Tetsuya Kakihara
Voice ActorTetsuya Kakihara is a Japanese voice actor and recording artist who gives voice to Simon, the series' young protagonist, in the original Japanese version of Gurren Lagann.
Gurren Lagann Role
Kakihara originated the role of Simon in the Japanese version of Gurren Lagann, voicing the shy digger boy who grows into a war hero and eventual captain of the Dai-Gurren Brigade. The role required him to carry Simon's transformation across the show, from a timid teenager mentored by Kamina into a hardened, world-weary leader after the story's seven-year time skip. It stands as one of his signature early leading roles.
Career and Notable Roles
Kakihara built his career at 81 Produce before founding his own agency, Zynchro, in 2013, and became a mainstay of the Kiramune music label, releasing albums such as Still on Journey and singles like "String of Pain," which closed out episodes of Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East. His signature anime role is the hot-headed Natsu Dragneel in Fairy Tail; he voiced Shin in the visual novel Amnesia, later took on K1-B0 for Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, and remains active in boys' love drama CD productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Tetsuya Kakihara voice in Gurren Lagann?
Kakihara originated the role of Simon in the Japanese version of Gurren Lagann, voicing the shy digger boy who grows into a war hero and eventual captain of the Dai-Gurren Brigade. The role required him to carry Simon's transformation across the show's seven-year time skip.
What is Tetsuya Kakihara best known for?
Kakihara's signature anime role is the hot-headed Natsu Dragneel in Fairy Tail. Simon in Gurren Lagann stands as one of his other signature early leading roles.
What other anime has Tetsuya Kakihara been in?
Kakihara voiced K1-B0 in Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony and Shin in the visual novel Amnesia. He remains active in boys' love drama CD productions as well.
When did Tetsuya Kakihara start voice acting?
Kakihara has been active since 2002, building his career at 81 Produce before founding his own agency, Zynchro, in 2013.
What music has Tetsuya Kakihara released?
Kakihara is a mainstay of the Kiramune music label, releasing albums such as Still on Journey and singles like "String of Pain," which closed out episodes of Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East.
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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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