Norio Wakamoto
Voice ActorNorio Wakamoto is a veteran Japanese voice actor who has voiced two JoJo's Bizarre Adventure characters: DIO on a franchise drama CD and Hol Horse in the 1993 OVA.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Role
Wakamoto has two credits in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure franchise: he voices the vampire villain DIO on the series' drama CD release, and he played the gunslinger Hol Horse in the 1993 original video animation. Both are earlier appearances that predate David Production's long-running television adaptation.
Career and Notable Roles
Known for one of anime's most instantly recognizable deep, booming voices, Wakamoto is affiliated with the Sigma Seven agency and studied at Waseda University after growing up in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. He also records under the alias Kyōnosuke Hiruma for adult titles such as original video animations and dating sims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Norio Wakamoto?
Norio Wakamoto is a Japanese voice actor born in 1945 who has worked in the anime industry since 1972. Over more than five decades he built a reputation as a veteran performer known across the industry for his commanding delivery.
Who does Norio Wakamoto voice in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?
Wakamoto voices two characters in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure franchise: the vampire villain DIO on the series' drama CD release, and the gunslinger Hol Horse in the 1993 original video animation. Both credits predate David Production's long-running television adaptation of the manga.
What is Norio Wakamoto best known for?
Wakamoto is known industry-wide for one of anime's most instantly recognizable deep, booming voices. He also records under the alias Kyonosuke Hiruma for adult-oriented anime and dating sim titles, a separate lane from his mainstream anime work.
Where did Norio Wakamoto grow up?
Wakamoto grew up in Sakai, in Japan's Osaka Prefecture, before going on to study at Waseda University. That background sits behind decades of voice work across anime, video games, and dubbing.
What agency represents Norio Wakamoto?
Wakamoto is represented by the Sigma Seven talent agency. The agency has managed his career as one of Japanese anime's most in-demand veteran voice performers.
Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime series, manga, and official materials. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was created by Hirohiko Araki, published by Shueisha, and animated by David Production. All rights to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byHirohiko Araki
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byDavid Production
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 David Production and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Hirohiko Araki.
- Licensed imagery: Photographs of real people, including creators, voice actors and production staff, are used under licence from the rights holder or the applicable stock provider, or under the terms of a public licence permitting editorial use. Each such image is reproduced in its licensed form and remains the property of its owner.
- Exceptions: Limited exceptions to the practices described above may apply to individual entries. Where an exception applies, it is noted on the entry itself alongside the applicable attribution. Rights holders may contact us regarding any attribution and it will be reviewed promptly.
Official resources:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Anime maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
