Seiyuu Digest #9 – Ryohei Kimura

Ryohei Kimura is one of those seiyuu that does not need an introduction taking into account how many years he’s been in the seiyuu industry, how respected he is and how, time after time, he manages to impress everyone with his performances.

Ryohei Kimura

KANJI: 木村良平

BORN: July 30, 1984

OCCUPATION: seiyuu, actor, variety host, singer

HEIGHT: 170cm

A note, this article was written in 2015 and currently undergoing a deep update.

Some information below may be dated or not updated.

Seiyuu

Kimura is a multi-talented seiyuu that already has lots of experience under his belt given the thought that he’s been working as a seiyuu since he was 12 years old, so he’s been in the industry long enough to be considered one of the top ones.

Being a child seiyuu has also allowed him to get to know other famous seiyuu like Mamoru Miyano and Miyu Irino that work(ed) in the same company.

Kimura is a child actor that debuted at the early age of 10 and since then, little by little, he’s been steadily building his career in every department in the entertainment business.

Having his first role in 1996 in the anime Taihoshichauzo (You’re Under Arrest) as Shungi, a supporting role but nonetheless a good start for him.

It was only in 2007 that Kimura had his first leading role in the sports anime Big Windup! as Shintarou Nishihiro, focusing the attention on himself.

Since then he started to get more and more roles in anime, and also got the chance to work alongside legends in the industry such as Kazuhiko Inoue in Natsume Yuujinchou as Satoru Nishimaru.

In this anime, he also had the opportunity to work with the talented and famous seiyuu Hiroshi Kamiya, Hisayoshi Suganuma and also with an amazing seiyuu, that unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition that he deserves, Kazuma Horie. 

In 2009 Kimura was playing the character Takizawa Akira in the anime Eden of the East. We can say that 2012 was the golden year for him, not only he was in the anime Kuroko no Basket as Ryota Kise, one of his most popular characters.

As if was not enough, he also won the award of Best Supporting Role in 2012, with his character L-Elf in Kakumeiki Valvrave.

Another important role was, in the same year, in Magi The Labyrinth of Magic as Judal, the series antagonist that has also turned into one of the most famous characters done by the seiyuu.

I mean we can pretty much say for sure that these three characters are the most known ones to everyone. 2013 was also a year that brought to the fans more of his roles in RDG (Red Data Girl) as Sota Masumi or the second season of Valvrave as, once again, L-Elf, or be it for Silver Spoon as Yugo Hachiken or lastly as Ato Touji in Tokyo Ravens.

We can really notice that after he won that award, he became even more active in the seiyuu business, making appearances in almost every anime that was worth mentioning with characters also worth mentioning.

Last and this year, were also good for Kimura. He was in two of the “big” and famous anime, Psycho-pass, both the extended edition of the 1st season as Kozuki Ryogo, in the 2nd season as the antagonist Kamui Kirito and in Kuroshitsuji Book of Circus as Charles Gray.

This year Kimura is still playing Ryota Kise in the 3rd season of Kuroko no Basket and is also scheduled to be in the second season of the famous game series, Diabolik Lovers more, blood in which Kimura plays Mukami Kou (like he does in the games).

As if being in anime was not enough for him to showcase his skills, Kimura has participated in the Narnia series Japanese dub as Peter Pevensie.

Awards

In 2011, Ryohei Kimura won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 6th Seiyuu Awards. He won the award due to his acting as Kuga Aki in Kamisama Dolls, Kodaka Hasegawa in Haganai and Satoru Nishimura in Natsume Yujinchou San.

He shared the award with fellow Himawari Gekidan talent, Mamoru Miyano.

Acting

In comparison with other male seiyuu talents from or currently at Himawari Gekidan (Miyu Irino, Mamoru Miyano, Toshiyuki Toyonaga – former -, Yuto Uemura and Kouki Uchiyama), Ryohei Kimura does not have many acting talents.

Still, he does have some acting credits to his name. Below are some of the series or movies he acted in:

Rikisha (2018)

In 2018, Kimura was cast in Rikisha 3, an independent movie directed by Yuichi Abe (Ultraman, Prince of Tennis live-action movies) and starred by fellow seiyuu and actor Tomokazu Seki.

Kimura appeared in the 3rd short movie with a supporting role as one of the customers to the rickshaw business.

Games

It is safe to say that Ryohei Kimura is one of the most sought-after seiyuu when it comes to voicing characters in otome games. He’s a household name for Otomate as well as Rejet, having participated in plenty of both label’s projects.

His first role in games was in 2005 titled NANA and his character was Shinichi Okazuki.

In the otome games department, he had to wait a little more to get the main role, it was only in 2012 with Under the Night in-birth as Hyde, that he saw that dream come true.

A year later he was part of the luxurious main cast, with many famous names, like Midorikawa Hikaru, Toriumi Kousuke, Kondo Takashi of the currently famous series second game, Diabolik Lovers more, blood as Mukami Kou. 

Last year he was also in the famous game series Dynamic Chord feat. [rêve parfait] as Tsumugi Momose.

Every single role he plays is a case to say that you’ll be impressed. Regardless of the game’s popularity or if he’s voicing a main or supporting character, Kimura always gives his all, standing out with ease.

I mean we’re talking about Ryohei Kimura, the child actor that is considered the senpai of most of the legends in the seiyuu industry because of his long career despite his age.

If that wasn’t enough, he’s got the skills to back him up and making the worth of all the fame he has, showing us that the time he’s been in the business wasn’t simply to playing around, but instead gaining experience with all sorts of seiyuu he’s been lucky to work with until now, making him the Kimura that we know today, a seiyuu that never lets us down and just keeps getting better and better with time.

Radio

As if it was not enough been a successful seiyuu with lots of work, he still has time to host radio shows something that, knowing how packed with work he is, is a surprise he does have the time for it.

Seishun wa itsumo sakamichi hasshin is a radio show that’s been airing since 2012 and isn’t showing any signs of ending any time soon.

This radio show was hosted by two seiyuu, Ryohei Kimura and Yoshimasa Hosoya, the main characters in the anime Seishun no Apollon that was the reason for the creation of this show.

Takuya Eguchi, Ryohei Kimura and Yonaga Tsubasa Kira Kira☆Beat

Back in 2011, Eguchi’s first big radio show, and one in which he was a host, was none other than Kira Kira Beat, a radio show that brings laughter to its listeners and even to the hosts Eguchi, Ryohei and Yonaga for the three have a natural chemistry that makes their show all the more interesting and relevant.

In 2012, the show changed its name as TRIGNAL was formed, and therefore and up until now its name is Trignal no Kira Kira Beat R. The radio show is the place for all kinds of hijinks and shenanigans, with all 3 members showing amazing chemistry throughout.

In one of the episodes, Ryohei gave nicknames to the other members, all because

This is the radio show in which Kimura goes wild with his roasting of group mates Takuya Eguchi and Tsubasa Yonaga.

Some of the best moments in this radio show include Kimura making fun of Eguchi’s quirk of saying “Eguchi tekini” (expression akin to “In my opinion”), with Ryohei calling him “Straw” (due to his height, 1,87cm) and that, from that point on, he’d have to say “Straw tekini” (“as a straw I think…”) something that rendered everyone to tears.

Or even calling Yonaga “Cocktail-kun” and calling himself “boss”.

From commenting on the daily affairs and adventures all members go through to making fun of Eguchi’s ambition to have a six-pack by only exercising once per month, Kimura is always one step ahead for any clever puns and quips that will render listeners and fellow group mates to tears.

Music

TRIGNAL (2012 -)

Kimura‘s first steps in the music industry came by way of a seiyuu unit.

He debuted as part of TRIGNAL in 2012, joining fellow seiyuu Takuya Eguchi and Tsubasa Yonaga.

Back when the unit had just debuted one could not really say their performance was comfortable and that they lacked experience both at singing as a unit but as individuals.

With that being said it took them a while to achieve that landmark. “so funny” was the first evidence we got that TRIGNAL had finally begun to show their hard work towards the quality that they exude now, be it in CD or live performance context.

TRIGNAL showed a lot of improvement in that CD, with Kimura experimenting with lyrics writing and the end result was? “Naughty“, one of the group’s best songs to date.

Although the seiyuu has mentioned that he enjoys listening to upbeat pop songs it was quite surprising to see him take on a more rock track, in fact, that was the first time TRIGNAL featured a rock song in their repertoire.

In fact, that album was a turning point for all the members, as aforementioned, it was the first time they began to noticeably improve their skills.

If there is a song that is iconic is “mission” with Kimura started to impress with his improved singing skills. His raspy, mellow mid-tones were in the spotlight and fans were in love.

Back in 2017, TRIGNAL and Okamoto collaborated in “光を／TIC TAC ANNIVERSARY” and with the release, they adopted the name of “Nobunagal” as a sign of the conjoint release.

This stellar collaboration was far from being disappointing, on the contrary, not only did everyone get mesmerized with the outcome but also surprised by the pleasant aftermath.

Such was the popularity of this sub-unit, so to say, that they had a joint tour and released a DVD from their live performance, “Kiramune Presents Okamoto Nobuhiko ×Trignal JOINT LIVE 2017 “Nobunagal”.

For the fans, Kiramune’s announcement regarding TRIGNAL‘s live performance at the end of 2018 was beyond the expectation of many, but sure enough, the fact that the unit got to have a broadcast of MTV LIVE: Trignal 5th Anniversary Live “SMILE PARTY” – a digest of the performances of the two days – was a moment to rejoice as there are few units and/or seiyuu that sing that have been featured on MTV Live.

So far, TRIGNAL has released Party, Summer Magic, so funny, One step forward, Plus, Update A Day, 光を/Tic Tac Anniversary, Back to Basic, Tricolore, and Message from LIVE!!.

Procellarum (2012 -)

In 2012, Ryohei Kimura was announced alongside Tetsuya Kakihara, Shouta Aoi, Wataru Hatano, Takashi Kondo, Kensho Ono, as part of Tsukino Production’s pop unit, Procellarum.

So far the group has released 2 singles:

• ONE CHANCE? (2015)
• LOLV -Lots of Love- (included in the Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION Theme Song CD)

The best of albums Shirotsuki (2016) and Kuro Mochizuki (2019) featured group and solo songs.

Procellarum released a new single in June 2020 titled White Sparks.

As Shun Shimotsuki, the male representative for the month of November and leader of Procellarum, Kimura got to perform 5 solo singles:

• Icicle (2013)
• Monochrome sky (2015)
• albion ~Futari Dake no Shiro~ (2017)
• Cry for ××× (2021)
• Aya wo Ushinau (2021)

As well as 2 duets with Fuduki Kai (CV: Wataru Hatano) – Kimi ni Hana wo, Kimi ni Hoshi wo and Celestite (2014).

rêve parfait (2014 -)

In the Dynamic Chord franchise, rêve parfait is one of the four bands and some would say its representative band.

In the franchise’s universe, rêve parfait is a rookie punk-rock/pop-rock band consisting of four high school boys including Takuya Eguchi (vocal), Ryohei Kimura, Kousuke Toriumi, and Yuya Hirose.

When it comes to the band itself, the only member actually featured in the songs is Eguchi as he plays the vocalist.

rêve parfait is perhaps the band in the franchise with the most experimental or should one say eclectic sound.

The first tracks released by the band were different from one another yet, at the same time, strangely similar. 

Judgment was featured in the game as the opening music, while KOI was the ending theme for the game. Similarly, CHECK MATE TONIGHT was featured in the V edition of the game.

One of the aspects that captivated the fans of this band is its indie roots and the fact that just as the band has yet to debut (early on in the games) thus, their songs have an indie feel.

rêve parfait so far has released several singles, such as “Christmas Carol”, “CHECK ☆ MATE ☆ TONIGHT“, “P.S .I HATE YOU♡XXX” and “Accidental date”.

In 2021, and after a long hiatus, rêve parfait released a new single 黒髪リフレックス (Kurokami Reflex).

Tenjyou Tenge (2015 -)

Tenjyou Tenge debuted in 2015, part of I-Chu‘s vast unit lineup. The quartet consisting of Soma Saito, Yuki Ono, Kei Minegishi, and Ryohei Kimura is known for its traditional Japanese songs with poetic lyrics.

In this experienced lineup, Kimura plays a comfortable role with his growly, slightly raspy mid-tones being the benchmark for the rest of the members in the group.

His voice tone fits genuinely well with the group’s traditional sound.

HE★VENS (2015 -)

Although HE★VENS was originally introduced to fans of the Uta no Prince-sama franchise in 2013, Kimura only joined the group’s lineup – that extended from a core 3 member group to a 7 member group – back in 2015.

“Heavens Gate” was all the rave in 2013, being even more popular than the songs sung by HE★VENS that year. The powerful sound and consistency in the vocals proved to be a winning combination.

When 4 new members joined the group that song was reworked thus leading to one of the most imposing songs in the franchise.

Ryohei Kimura joined the group as Yamato Hyuga, a passionate member and one of the group’s hidden weapons on the vocal end.

HE★VENS are known for their trademark powerful and dramatic sound, with “Fumetsu no Inferno” being the best example of what this group is able to do if they are completely in sync.

“HE★VENLY PARADE” might have been a bit lackluster due to weird pairings as well as overcrowded vocal sections, but for a group that hadn’t had enough songs out, it was hard to figure out a balance and where each vocal tone best would fit well.

The group managed to improve time after time, always raising the bar with exciting and grandiose performances.

HEAVEN SKY, single released in 2017, took the group back to their quality theatrical and powerful sound also bringing to the table vast improvements on the vocal end.

In the same year, HE★VENS made their stage debut at Uta no☆Prince-sama Maji LoveLive 6th Stage and completely stole the spotlight to them with passionate performances and impressive chemistry and teamwork.

Dear Vocalist: A’ (2016 -)

In 2016, Kimura joined the cast of Dear Vocalist, drama + music CD series created by Rejet.

He voices A’ (read: A dash), NSFW’s vocalist known to be eccentric and quite airheaded. With music composed by R.O.N, A’’s songs count with heavy electronica driven sound, at times flirting with rock and a bit of jazz.

His music is intense and definitely made for the dancefloor. Most of the song titles are onomatopoeias with innuendos or, hinting at his child-like personality.

Although most of A”s repertoire is danceable, as of late – in the Evolve and Raving Beats CD series – he started to show a different side, with his sound mellowing out to a more romantic and loungy twist to the electronica.

So far Kimura has performed for 5 singles – all part of the respective 5 drama CDs released up until now –, 1 Best of album and 1 full-length album “Mirai e“, released in 2021.

Kimura performed live for the first time as A’ on CR69Fes.2018「Dead or Alive」, Dear Vocalist‘s first-ever live show held at Akasaka Blitz in Tokyo on 30/09/2018.

For this live, he performed the songs まさかのMassacre! (Masaka no Massacre!), and KKK→E.

Sylphy (2019 -)

In 2018, Kimura joined the cast of Kaikan Phrase CLIMAX -NEXT GENERATION-, game project developed by GMO and in the same universe as the popular manga Kaikan ♥ Phrase.

He’s part of Sylphy, band that consists of Ryohei Kimura, Yuma Uchida, and Jun Kasama.

NOISE NOVA (2020 -)

In 2020, Ryohei Kimura joined the PERFECTION NOISE franchise as NOISE NOVA‘s leader and sub-vocal, Chisato Kurumiya.

The group counts as well with Shoya Chiba and Soma Saito (sharing the main vocal and center duties), Ryohei Kimura and Kaito Ishikawa.

NOISE NOVA is dubbed as a “dance and vocal unit“ well versed in EDM, rock, hip-hop and ballads.

The group has a double-center formation that takes advantage of the faces of the group and powerful vocalists, Narumi (Shoya Chiba) and Sena (Soma Saito).

In 2020, the franchise counted with 1 single release “True Place” as well as 4 solo CDs (one for each character).

Kimura’s character and NOISE NOVA’s leader Chisato Kurumiya participated in the 4th solo CD in the franchise “PERFECTION NOISE Vol.4 Chisato Kurumiya“.

He performed “Achromatic“, song with a dreamy, distant, summery vibe. The song counts with a deep, ethereal soundscape crafted by atmospheric synths, pulsing bassline, and delicate percussion hits.

Ryohei Kimura brought the sweetness in his raspy voice to the table, adding a lot of emotion to his performance, conveying Kurumiya’s thoughts and emotions with care.

In 2021, the PERFECTION NOISE franchise released its first compilation/soundtrack album titled “PERFECTION NOISE Original Soundtrack“.

Lil Happy (2021 -)

In 2021, Ryohei Kimura joined the cast of the ambitious acappella mixed-media project, aoppella?!.

aoppella!? is KLab’s latest original multimedia music project built on the themes of “youth”  and “a cappella”!

The project counts with 2 groups specialized in performing acappella music and representing 2 fictional schools: Otowa Public High School (Lil Happy) and Kanadezaka Private High School (FYA’M’).

The 2 groups: Lil Happy and FYA’M’ have completely different approaches to acappella music, counting with unique lineups. 

Kimura voices Hajime Suzumiya, the member in charge of the 2nd part in Lil Happy.

Since Lil Happy’s debut, they’ve covered “Pretender” by Official HIGE DANdism, impressing everyone with their happy-go-lucky, bright, and ethereal performances.

After releasing that cover, the aoppella?! franchise released its first CD. “aoppella?!” was released in May 2021, counting with Lil Happy’s 1st original song “Playlist“.

For that song, Kimura took over the reins of the group’s performance – without being the lead. He drove the song forward right from the start, he’s always in the backup supporting all singers, when goes in front he’s always ready with a stunning note or melody.

He showed a lot of confidence throughout and showcased a massive vocal range. It’s difficult not to have your ears all over his performance because he is everywhere in this song.

In July 2021, Lil Happy released a new cover video, this time around covering DISH‘s 猫 (Neko).

In September 2021, the aoppella?! franchise releases its 2nd CD. The album is going to include a new song by Lil Happy titled キセキノウタ (Kiseki no Uta).

Variety

Magi events (2013)

Every single event of the Magi series was a complete chaos, with even the first cast presentation event (from the gif above) being a bundle of fun.

In 2013, during the Magi Kouyasai Maharagan event the impossible happened.

The audience and seiyuu themselves were in tears with all the crazy shenanigans going on.

From sabotaging/improvising a live reading part in the event to the crazy games played on stage even to the pitching of original djins, Kimura was on top of the action, contributing to all the craziness going on.

That event is still regarded as one of the most hilarious ever, with all cast acting like they were on a sugar high.

Oreiya (2016)

In 2016, Ryohei Kimura was a guest on Takuya Eguchi and Koutaro Nishiyama’s Oreiya.

This variety show’s concept comprises their traveling to unknown places to discover different ways to relax and have some healing time.

The trio visited Taiwan for a special healing trip in which they went sightseeing, tasted traditional Taiwanese food, and purchased gifts for the show’s narrator and Kimura’s close friend, Soma Saito.

Jinro Battle (2018)

In 2018, Ryohei Kimura participated in Marine Entertainment’s Jinro Battle variety game series. Kimura put to test his acting as well as his observation skills in Jinro VS Ouji (2018).

Morikawa Toshiyuki happy-bo-lucky Spin Off (2018)

In 2018, Kimura joined Toshiyuki Toyonaga and Tsubasa Yonaga on Toshiyuki Morikawa’s non-scripted variety show, Morikawa Toshiyuki happy-bo-lucky Spin Off.

Okamotoravel – Nanbei Toshikoshi Dangan Tour Ko Hen – (2018)

Nobuhiko Okamoto (the show’s host), Ryohei Kimura, Kensho Ono, and Takuya Eguchi visited South America in 2017 for the travel show Okamotoravel.

The quartet visited Machu Pichu (Peru) and Uyuni (Bolivia).

https://twitter.com/okamotoravel/status/995589526180507649

Kimura Ryohei’s Kimuraism (2018 – )

In 2018, Ryohei Kimura kicked off his own variety show, Kimura Ryohei’s Kimuraism.

For this show, Kimura invites 2 seiyuu and all explored “adult hobbies” such as photography, golf, bouldering, wearing suits, photography, taking dogs for a walk, playing with airguns, and drink wine.

Tabitomo (2019)

In 2019, Ryohei Kimura joined Nobuhiko Okamoto as a guest on Kensho Ono’s variety show, Tabitomo (9th DVD).

The trio went to Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture where they had several missions related to Nagoya’s culture as well as taste traditional food and drinks.

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With this we end this Seiyuu Digest, I hope you like it and really look forward to next month’s edition.