Daisuke Namikawa
Voice ActorDaisuke Namikawa is a Japanese actor and singer under the Stay Luck agency who is best known in Bleach for voicing the arrancar Ulquiorra Cifer, one of the series' most prominent antagonists. He has built a career playing everything from teen heroes to sharp-edged villains across major franchises.
Bleach Role
Daisuke Namikawa voices Ulquiorra Cifer, the fourth-ranked Espada and one of the most significant villains Ichigo Kurosaki faces during Bleach's Arrancar and Hueco Mundo arcs. Namikawa gives the stoic, emotionally hollow arrancar a flat, controlled delivery that later cracks as the character begins to grapple with feelings he was not built to have. Ulquiorra stands out among his catalogue of roles as one of his most memorable villain performances.
Career and Notable Roles
Representing the agency Stay Luck, Namikawa has voiced a wide range of characters since starting out as a child actor, typically cast as youthful heroes such as Fay D. Flourite in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle and Jellal Fernandes in Fairy Tail, but also playing morally complex antagonists like Hisoka Morow in Hunter x Hunter and Eustass Kid in One Piece. He additionally serves as the regular Japanese dub voice for actor Elijah Wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Daisuke Namikawa voice?
In Bleach, Daisuke Namikawa voices Ulquiorra Cifer, the fourth ranked Espada and one of the most significant antagonists Ichigo Kurosaki faces during the Arrancar and Hueco Mundo arcs. Namikawa gives the stoic, emotionally hollow character a flat, controlled delivery that later cracks as Ulquiorra begins to grapple with unfamiliar feelings.
How old is Daisuke Namikawa?
Daisuke Namikawa was born in 1976 and has been active in the industry since 1984, when he started as a child actor. He is represented by the agency Stay Luck.
What other anime roles is Daisuke Namikawa known for?
Namikawa has voiced Fay D. Flourite in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle and Jellal Fernandes in Fairy Tail, typically playing youthful heroic characters. He has built this range since starting his career as a child actor.
Has Daisuke Namikawa voiced any villains besides Ulquiorra?
Yes, beyond Ulquiorra, Namikawa has played morally complex antagonists such as Hisoka Morow in Hunter x Hunter and Eustass Kid in One Piece. This villainous range contrasts with the youthful hero roles that also define his career.
Does Daisuke Namikawa do any English language dubbing work?
Namikawa serves as the regular Japanese dub voice for actor Elijah Wood, one of his notable roles outside anime. He is represented by the agency Stay Luck.
Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byTite Kubo
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
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