Wataru Hatano
Voice ActorWataru Hatano is a Japanese performer known for voice acting, singing, and radio and comedy work, represented by the talent agency 81 Produce, who lends his voice to Metal Bat in One Punch Man.
One Punch Man Role
In One Punch Man, Hatano voices Metal Bat, the short-tempered S-Class hero whose real name is Bado and who fights using an ordinary steel baseball bat rather than any special power. The character is defined by his delinquent swagger, his signature battle roar, and his fierce protectiveness toward his younger sister Zenko. Hatano brings a rough, high-energy delivery to the role that matches Metal Bat's combustible temper and underlying loyalty, making him a standout among the series' Class-S roster.
Career and Notable Roles
Hatano's breakout came via the Best Male Rookie prize at the 2008 Seiyu Awards, recognizing his early performances as the character Sam Houston in the anime Toward the Terra, alongside a supporting role, Tenshi Yuri, in the Saint Beast franchise. His later credits span Gajeel Redfox in Fairy Tail, Haruta Shigemo in Jujutsu Kaisen, and the male lead Yuto Ayase in Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, plus game work voicing Josuke Higashikata across the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure titles and Rufus in the Street Fighter series. He married fellow voice actress Mai Hashimoto in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Wataru Hatano voice in One Punch Man?
Hatano voices Metal Bat, the short-tempered S-Class hero whose real name is Bado. Metal Bat fights using an ordinary steel baseball bat rather than any special power, and he's known for his fierce protectiveness toward his younger sister Zenko.
What award has Wataru Hatano won?
Hatano won the Best Male Rookie prize at the 2008 Seiyu Awards, recognizing his early performances as Sam Houston in Toward the Terra and Tenshi Yuri in the Saint Beast franchise. Both performances came early in his career.
What other anime has Wataru Hatano been in?
Hatano's later credits include Gajeel Redfox in Fairy Tail and Haruta Shigemo in Jujutsu Kaisen, plus the male lead Yuto Ayase in Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu. He is represented by the talent agency 81 Produce.
What video games has Wataru Hatano voiced characters in?
In games, Hatano voices Josuke Higashikata across the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure titles and Rufus in the Street Fighter series. These roles sit alongside his extensive anime career.
Is Wataru Hatano married?
Hatano married fellow voice actress Mai Hashimoto in 2018, nearly two decades into a voice acting career he began in 1999. The marriage came well after his 2008 Seiyu Award recognition.
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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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