighbor Totoro, and Minami Asakura in Touch, along with the recurring part of Masumi Sera in Detective Conan. She has also voiced Kikyo in Inuyasha and provided the Japanese dub voice for actress Jayma Mays in Glee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What anime is Noriko Hidaka known for?
Hidaka is known for playing Akane Tendo in Ranma 1/2, Satsuki Kusakabe in My Neighbor Totoro, and Minami Asakura in Touch. These roles date back to when she began working under her stage name in the mid-1980s.
Who does Noriko Hidaka voice in Death Note?
Hidaka voices Near, the reclusive young detective who takes over the investigation after L's death. He becomes one of Light Yagami's principal adversaries in the back half of the series.
What recurring role does Noriko Hidaka play in Detective Conan?
Hidaka has a recurring part as Masumi Sera in Detective Conan. It's one of several long-running credits across her career.
What other characters has Noriko Hidaka voiced?
Hidaka has also voiced Kikyo in Inuyasha and provided the Japanese dub voice for actress Jayma Mays in Glee. These sit alongside her more famous lead roles.
When did Noriko Hidaka begin her voice acting career?
Hidaka, born in 1962, has worked under her stage name since the mid-1980s. Her career now spans four decades as a voice actress, singer, and narrator.
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Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Death Note 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 Nippon Television and Warner Bros. Japan.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Konami and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha, Tsugumi Ohba, and Takeshi Obata.
Official resources:
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