Demon Slayer VA opens up about losing his parents and how it shaped his performances

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Natsuki Hanae, a highly acclaimed Japanese voice actor recognized for his roles in Demon Slayer and Dandadan, has shared insights into the sorrow that marked his childhood and the enduring impact it has on his professional endeavors.

Known for giving life to Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Hanae has also lent his voice to Okarun in Dandadan and portrayed memorable characters such as Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul, Taki Tachibana in Your Name, and Inaho Kaizuka in Aldnoah.Zero. His powerful performances have garnered him acclaim throughout the anime world.

In an interview with Fuji TV’s Let Me Tell Your Fortune, Hanae shared that he tragically lost his mother when he was approximately 18 to 19 years old.

A few years into his budding voice acting career, his father sadly passed away. Shortly following this, he lost his grandmother too. This period in his life, he referred to as “hitting an all-time low.

Demon Slay VA opens up about tragic loss

Instead of letting those emotions consume him, Hanae has found a way to incorporate them into his craft. “Since I experienced such feelings, there are numerous aspects in my work where I can apply this,” he expressed. While performing as a voice actor, he often reflects, “I wonder if that was the last message or gift I received from my parents.

In a straightforward manner, Hanae described her ability to deeply feel emotional scenes. “As I perform sad parts,” she said, “I find myself tearing up immediately. Whenever I recall those moments, I can’t help but break down in tears. Although I view this sensitivity positively these days, I must admit that I haven’t fully mastered it yet.

Hanae is widely recognized for portraying characters with profound emotional wounds, frequently molded by loss and personal hardship. Characters such as Tanjiro from Demon Slayer, who perseveres despite the brutal slaughter of his family, and Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul, who must relinquish his humanity following a distressing metamorphosis, all benefit from Hanae’s rich emotional performances.

As a gamer engrossed in the poignant world of “Your Name”, I can’t help but marvel at how the actor breathes life into Taki, making him embody the pain of separation and longing for memories. This delicate portrayal adds an extra layer to Makoto Shinkai’s epic, making it all the more moving and unforgettable.

Hanae has been quite busy with his recent voice acting roles this year. Lately, he’s voiced Ponstin in Apocalypse Hotel, Juji Yusurube in Tougen Anki, and once again took on the role of Okarun in Dandadan: Evil Eye, which is highly rated and just released its Season 2.

Excitedly speaking, I’ll be lending my voice to the charismatic character of Tanjiro in the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle film! This cinematic masterpiece is set to grace Japanese theaters on July 18, 2025.

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2025-07-16 13:49