Despite being known for voicing energetic and youthful characters, Atsushi Abe’s talents go way beyond that, being extremely talented as both a voice actor as well as a stage actor and singer.
Atsushi Abe
KANJI: 阿部敦
BORN: March 25, 1981
OCCUPATION: seiyuu, singer, actor
HEIGHT: 161cm
Atsushi Abe was born on March 25, 1981, in Tochigi, Japan. He is represented by Ken Production.
Since he can recall, Abe has liked stage plays and anime and was interested in the profession of “voice actor”. With that passion and curiosity behind him, he joined the drama club in his high school.
Still, becoming a voice actor wasn’t a straightforward decision for him as Abe graduated from high school and enrolled in university, ending up graduating in Economics (a four-year university degree).
Only after that did Abe try to become a voice actor. In an interview, he mentioned that at that time he thought that “If I want to become a voice actor, this is my last chance“.
Thus, he started working part-time, saving money to attend Tokyo Announcement Academy. He would end up graduating from the school and then take an audition to join KEN PRODUCTION.
During that span of time, Abe was taking some classes with Tsubasa Yonaga and Takuya Sato, classmates that then turned into fellow talent agency mates and close friends of his.
He passed and it and, since his debut as a voice actor, Atsushi Abe is represented by KEN PRODUCTION.
Seiyuu
2006 – 2009
Making a name for himself
Atsushi Abe made his debut as a seiyuu in 2006 with minor roles in Kotencotenco, Coyote Ragtime Show and NANA.
And while this seemed like a regular seiyuu career in which a rookie first goes through a list of minor roles until getting their big break, Abe went the other way around.
Not even a year since he had made his debut as a seiyuu, Abe was getting his first leading role.
In 2007, he was cast as Kuukai Soma, the protagonist of the magic girl’s anime “Shugo Chara!“.
He’s a reliable and energetic character who has a great sense of justice while being like a big brother to the guardians.
Not only does Soma teaches them some tricks but also notices that others are not doing that well and lends them his shoulders.
This was the start of the typecasting for Atsushi Abe, voicing young boys or characters with a really youthful, preppy voice.
It was also the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents, something that opened doors for him to impress in the years to come.
A year later, Abe was on a roll with leading roles in anime. First, he was cast as Akiyuki Takehara in the action anime series “Bounen no Xamdou“.
Akiyuki Takehara is helpful and caring for those he loves and even for those he doesn’t know, he always wants to lend a hand, helping to solve their issues. There is a bit of an enthusiastic edge to the character that shows throughout the ONA series.
The anime – animation and music – was wildly praised. The characters in the series felt well fleshed, making the viewers invested in the story from the very first second.
Abe’s performance was still filled with energy however there was a slightly more mature twist to his acting, making it so that Takehara wasn’t just an enthusiastic character.
Then, and quite possibly the biggest leading role Abe has had in his career, he was cast as Touma Kamijou in the popular fantasy anime series “Toaru Majutsu no Index“.
Once again, this is a character with a strong sense of justice, a good student yet a dogmatic person. The anime was well received for its unique concept of magic against science as well as for its crazy antagonist, Accelerator.
In 2009, he was cast as Yato Unicorn, one of the main characters in the ONA series, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas – Meiou Shinwa.
This series appeared as surprisingly good in terms of character development, with all characters getting really good story arcs – even if they only appeared for 1 or 2 episodes – and for its interesting main story.
Other anime series in which he voiced characters during this period of time include:
- Shigofumi (2008)
- Nabari no Ou (2008)
- Rosario + Vampire (2008)
- Guin Saga (2009)
- Arad Senki: Slap Up Party (2009)
- Toaru Kagaku no Railgun (2009)
- FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST (2009)
- Hatsukoi gentei. (2009)
2010 – 2017
Stagnation
With a couple of leading roles under his belt, Atsushi Abe was starting to stand out as a rising star among seiyuu however what followed was stagnation in his career.
Leading roles were few and he was starting to be relegated to supporting or minor roles in what was a weird turn of events.
The biggest role in this period of time was as Moritaka Mashiro in the drama/comedy anime series, Bakuman.
Mashiro is a perfectionist, having extremely high standards for his drawings despite everyone telling him his drawing style has a lot of character.
Throughout the series, Mashiro goes through a vast array of emotions including excitement, anger, frustration, and love, with Atsushi Abe not only nailing those but also making Mashiro relatable.
The anime adaptation was so popular that it got 3 seasons (2010 – 2013).
Still in the same year, Atsushi Abe was cast as Hokuto Aoi in the supernatural anime series Goulart Knights: Evoked the Beginning Black.
The anime would end up having a radio show and a seiyuu unit featuring the whole main cast would end up starting activities around the same time.
In 2011, Abe got a couple of supporting roles in anime series such as Gosick, Blood-C and X-Men. This would be the start of the stagnation in his career, getting the same amount of roles he was getting in the past however completely missing out on leading roles.
2012 would end up changing things around for a little bit. He was cast as the curious, calm and collected Kouichi Sakakibara in the horror anime series “Another“.
Although not a main character, Touichirou Izumida in the sports anime Yowamushi Pedal is one that easily stands out in his repertoire for how crazily egocentric and eccentric, Izumida is.
Still in the same year, Abe was cast as Shinji Inui in the racing anime Initial D Final Stage. Incredibly young yet extremely smart, Inui is a member of Sidewinder and one of the rivals in the series.
Given how frequently Abe was voicing righteous characters, it was a nice change of pace for him to get a character that is in a different moral alignment.
In 2014, Abe voiced Tooru Kazasumi in the sci-fi ONA Gunslinger Stratos. The animation was badly received, something that didn’t help put a spotlight on Abe’s acting.
A year later he was cast as Haruki Nakano in the comedy anime series Danchigai.
The anime ended up getting mixed reviews both in Japan as well as overseas due to its lack of depth and the characters not having any story developments.
The tendency continued and Abe was cast in yet another comedy anime series, this time around “Dagashi Kashi“.
He was cast as Kokonotsu Shikada, a character that, despite being the main one, barely stands out (intentionally).
In 2017, he was cast as Inojin Yamanaka in the popular anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Inojin is extremely obedient and while interacting with others he can be extremely blunt and even sound condescending.
Thanks to the training he went through with his parents, his skills are considered to be overall advanced.
Still in the same year, Abe voiced Yuushi Inaba in the supernatural anime series Youkai Apartment no Yuuga na Nichijou.
This character appeared as a breath of fresh air in Abe’s repertoire – up until then filled with cheerful young boys – and the anime ended up being well received, with most people mentioning that the story didn’t drag for too long, there were no filler episodes and everything about its flow cut to the chase.
Other anime series in which he voiced characters during this period of time include:
- Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (2010)
- Metal Fight Beyblade (2010)
- Sekirei: Pure Engagement (2010)
- Tegamibachi Reverse (2010)
- Cardfight!! Vanguard (2011)
- Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle – Orpheus Order-hen (2012)
- Hyouka (2012)
- Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun (2012)
- Initial D Fifth Stage (2012)
- Yowamushi Pedal: Special Ride (2013)
- Detective Conan (2014)
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)
- Diamond no Ace: Second Season (2015)
- Haikyu!! 2 (2015)
- Mayoiga (2016)
- ChäoS;Child (2017)
- Dream Festival! R (2017)
2018 –
Career revival
After a couple of years of an irregular flow of work, things started to stabilize around 2018. And it was mostly due to the anime adaptation of IDOLiSH7.
Sogo Osaka is a member of IDOLiSH7 and its sub-unit MEZZO. He’s calm and collected, one of the most serious and mature members of the group.
However, in the background, there is a story that makes it so that Osaka doesn’t want to burden others with his issues.
Or why he is afraid of doing some things, even why he changes from his calm personality to a passive-aggressive yandere one in some occasions.
Abe’s gentle voice helped make Osaka’s struggles and emotional parts stand out in a way that was unexpected. And, of course, when you listen to him singing, you realize that he’s a fantastic singer, even despite his lack of confidence.
The anime series is incredibly popular not only for how good the music is but also for how deep is the characterization and plot in it.
Due to that, as of writing this Seiyuu Digest, the franchise counts with 3 seasons, with the third one being split into 2 different cours.
That role was followed by Hakuno Kishinami, the protagonist in the anime series Fate/Extra: Last Encore.
Wrapping up the year, Abe was cast as Hinomaru Ushio in the sports anime series Hinomaruzumou. This was the first time sumo, a traditional Japanese fighting sport, got an anime based on it yet it was surprisingly well made.
The animation was praised for its fluidity, the story felt fresh and the characters were relatable.
2020 was a solid year for Abe, starting with a leading role as Kei Kunieda in the BL movie Yes ka No ka Hanbun ka.
The story was extremely criticized for the way love was tackled, how consent was disregarded and how the story doesn’t flow well at all.
He was then cast in Magatsu Wahrheit: Zuerst as Innumael Grauer, one of the various main characters. Innumael is a young man that works in the transportation industry that ends up imprisoned for smuggling.
The other leading character in 2020 was Yuuki in Princess Connect! Re:Dive. The anime series is an adaptation of a game.
Despite what most people think about anime adaptations of games – usually downright horrible -, this adaptation ended up being praised by fans domestically and internationally.
Abe ended up reprising this role in 2022 for its 2nd season.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, the rest of the year was quieter in terms of work in anime series, with that affecting most of 2021, year in which Atsushi Abe only had 2 supporting roles.
That same lack of work is affecting Abe’s 2022, with him only counting 2 supporting roles in Hakozume: Kouban Joshi no Gyakushuu and in the movie The Deer King.
Other anime series in which he voiced characters during this period of time include:
- Dagashi Kashi 2 (2018)
- Free! Dive to the Future (2018)
- Cardfight!! Vanguard (2018)
- Beyblade Burst GT (2019)
- Kochouki: Wakaki Nobunaga (2019)
- IDOLiSH7: Second Beat! (2020)
- ARGONAVIS from BanG Dream! (2020)
- Fumetsu no Anata e (2021)
Awards
In 2010, at the 4th Seiyuu Awards, Atsushi Abe received the Rookie of the Year award. He shared the award with fellow seiyuu Tomoaki Maeno.
Radio
As far as radio shows go, Atsushi Abe does have a couple of credits under his belt. Abe is known for his friendly demeanor and professionalism, regardless if he is hosting or guesting on a radio show.
His first radio show was Bounen no Xamdou Zanbani-go Housoukyoku in 2009.
From 2009 up until 2011, and following his debut as a member of G.Addict, Abe co-hosted the radio show “Nile and Hokuto’s Graal Academy Broadcasting Department” with Yuki Kaji.
In 2012, Atsushi Abe teamed up with fellow KEN PRODUCTION talent Tsubasa Yonaga to co-host the radio show “Abenaga no Yabou 〜 tarikihongan no hen 〜“.
The show was popular among fans of both seiyuu, lasting a whole 2 years before stopping airing.
Other radio shows he has hosted or guested in include:
- Bakuman. Broadcasting station-Radiman. (2010-2013)
- Atsushi Abe and Kana Ueda’s Gunslinger Stratos! (2012-2018)
- Fate / EXTRA Tsukikaihara Gakuen Broadcasting Club (2013-2014)
- Mayoiga ‐ mayoiga ‐ “Nau Meimura Murayakuba kouhouka”(2016)
Games
When it comes to games, fans can find Abe voicing characters in almost every genre there is out there. Exactly in the same year, he debuted as a voice actor, he was cast in the videogame “Bara no ki ni bara no Hana saku”.
Abe went on to be a frequent sight in otome games however, as time passed, he stopped being cast in those, instead lending his talents to acting, mecha, and fighting games, some of those tie-ups with anime series he was already cast in.
His most iconic role in games is:
Sogo Osaka in IDOLiSH7 (2015 -)
Easily Atsushi Abe’s most recognizable and popular role in games is Sogo Osaka in IDOLiSH7.
Osaka is quite an interesting character, having a gap between his calm and reserved self and the other side of the coin, his yandere and menacing way.
That switch in his personality doesn’t happen often but when it does, it’s usually Tamaki (CV: KENN) that is on the receiving end of his threats.
Despite that, Osaka is deeply hurt, being afraid to voice his concerns to others because he doesn’t want to burden them. He’s also quite afraid of being left out or put aside by others, something that is due to an important event in his past.
Osaka is passionate about music and as the story progress – without spoiling much for you, in case you haven’t played the game -, he ends up composing songs for MEZZO and even hosts a radio show about the music he loves.
Abe’s youthful yet serious tone was the perfect fit for Sogo Osaka, bringing to life a character with a lot of depth that is working through his issues, slowly becoming a happier and more open person.
Other games he has voiced characters in include:
- Fallout 3
- Last Escort: Club Katze
- Star Fox 64 3D
- Initial D Arcade Stage series
- Revenant Dogma
- Bakuman. Road to Manga Artist
- Dragon Ball Heroes
- Natsuzora no Monologue
- Devil Survivor Overclock
- FRONTIER GATE
- Fire Emblem Echoes Another Hero King
- NORN9 LAST ERA
- Princess Connect! Re:Dive
- I-Chu
- Touken Ranbu Online
- Shadowverse
- Pokemon Masters
- Black Star -Theater Starless-
- Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team
- Argonavis from BanG Dream! AAside
- Dragalia Lost
- Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent
- Digimon Survive
Acting
Since high school, Abe has been involved in acting. And although most of his work is focused on anime, radio, and dubbing, from time to time, Abe participates in reading and stage plays.
Unfortunately, there is no footage of his acting in any of the reading or stage plays he has been cast in.
Some of the reading plays he’s participated in include:
- Lit Klatch Leading Theater “Welcome to Hoss Search” (2008)
- Colorful Project Vol.4 “Meguri Ai Toki” (2013)
- The Winds of God (2015)
- Primo · Piatt – Secret of the Holy night ~ (2017)
- Piège pour un homme seul (2018)
- Shinjuku no Arifureta Yoru (2019)
Dubbing
Dubbing has been a big part of Abe’s career, at least in the last couple of years. He’s dubbed several foreign movies and TV shows.
Although not official, Abe is often responsible for the Japanese dub voice of Algee Smith (Euphoria, The New Edition Story, etc.).
Some of the TV series and movies Abe has participated in the Japanese dubbing include (list not exhaustive):
- Euphoria
- ER Emergency Room Season XII
- Hannah Montana
- Drake & Josh
- Hawaii Five-0 Season 4
- Black Mirror Season 3
- One Tree Hill
- WITHOUT A TRACE
- Ivory Game
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Miss Granny
between many more.
Drama CDs
Fans will be delighted to know that Atsushi Abe used to be frequently cast in drama CDs.
From otome (romance-driven) to story tie-ups for anime or games and even BL CDs, Abe was and, in a way, still is pretty active.
Due to his youthful voice tone, in BL, Abe is often the “uke” in the relationship. For otome drama CDs, that means his characters always sound pretty young even though they may be in their 20s.
Some of the drama CDs he has voiced characters in include (list is not exhaustive):
- Maid Sama!
- A Certain Magical Index
- Sound Drama Fate/EXTRA
- GRACE DOOR series
- Kairi-sei Million Arthur
- Otoko o misete yo Kurata-kun!
- Haigakura series
- Yowamushi Pedal drama CD Off the ROAD
- WILD ADAPTER 06
- SEXY EFFECT 96 series
- DOLCE
- between the sheets series
- VOID
- Tadoru yubi
- Akamatsu to kuro
- Kichiku, Encounter
between many more.
Music
Despite his singing skills and obvious passion for music, Atsushi Abe has always kept his endeavors in the music industry to a bare minimum.
He part of very few 2D units, joined only 1 seiyuu unit, and never made a solo debut.
He’s the owner of a sweet tenor voice with a lot of clarity to it. He’s got a good control over his voice tone and range, being able to tap onto those beautiful high notes he is known for.
Listening and watching his performances, you can easily notice that he has a good ear, harmonizing with others fairly easily. Due to his unique vocal tone and powerful delivery, Abe tends to stand out within all groups he is a part of.
Below are some of his adventures in the music industry.
G.Addict (2009 – 2011)
Abe, alongside fellow seiyuu Kazuma Horie, Yuki Kaji and Takuma Terashima, debuted as part of pop-rock seiyuu quartet G.Addict.
The quartet was signed under Lantis, a label known for their pop-rock acts such as GRANRODEO and OLDCODEX.
G.Addict was formed with the single purpose of releasing music for the Goulart Knights project.
The group made its debut with the pop-rock mini-album “signal” in 2009.
After that, they released two singles in 2010 (everlasting note and monochrome／prism) and the full-length album “HIGH-END” in 2011 before going off-grid. The group disbanded in the same year.
IDOLiSH7 (2015 -)
The 7 member group consisting of Toshiki Masuda, Tsubasa Yonaga, KENN, Atsushi Abe, Takuya Eguchi, Kensho Ono, and Yusuke Shirai debuted in 2015, part of the rhythm game of the same name.
The game was an instant hit due to its well-done blend between a rhythm game and its story components.
This wasn’t like other idol games out there, focusing on delivering a rich story alongside high-quality music, ending up attracting a lot of people to this game with that formula.
Atsushi Abe voices Sogo Osaka, a seemingly calm and collected individual that is passionate about music – to the point that he ends up writing songs for MEZZO and IDOLiSH7 – with a twisted, almost “yandere” side to himself.
Since their debut, IDOLiSH7 has released several singles as a unit, cross units, special sub-units, and solo tracks, all of them well-received by their fans. Back in 2016, IDOLiSH7‘s first-ever full-length album “I7” set a record among seiyuu/2.5D units.
It was the first-ever album to score a #2 on Oricon Weekly in the album category. The album had an impressive number of sales, sweeping the charts when most people doubted they would be able to pull off anything like that at that time.
That feat showed the franchise’s popularity when it was only promoting itself through the game and music (no live events nor anime adaptation plans at that time). Their record was later broken by none other than TRIGGER, a rival/friend unit also from this franchise.
IDOLiSH7 performed live for the first time at IDOLiSH7 ROAD TO INFINITY, live show event held on 07/07/2018 and 08/07/2018 at MetLife Arena.
Abe was twice as active as everyone else, performing both as part of IDOLiSH7 as well as MEZZO.
Vocally, Abe has stood out since day 1. When the group was announced, he may have been a blank for most people – as he wasn’t and still isn’t active in many 2D music projects – but he quickly stood out for his consistency and emotional range.
While he shines in pop and rock songs, Abe absolutely floors the listener with his performances in ballads, something he does regularly as part of the duo MEZZO (also from the IDOLiSH7 franchise).
His control and technique may not be over the top but what he does with his skillset is quite impressive, standing out in a group stacked with good vocals.
Sogo Osaka counted with a rocking CD release in IDOLiSH7‘s solo series 12 SONGS GIFT.
“Maybe” brought forward an exciting and intricate rock sound that explores Sogo’s passion for the music genre, with Abe delivering a performance that impressed for its control and emotional range.
He went one as to play piano for IDOLiSH7’s “Sakura Message” during the live show, making fans even more emotional than expected about the iconic song.
In 2019, Abe participated in IDOLiSH7 REUNION, live show that, for the very first time welcomed ZOOL on stage.
After the group having released several singles both for the anime adaptation as well as the game, it was announced in 2021 that IDOLiSH7 was going to release its 2nd full-length album.
Excitement was through the room among fans of the franchise.
“Opus” was released in January 2022 and blew everyone away with the group’s growth.
When “Opus” wraps up you have, indeed, the group’s best album to date. One that illustrates the growth IDOLiSH7 has gone through in the last couple of years, looking fondly to those memories while with an optimistic outlook for the future.
A couple of weeks later, IDOLiSH7 held its first-ever one-man live show.
IDOLiSH7 LIVE BEYOND “Op.7” was held at Saitama Super Arena (as well as livestreamed in over 15 countries around the world) on January 22 and 23, 2022.
As part of the celebrations of the 7th anniversary of the IDOLiSH7 franchise, it was announced a special cast event to take place in August 2022 as well as the release of group songs to celebrate their debuts.
At the same time, and following the 5th season of the story in the game, IDOLiSH7 are going to release a new single titled マロウブルー (Mallow blue).
The group is also confirmed to perform the opening theme for the 2nd cour of IDOLiSH7 Third Beat that will premiere in 2022.
MEZZO (2015 -)
As Sogo Osaka, Atsushi Abe is part of IDOLiSH7’s sub-unit, MEZZO.
The unit is known for its heart-wrenching and beautiful ballads and consists of Sogo Osaka (CV: Atsushi Abe) and Tamaki Yotsuba (CV: KENN).
Since its debut, the group has been all about its unique dynamic and harmony on the vocal end with Abe and KENN showcasing their singing skills – that more often than not go under the radar within IDOLiSH7 -, in a wide variety of songs that include ballads (frequent early on in the group’s career), rock, pop, jazz and R&B tunes.
In 2018, MEZZO left everyone in tears with what is, to this day, one of the most beautiful ballads ever released by a 2D group, “Ame“.
After releasing several singles since its debut in 2015, MEZZO finally released its 1st full-length album “Intermezzo” in 2021.
The CD included previously released songs, some fan favorites, as well as a couple of new songs. Among those and depending on the edition fans purchase, there are solo versions of the leading track 未来絵 (Mirai e).
MEZZO’s “Intermezzo” is the long-awaited 1st full-length album that everyone hoped would be good and it actually exceeded those expectations.
Growth is at its core but there’s plenty of depth in their songs as well as surprising performances by the duo’s vocals, KENN and Atsushi Abe.
Kenpro Live (2017 -)
In 2017, Abe participated in the recording of KENPROROCK 2017‘s theme song “VOICE FOR YELL“. A music video was later released on Ken Production’s YouTube channel.
KENPROROCK is a music festival counting only on Ken Production’s talents, some of its talents include Kisho Taniyama (GRANRODEO), Mitsuki Saiga, Atsushi Abe, Tsubasa Yonaga, Yuu Hayashi (SCREEN mode), Takuya Sato, Tasuku Hatanaka, Katsuyuki Konishi (Seki to Konishi) and more. It is held annually.
MG9 (2018 – )
In 2018, Abe Atsushi joined the cast of the rhythm game, I-Chu. He voices Rintaro Kizaki, F∞F‘s manager and a member of MG9 (Manager 9).
MG9 comprise Tasuku Hatanaka, Taishi Murata, Tomohito Takatsuka, Atsushi Abe, Fujii Kohei, Masatomo Nakazawa, Takato Nagata and Junta Terashima.
The group released their debut single in 2018 titled Nice to Meet You! ~ We are MG9! ~.
Fujin RIZING! (2019 -)
Fujin RIZING! is a ska band that consists of Yoshiki Nakajima (on vocals and saxophone), Atsushi Abe, Makoto Kaneko, Kodai Sakai (trombone), and Yoshino Hiroyuki.
Abe only participates in the drama parts as part of the band.
Variety
Despite not appearing on variety shows as frequently as some of his peers, Atsushi Abe is always a treat to bring on board for variety shows.
He is quite witty and has a subtle sense of humor that will make you giggle. He is a good host, being natural in front of the camera, something you can attribute to the fact that Atsushi Abe is not only a voice actor but also a stage actor with plenty of experience in front of the public.
As a guest he tends to not play around much in order to disrupt the work of the guests. That however changes whenever he’s around close friends of his.
Fans can expect him to always be calm – even when he is joking around – giving the impression that he is really serious when, given everything written above, he’s not quite like that.
Some of the variety shows he has guested or hosted in the past couple of years include:
Abe Atsushi no Seiyuu Hyakkaten (2011 -)
Easily one of the longest-running talk shows hosted by seiyuu is Abe Atsushi no Seiyuu Hyakkaten (阿部敦の声優百貨店).
The talk show brings fellow seiyuu to talk about their work, behind-the-scenes tidbits as well as their passions. The show is broadcast monthly since 2011.
Takuya Sato’s Yujo Sentai Yobunja (2017)
In 2017, Atsushi Abe was invited to Takuya Sato‘s sentai variety show “Takuya Sato’s Yujo Sentai Yobunja“. This is a special variety show in which host and guests get to experience what it is to be a hero.
Abe guested on the second volume of “Yobuja”.
IDOLiSH7 Fan Thanksgiving vol.3 “Kimi to motto motto, ai o kataranaito!” (2018)
Abe participated in 2 out of the 3 fan meeting events held by the IDOLiSH7 franchise in 2018.
Abe participated in two out of the three IDOLiSH7 fan meetings held in 2018 – IDOLiSH7 Fan Thanksgiving vol.3 “Kimi to motto motto, ai o kataranaito!” – that counted with the presence of Yusuke Shirai, Toshiki Masuda, Kensho Ono, and Soma Saito.
Kensho Ono no Ononomi (2018)
In October 2018, Abe guested, alongside fellow seiyuu Toshiki Masuda, on Kensho Ono‘s beer-powered talk show, “Kensho Ono no Ononomi“.
Seiyuu Bowling Grandprix 3 (2019)
In 2019, Atsushi Abe, Tsubasa Yonaga, Takuya Sato and Kento Hama (all represented by Ken Production) teamed up for the 3rd installment of the variety show Seiyuu Bowling Grandprix.
This is a unique bowling tournament that counts with punishments, skill challenges, and free talk corners.
Atsushi Abe & KENN no Kyo wa Benken desu!! (2020)
In 2020, Abe teamed up with fellow seiyuu, IDOLiSH7 and MEZZO member, KENN for a trip to Hokkaido.
阿部敦とKENNの今日はべっけんです!! (Abe Atsushi & KENN no Kyo wa Benken desu!!) was released on DVD in 2020, including footage of their winter trip to Hokkaido to enjoy the snow, its delicacies as well as other activities.
IDOLiSH7 5th Anniversary Event “/BEGINNING NEXT” (2021)
In 2021, Atsushi Abe participated in IDOLiSH7 5th Anniversary Event “/BEGINNING NEXT”, special event held to celebrate the IDOLiSH7 franchise’s 5th anniversary.
The event featured talk, games, and then a live part (with ZOOL’s performances).
Facts
Close friends with Tsubasa Yonaga, Takuya Sato and Nobuhiko Okamoto
While attending Tokyo Announcement Academy, Abe became friends with Tsubasa Yonaga and Takuya Sato.
The 3 of them would end up joining KEN PRODUCTION after passing its entrance audition and since then have been guesting on each other’s shows, often working together and hanging out outside of work.
He’s also pretty close to Nobuhiko Okamoto, with both mentioning each other quite frequently on their blogs and/or social media accounts.
Plays piano
Atsushi Abe has been playing the piano for years however he doesn’t consider himself to be a good piano player.
Fans would beg to differ after Abe impressed everyone on piano for IDOLiSH7’s “Sakura Message” back in 2018 at IDOLiSH7 Road to Infinity.
Admires Kikuko Inoue
It is well-known among Abe’s fans that he is a big admirer of Kikuko Inoue’s work as a voice actress.
In an interview, Abe mentioned that one of the reasons he admires her work is because he is the eldest son and always longed for an older sister, something he found in Inoue (being well known for playing older sister roles even now that she is well into her 50’s).
Fast and long sleeper
Abe mentioned in an interview for Prince Animage 2014 Spring that he is the type of person that falls asleep really fast and, at times, he can go for as long as 3 days straight sleeping.
The latter is a unique story. Abe went into detail about it saying that when he woke up, he didn’t even know what day it was given how exhausted he had been prior to that.
With this, we wrap up another Seiyuu Digest. In the meantime, don’t forget to check past Seiyuu Digests (some of those recently updated) – HERE.
