While an extremely talented yet underrated voice actor and narrator, Junta Terashima continuously shows his cards as one of the best singers among male seiyuu.
Junta Terashima
KANJI: 寺島惇太
BORN: August 11, 1988
OCCUPATION: Voice actor, solo artist, narrator
HEIGHT: 1,73m
Junta Terashima was born on August 11, 1988, in Nagano and is currently represented by Kenyu Office Company.
Seiyuu
Prior to making his debut as a seiyuu, Junta Terashima dreamed about becoming a mangaka or illustration however, according to himself, his skills weren’t good so he ended up looking for a different job.
Being passionate about music, Terashima wanted to pursue a career as a musician but that proved to be difficult to happen thus, he decided to embrace another one of his passions, anime, and become a voice actor.
After graduating from the Japan Institute of Engineering, Terashima joined Kenyu office but was not fully affiliated with it. He only became an officially fully affiliated talent at the agency after making his debut in 2009.
He mentioned on Animedia’s Seiyuu file 2018 that he wanted to become a voice actor to be close to a seiyuu he admires. He didn’t specify who.
2009 – 2016
The debut days and trying to make a name for himself
Despite his official debut year, Terashima only made his debut as a voice actor in 2010 with a minor role in the anime series, “COBRA THE ANIMATION”.
2011 would be the year in which he’d get his first supporting role with quite some on-screen time. He was cast as Hyouga Yukimura in the sports anime, Inazuma Eleven Go.
Yukimura is the forward and the ace striker of Hakuren and is best known for being incredibly faithful and fierce. He’s motivated towards his growth, being incredibly serious on the pitch, and giving his all while making sure he doesn’t regret anything.
This was the first time that Terashima voiced a focused and energetic character, something that, later on, would end up becoming a staple of his.
2012 up until 2015 were years in which Terashima got plenty of minor roles in a couple of popular anime series at that time: Diamond no Ace, CØDE:BREAKER, Future Card Buddyfight, Haikyuu!! Second Season, Date a Live, Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu, among many others.
This was a time that was essential for Terashima to get some experience, try different genres and styles of acting, and make sure his name was in the conversation for future projects.
Other anime series in which he has voiced characters during this period of time include:
- Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi (2013)
- RED DATA GIRL (2013)
- Trinity Seven (2014)
- Young Black Jack (2015)
- Ore Monogatari!! (2015)
- Kaitou Joker (2015)
- Doraemon (2015)
- Baby Steps (2015)
- Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road (2015)
2016 –
First leading role, trying to have his big break
Ask Junta Terashima “what is your most memorable role?” and he’ll reply “Shin Ichijou from KING OF PRISM“. This was the big role that put Terashima finally in the spotlight.
Ichijou is an energetic, cheerful, and optimistic young man with an ambitious dream that ends up taking him to Edel Rose, school in which he can become a Prism Star.
This was a role with plenty of time on camera, mixing both voice acting for anime as well as his singing skills as the animated movie King of Prism by Pretty Rhythm mixes both.
He would end up reprising his role as Shin Ichijou in King of Prism: Pride the Hero (2017) and King of Prism: Shiny Seven Stars (2019).
2017 proved to be a good year for Terashima, racking up two main roles in anime.
He was cast as Kouki Nakano in the parody anime series, Animegataris. This was the very first-time Terashima was working on an anime series that is purely a gag in itself.
Still in the same year, he reprised his role as Growth’s calm leader and composer, Mamoru Fujimura in TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION.
He’s kind-hearted and laidback, however, as a composer he showcases a power and emotional range that you’d never expect from him.
This role made it so that those that watched the anime notice his singing skills. For those already familiar with his singing, what he did for this series as part of Growth was enough to stand out and make people curious about him.
Terashima would end up reprising this role in 2021 in TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION 2.
2018 was, in contrast, a weak year. He only got one role as Taiga in the chibi anime series in the IDOLMASTER SideM franchise, The iDOLM@STER SideM: Wake Atte Mini!.
In 2019, Terashima was back to voicing a leading character in an anime series. He was cast as Keiichi Naruse in the BL ONA series, Papa datte, Shitai.
Still in the same year, he was cast as Takumi Kijima in the romance anime series Midara na Ao-chan wa Benkyou ga Dekinai.
This role provided another interesting opportunity for Terashima to showcase his range, with romance being a style of anime he had, up until then, never done before (at least not in a leading role).
2020 kicked off with Terashima reprising his role as Winter Troupe’s Hisoka Mikage in A3! Season Autumn & Winter, anime adaptation of the popular smartphone game, A3!.
In 2021, he was cast as Motoharu Kaburagi in the ONA series, 6 Lovers. The ONA series was released as a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Dear + (BL magazine).
Still in the same year, Terashima was cast in BORUTO.
2022 kicked off pretty quietly with roles in anime series such as Kenja no Deshi wo Nanoru Kenja and Tribe Nine.
It was announced in 2022 that Paradox Live is going to get an anime adaptation – Paradox Live THE ANIMATION. Terashima is going to reprise his role as The Cat’s Whiskers’ Shiki Andou.
Other anime series in which he has voiced characters during this period of time include:
- orange (2016)
- DAYS (2016)
- Drifters (2016)
- Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (2016)
- IDOLMASTER SideM (2017)
- Kono Oto Tomare! (2019)
- Haikyuu!! To the Top (2020)
- Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga (2020)
Radio
Terashima has a couple of credits in radio shows. He started to be active in this field around 2016 when he teamed up with fellow seiyuu Yuto Suzuki and Kento Hama in “Oshaberi yatte massu N puri“.
After that, he managed to host and co-host several radio shows. Let’s talk about some of those shows:
KING OF PRISM Radio 〜Secret Rose Time〜 (2016 – 2017)
In 2016, and following his first-ever leading role in anime, Junta Terashima started co-hosting the radio show KING OF PRISM Radio 〜Secret Rose Time〜.
Alongside Tasuku Hatanaka, Terashima interviewed members of the cast, talked about the episodes that were airing, talk about the behind-the-scenes of the recordings, and more.
Inugoya Channel (2016 – 2017)
In 2016, Junta Terashima teamed up with his friend and Growth’s (TSUKIPRO) composer, Akira Takizawa. Under the concept of “dog”, the duo co-hosted Inugoya Channel.
The radio show was at the core of why Terashima and Takizawara teamed up as the unit, WAOOON.
IDOLMASTER SideM Radio 315Night! (2017)
Alongside fellow THE kogadou‘s members Daiki Hamano and Shohei Komatsu, Terashima hosted the radio show IDOLMASTER SideM Radio 315Night! in 2017.
For this show, the trio invited members of the franchise’s cast for an entertaining show filled with a great, warm vibe, fun corners, and a lot of crazy shenanigans.
Kanmidokoro waraji (2017)
Junta Terashima was then invited to co-host the radio show “Kanmidokoro waraji” (甘味処わらじ).
Alongside Kengo Kawanishi, Terashima talks about games – from analog to digital – that he wants to play or has played. Listeners are invited to share their impressions of the video games they are playing.
Shirai Yusuke and Terashima Junta BOYS BAR［S］ (2017 -)
Yusuke Shirai and Junta Terashima teamed up in 2017 for the radio show “Shirai Yusuke and Terashima Junta BOYS BAR［S］“.
The concept behind this show is that Shirai and Terashima are sales clerks working at a butler cafe “S”. There they take in requests from the listeners and help them feel better.
The show has been running since 2017 and is currently one of the longest-running radio shows Terashima has co-hosted.
Terashima Junta no Utagoe Kissa (2018 -)
In 2018, Junta Terashima started to host his own radio show 寺島惇太の歌声喫茶 (Terashima Junta no Utagoe Kissa).
For this radio show, Terashima talks about the things he loves – there is a lot of talk about rock music -, shares stories about his daily happens and answers the listener’s questions.
Other radio shows he’s guested/hosted/co-hosted include:
- Anidol Colors radio (2017)
- ComicFesta Radio Papa Datte, Kasei Otto Datte, Radio shitai (2019)
- Terashima Junta to Misawa Sachika no Shousetsuka ni narou navi (2019)
- Terashima Junta no Daitai Event Zennya (2019)
- THE IDOLM@STER MUSIC ON THE RADIO (2020)
Games
Fans can come across Junta Terashima voicing characters in otome, action, rhythm, music, and strategy/RPG games.
He goes from voicing quiet characters to energetic ones with a cocky demeanor, showcasing a lot of his acting skills and emotional range.
His first credit in video games was in 2011 in Inazuma Eleven Go as Hyoga Yukimura. Another highlight is the game adaptation of King Of Prism – King of Prism: Prism Rush! Live – in which Terashima reprised his role as Shin Ichijo.
He’s lent voice to a couple of iconic characters such as:
Hisoka Mikage in A3! (2017 -)
In 2017, Terashima was cast as Hisoka Mikage in the popular smartphone game A3!. Mikage is a quiet and mysterious character in the franchise, having no recollection of his memories prior to joining MANKAI Company.
Soon after joining the theatre troupe, others noticed that he’s a really good actor and better yet, he’s got smooth and quick movement on stage, perfect for musicals or even action-packed scenes.
Takeru Taiga in THE IDOLM@STER SideM (2015 -) and SideM LIVE ON ST@GE! (2017 -)
In 2015, Junta Terashima joined the cast of the popular idol franchise, THE IDOLM@STER SideM.
The game, of the same name, was released in 2017 and mixed elements of music, story (incredibly toned down), and idol nurturing/farming.
He voices Takeru Taiga, THE kogadou’s leader, a former boxer turned idol. Becoming an idol for him was a good way to start looking for his estranged siblings.
Despite being mature, fellow THE kogadou member Ren Kizaki’s teasing ends up getting the better of him, ending up with him fighting or bickering with him as if both were kids.
Fumiya Sugiura in JUDGE EYES/JUDGMENT (2018 -)
In 2018, Junta Terashima was cast as Fumiya Sugiura in the new game series in the Yakuza games franchise: JUDGE EYES (or JUDGMENT as it is best known internationally).
Fumiya Sugiura is a former thief turned investigator. He’s incredibly cocky yet determined, with his devious nature often putting himself in the most dangerous situations in order to get what he wants.
He also voiced characters in the following games (the list is not exhaustive):
- Bungou to Alchemist (2016),
- Atelier Firis (2016),
- Anidol Colors (2017),
- CARAVAN STORIES (2017),
- Tsukino Paradise (2017),
- IDOL FANTASY (2018),
- I★Chu (2018),
- Op8♪ (2019),
- Choice×Darling (2019),
- Monster Strike (2019),
- Wind Boys! (2021),
between many more.
Acting
Although Junta Terashima is a voice actor and singer through and through, he does actually have 1 credit as an actor.
Bokukoe 2 (2019)
Bokukoe premiered its 2nd season in January 2019.
Junta Terashima made his debut as an actor for this series, joining the cast for two different skits: 我が青春のクサリ荘 (Youth’s Chains) featuring Takahiro Sakurai, Kenichi Suzumura, Anri Katsu Kenjiro Tsuda, and Takuya Sato.
He also joined the cast for the skit 携帯男機 (Keitai otoko-ki) featuring Genki Okawa, Shunichi Toki, Yuya Hozumi, Minoru Shiraishi, Takeaki Masuyama, Yoshiki Murakami, and narration by Show Hayami.
Narration / Dubbing
Narration and dubbing are, alongside music, the fields in which Junta Terashima is the most active.
With his calm baritone voice, these are two fields perfect for him and thankfully he’s been given those opportunities to shine with his skills.
He’s got over 40 dubbing credits alone and has picked up a couple of narration gigs so far, including a promotional video for Saitama’s prefectural elections.
Some of the foreign movies/TV series he’s dubbed characters to Japanese include:
- AWAY & BACK
- Gang in New York
- BONES
- GOTHAM
- Minority Report
- Teen Wolf
- Agents of Shield
- Mentalist
- Once Upon a Time
- Misfits
Drama CDs
When it comes to drama CDs, Junta Terashima has a couple of credits in otome drama CDs but he’s quite active in BL. Most of the “regular” or “otome” drama CDs he’s voiced characters include:
- ALIVE Series (as a member of Growth),
- Paradox Live (as a member of The Cat’s Whiskers),
- Bremen -Departure-,
- Bremen vol.1 Kanato,
- ENLIGHTRIBE Series (as a member of ESMERALDA).
While his endeavors in the BL industry are still few, Terashima has been co-starring in BL drama CDs alongside the big names currently active: Makoto Furukawa, Tarusuke Shingaki, Masahiro Yamanaka, omoaki Maeno, Toshiki Masuda, Yusuke Shirai, Atsushi Tamaru, between many more.
Some of the BL drama CDs he’s voiced characters include:
- Aiken Honey,
- Sekaiichi hatsukoi 〜 Animate no baai 〜,
- Koi to sei to mahou no sayou,
- Scratch blue,
- Suki ni nanka natte tamaru ka,
- Watashi no shiranai karera no himitsu 3,
- Anata no Anna wa boku no mono,
- Caligula no Koi,
between many more.
Music
Most fans will know Junta Terashima for his singing skills more than for his voice acting skills. And that is because he was given the opportunity to shine more times for 2D music projects.
He’s a reliable singer with a rich baritone range and a really good ear that enables him to riff, and harmonize, basically making any song his.
Although extremely underrated and not as flashy as other seiyuu singers/artists, Junta Terashima is up there with the most skilled singers among male seiyuu.
In the music industry, Junta Terashima has been active as part of units, and 2D music projects as well as a solo artist. Let’s talk a bit about these.
WAOOON/JOHN & JUNTA (2017 – ?)
WAOOON debuted in 2017 with the single “ONE CALL“. The duo consisted of Akira Takizawa (John Zeroness) and Junta Terashima.
The songs on this single were featured as the opening and ending themes for the radio show “Inugoya Channel”.
The unit was active for one year and given how long it has been and the lack of confirmation, it is implied that the group is no longer active.
Solo career (2019 -)
2019 would end up being the year in which Junta Terashima would finally get his shot at becoming a solo artist.
He made his debut under Feel Mee with the mini-album “29+1 -MISo-“.
Terashima not only performed the songs in the album but also wrote lyrics and composed the song “actor(s)“.
The mini-album was well received, with fans taking it to #18 on Oricon’s Weekly Albums chart (4,254 copies sold).
Still in the same year, Terashima released his 2nd mini-album “Joy Source“.
The mini-album was the last one released under the Feel Mee music label.
Despite the decreasing interest in his music, “JOY Source” still sold really well, especially considering how he was signed to a minor music label with limited resources to promote him.
“JOY Source” sold 3,198 copies, ranking at #21 on Oricon’s Weekly Albums Chart.
After two years of silence in his solo career, Junta Terashima announced his comeback with the release of a digital single.
HAPPY／イヌとネコ (HAPPY / Inu to Neko) was released in March 2021, arriving with an improved sound and with Terashima signed to a different music label (still under the Nippon Columbia umbrella): Dreamusic.
Later in the same year, Junta Terashima released the 3rd mini-album “Soul To“. The CD features “tie”, song with lyrics and composition by Terashima.
He’s best known for being part of the following 2D music groups:
Growth (2015 -)
There is no other group within 2D music projects that has a sound like Growth.
This is one of the most unique – in terms of both sound and chemistry – groups out there, always delivering top-tier, insanely technical performances on stage.
Growth is a group para of ALIVE in the TSUKIPRO franchise. The group is signed to the fictional idol talent agency Tsukino Production.
The group debuted in 2015, joining SOARA on the ALIVE side of the franchise.
The quartet consists of leader Mamoru Fujimura (CV: Junta Terashima), Koki Eto (CV: Shunichi Toki), Kensuke Yaegashi (CV: Yoshitaka Yamaya, and Ryota Sakuraba (CV: Daiki Yamashita).
The group has songs by Akira Takizawa (John Zeroness) and is best known for its cinematic sound that lends a lot of elements from Irish folk music.
As a result, their sound is adventurous, and fantasy-inspired sound, with genuinely technical vocal parts as the members are required to sing in a lyrical way.
Growth showcases not only one of the most unique sounds in the 2.5D idol market but also some of the richest and most entertaining performances fans can enjoy from TSUKIPRO‘s units.
Since its debut, Growth has been the most challenging group on the vocal end, always with a sound that is epic and intense while with a surprising delicate twist underneath.
Packed with powerful vocals, this unit is also known for its 100% synced choruses and flawless harmonizations that will bring chills down your spine.
“Mahou no Kizuna” song released in October 2017 and featured as one of the 4 opening themes for TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION, is regarded by their fans as Growth‘s best song.
The group has participated in all CD series in the franchise. Those include:
- ALIVE Side:G Series (ALIVE Side:G Vol.1, ALIVE Side:G Vol.2, ALIVE Side:G Vol.3, ALIVE Side:G Vol.4)
- KACHOFUGETSU Series (FLOW AWAY, Fushichou no Nebula, CORONA, Moonlight Refrain)
- Unit Song Series (STAR SAIL)
- TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION Theme Song Series (Mahou no Kizuna, one day…, Parallel Lineage, Hidamari ni Saku, Dear Dreamer,)
- RE:START Series (vol.3 Growth and vol.6 Growth)
- CARDS Series (DIAMOND and SPADE)
- TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION 2 Theme Song Series (Jiyuu no Tabiji, Eisei no Sylvis, Wasurekaketa Mono and Best Wishes,)
- Anokoro no Bokura wa
As far as character songs go, Junta Terashima has performed as Mamoru in the following CDs:
- X Lied Series (Vol.4 REN X NOZOMU X MAMORU)
- RE:START Series (vol.1 Koki & Mamoru, vol.5 Kensuke & Mamoru)
- Neo X Lied Series (Vol.4 REN X NOZOMU × MAMORU)
When it comes to the live performances, Growth has performed in several franchise live events. The unit’s live debut was at TSUKIPRO LIVE 2016 in Nakano.
A year later, in 2017, the group performed at A.L.P -ALIVE PARTY 2017 SUMMER-, event specifically featuring ALIVE’s groups: SOARA and Growth.
In 2018 and now following the premiere of the first season of TSUKIPRO THE ANIMATION, the franchise held the big live event TSUKIPRO LIVE 2018 SUMMER CARNIVAL.
And in 2022, after 3 years of no live events for the franchise – due to Covid-19 -, Growth was back on stage at TSUKIPRO LIVE 2022 WINTER CARNIVAL.
THE kogadou (2015 -)
In 2015, Junta Terashima joined the cast of THE IDOLM@STER‘s male version, IDOLM@STER SideM.
He was cast as Takeru Taiga, former professional boxer and member of THE kogadou. Daiki Hamano and Shohei Komatsu complete the lineup for this unit.
The trio is known for its intense sound and fighting/battle themes in both their songs and live performances.
The group tends to be really physical in a live setting, going from mock sparring to flips and cartwheels on stage, usually raising the tension in their songs and, at the same time, managing to impress the audience.
THE kogadou has participated in single series, shuffle releases, collaborations, and anniversary releases, always bringing to the table their passionate performances.
Up until now, the trio has released or participated in the following CDs:
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM ST@RTING LINE-12 THE Kogadou (2016),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM ORIGIN@L PIECES 06 (2017),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM 3rd ANNIVERSARY DISC 03 THE Kogadou & Shinsoku Ikkon & Sai (2018),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM 5th ANNIVERSARY DISC 06 Jupiter & Beit & THE Kogadou (2020),
Although the group had a small cameo in the IDOLM@STER SideM anime, the group ended up not releasing any music for the series.
Aside from these singles, THE kogadou has participated in several cross-unit and solo song projects within the franchise.
So far, the trio participated in several IDOLMASTER SideM live shows:
- 1st STAGE 〜ST@RTING!〜 (2016),
- 2nd STAGE 〜ORIGIN@L STARS〜 (2017),
- 3rd STAGE 〜GLORIOUS ST@GE!〜 (2018),
- 4th LIVE STAGE 〜TRE@SURE GATE〜 (2019),
- 6thLIVE TOUR ～NEXT DESTIN@TION!～ (2021).
They also participated in the fan meeting tours:
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM GREETING TOUR 2017 ～BEYOND THE DREAM～ (2017),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM’s Five-St@r Party!! (2018),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM PRODUCER MEETING 315 SP@RKLING TIME WITH ALL!!! (2019),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM PRODUCER MEETING WELCOME TO PLEASURE 315 G＠RDEN!!! (2021),
- THE IDOLM@STER SideM PRODUCER MEETING 315 BE@T OF PASSION FESTIVAL!!! (2022).
A3! Winter Troupe (2017 -)
Junta Terashima is part of the Winter Troupe. He voices Hisoka Mikage, calm and silent member of the Winter Troupe. His past is one shrouded in mystery as Mikage doesn’t have a recollection of where he lived or what happened to him prior to joining Mankai Company.
The troupe initially consisted of Atsushi Tamaru, Takuya Sato, Junta Terashima, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, and Tetsuya Kakihara but early in 2018, a new member was introduced to each of the 4 troupes, extending the lineups to 6 people. Satoshi Hino joined the Winter Troupe in 2018.
The Winter Troupe has participated in all EP series in the franchise: First (2017), Blooming(2017), VIVID (2018), BRIGHT (2019), and SUNNY (2022).
Terashima has participated in the franchise’s cast events. He attended A3! First Blooming Festival (2018), A3! SECOND Blooming FESTIVAL (2019), A3! THIRD Blooming FESTIVAL (2021) and A3! BLOOMING LIVE 2022.
All events included talk and live performance corners.
7Colors (2017 -)
During the summer of 2017 (July), 7Colors was announced as one of the two new units to debut part of a new smartphone game, “Anidol Colors“.
7Colors, unit consisting of Yuto Suzuki, Taku Yashiro, Junta Terashima, Yoshitaka Yamaya, Yusuke Shirai, Shunichi Toki and Junya Enoki, debuted in September with the single “Ride on☆ 7Dream“.
For this unit, Terashima serves as the strong core for the group with his sweet baritone vocals.
Ride on☆ 7Dream ended up being a trainwreck of a release filled with tacky melodies, overcrowded instrumentalization, and subpar performances that overshadowed the talented vocals within the group, including Terashima‘s.
In 2018, the group released the single “Original Colors“.
Late in 2018, and after the game was renewed for a new season, 7colors released a digital single, “Welcome to Our LAND!”.
Judgement (2017 – 2018)
In 2017, Rejet announced the launch of their first-ever idol game Star Revo.
Junta Terashima was announced as part of the four-piece unit, Judgement, alongside Yuma Uchida, Yusuke Shirai, and Koutaro Nishiyama.
With the end of the distribution for Star Revo, Judgement got to give the last gift to their fans with the release of the popular “One love” in the special Best Of, THE BEST「STAR REVOLUTION」Vol. 2.
E-lements (2018 – 2019)
SQUARE ENIX announced in March 2018 that the company was going to launch their first-ever idol game “IDOL FANTASY“.
Junta Terashima was announced as part of E-LEMENTS, unit consisting of Taku Yashiro, Yuto Uemura, and Yusuke Shirai.
The group performed Dance-Pop / EDM pop music, having released only 1 CD before disbanding alongside the game’s discontinuation in 2019.
The Cat’s Whiskers (2020 -)
The biggest and most hyped project he joined in 2020 was, undoubtedly, PARADOX LIVE.
Alongside Ryota Takeuchi, Yu Hayashi, and Natsuki Hanae, Junta Terashima is part of the lo-fi boom-bap hip-hop team, The Cat’s Whiskers.
The team’s debut song, “MASTER OF MUSIC” was released in 2020 part of the franchise mini-album, Paradox Live Opening Show.
As Shiki Ando, Junta Terashima’s rapping is slow-paced, deliberately gentle something that fits the lo-fi, old-school twist to The Cat’s Whiskers’ hip-hop sound.
As such he tends to sing the melodies for the group, adding a cool and elegant touch to the team’s songs.
The team participated in various stages in the 1st STAGE BATTLE series in the Paradox Live, ending up not getting enough votes to challenge for that top spot in the battle.
Still, “Paradox Live Stage Battle “JUSTICE” (2020) and their song “Faith” left quite the impact.
The nostalgia exuding from it, the bounce and bop in the beat, the delicate, elegant touch of those piano melodies, the lo-fi touch, and the throwback rap style were enough to showcase just how unique the team is.
A couple of months later, the team faced off BAE with the song “4 REAL” in “Paradox Live Stage Battle “PRIDE“.
That classic, 90s east coast, jazz hop sound that was made popular by the awesome Wu-Tang-Clan is here and when reviewing this song, I couldn’t help but fall in love with it as soon as the first beat made its entrance.
That melancholic saxophone adds such a beautiful touch to the song that, along with those jazzy piano melodies and groovy bassline, make the song shine in that release.
Wrapping up the year, the team released “Life Is Beautiful“, one of its best songs. The song was included in “PARADOX LIVE EXHIBITION SHOW”.
The team collaborated as well with Kazuma Mitchell in the song “My Sweetest Love“.
A year later, the team went head-to-head with the soon-to-become winners of the 1st STAGE BATTLE, cozmez.
In “Paradox Live Stage Battle “LOVE“, The Cat’s Whiskers explored the theme “love” in a unique way, putting “longing” in the spotlight.
“Mercy On Me” has a melancholic and, at times, introspective tone about a former lover, and that is performed in such a soft, with Terashima’s vocals shining in this performance.
While it’s quite the loungy tune, the lyrics are quite mature, with innuendos here and there once again showing why the protagonist in those lyrics, longs for that person.
Early in 2021, Junta Terashima participated in the franchise’s 1st live show “Paradox Live Dope Show“.
Later in the same year, he attended the special event Paradox Live 2nd anniversary Fes..
The rest of the year was reserved for best of albums in the franchise: “TRAP” and “LIVE“. Later in the same year, The Cat’s Whiskers’ members participated in the Shuffle Team Show CDs (2 releases).
Welcoming new teams in the franchise, the Paradox Live franchise released a special CD titled “Paradox Live Opening Show-Road to Legend-“.
The team released the cool, summer-inspired tune “Ride Out“.
In May 2022, Hayashi joined The Cat’s Whiskers on stage for its performances at Paradox Live 2nd LIVE DOPE SHOW.
Still in 2022, the group participated in “FATE“, the first entry in the Paradox Live -Road to Legend- CD series.
The group performed “Shooting Arrows“.
The group beat 1Nm8 and advanced to the next stage to face off BAE in “Paradox Live -Road to Legend- Round2 “WILL”“.
The quartet brought “No Matter What” to this battle but that wasn’t enough to beat BAE, the group that advanced to the next stage (and would end up winning the Road To Legend series).
In 2024, the group participated in the franchise’s 3rd album “ANTHEM“. They performed the new song “Get It Back“.
A couple of months later, in May, the franchise held Paradox Live Dope Show 2024.
ESMERALDA (2020 -)
In 2020, Junta Terashima joined the cast of the ambitious full-scale rock x character project by movic (Tsukipro, Tsukiuta, VAZZROCK, etc.), ENLIGHTRIBE.
He joined ESMERALDA (Portuguese word for “Emerald”), a 4-piece rock band that is labeled as an “upper-class band that has everything”.
The cast consists of:
- Vocals – Eiri Futabagi (CV: Junta Terashima)
- Bass – Hiero Kagami (CV: Yusuke Nagano)
- Guitar – Hekiru Houou (CV: Kento Hama)
- Drums – Ramo Toride (CV: Shohei Komatsu)
In a live setting, all members play live instruments, something that makes this project quite unique. Out of all bands in the ENLIGHTRIBE franchise, ESMERALDA is the most popular.
ESMERALDA’s sound is heavy and dramatic, taking heavy inspiration from visual-kei, hardrock and groove metal.
Everything about their sound is technical and intense however with a unique poise and confidence that are striking on a first listen.
For the band’s debut CD “ESMERALDA -THE IGNITION-“, ESMERALDA hit everyone with a powerful rock sound with influences of visual-kei metal and prog-rock.
Their sound made a big impact with hard-hitting drums, technical guitar solos, thunderous basslines and, most of all, unreal vocals by Junta Terashima.
“ENLIGHTRIBE side.ESMERALDA -THE BRILLIANCE-” arrived with a bang, improving a lot upon a sound that was already incredibly powerful and technical.
The CD includes a set of dark, emotional, and violent rock tunes with outstanding compositions by Yuyoyuppe. There is beauty in decadence and both “El Dorado” and “Radiance” showcase that, making chills run down your spine as quickly as they make you headbang along.
In 2022, part of ENLIGHTRIBE’s first character song digital single CD series, Junta Terashima performed as Eiri Futabagi in “Flawless“.
“Flawless” is all about its despair-filled soundscape. Throughout this song, Junta Terashima delivers what is easily one of his best performances.
The emotional range, the poise, and charisma during the performance, not to mention his consistency throughout as he goes for those robust, open vowels in the chorus.
Gambét (2021 -)
In 2021, Junta Terashima joined the cast of GAMDOL, an original mixed-media project that puts on the same stage idols and gambling. The project follows the idol groups Gambét and Raise through voice dramas + music releases.
Character illustrations are by CHIMOTA, script is by Hanan Koi (ARGONAVIS from BanG Dream, FAIRY TAIL, PSYCHO-PASS), and the world-building is by Yanio Nakamura.
Gambét consists of Junta Terashima, Shoya Chiba, Yuki Sakakihara, Jin Ogasawara and Taito Ban.
He voices Sho Mikado, the face and leader of the idol group, Gambét.
In that same year, the group released its debut single “Boku x Kimi Checkmate”.
The single had compositions and lyrics by Honeyworks, featuring an interesting contrast between a sweet and bubbly tone and an aggressive, intense vibe in it.
Terashima showcased his singing and rapping skills in what are two genuinely good debut songs for the group. It was, however, in the song “STAYBACK” that he impressed the most.
From his sweet, clean singing down to his groovy, slick rapping in the verses, he was everywhere in this song.
In 2022, the group is going to release its 2nd single “Tokimekiss LOVE“. The title track has lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Saku (best known as Soma Saito‘s arranger and guitarist).
Bremen (2021 -)
Still in the same year, Terashima joined the cast of Bremen, 2D music + drama CD project by Orangette that follows the adventures of the members of the rock band “Bremen”.
The band is fronted by Kanato Hanajima (CV: Junta Terashima) who’s simultaneously the guitarist, and drummer Kyohei Koga (CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto), bassist Hikari Amamiya (CV: Shoya Chiba), and keyboardist Ritsu Inui (CV: Makoto Furukawa).
The project has drama CDs – group and individual ones – in which Junta Terashima participates.
For the songs, and because Kanato – the character Junta Terashima voices – is the singer, fans will get to experience Terashima’s singing skills in the songs released so far by the band: Awake (2022).
In 2022, the band held its first cast event “Wish me Luck“.
Variety
When it comes to participating in or hosting variety or talk shows, fans can expect Junta Terashima to be a good listener, always make interesting questions (if he is the host), or add a little bit of excitement with his warm, laidback personality shining.
He’s not the type of seiyuu to wreak havoc in his variety/talk show appearances but if need be, he’ll join the shenanigans and put a smile on his fans’ faces.
Compared to other seiyuu from his generation, he’s not as active in variety or talk shows but there are still some really interesting and/or fun appearances of his over the years.
Seiyuu Kenyu Club (2017 -)
In 2017, Junta Terashima teamed up with fellow seiyuu and boss Kenyu Horiuchi to co-host the talk show “Seiyuu Kenyu Club“.
This show’s tone is a bit more serious – feeling really like an interview show more so than a variety or talk show – and, as such, viewers will find seiyuu guests in a calm yet candid demeanor talking about their passions, path in the seiyuu industry and any interesting stories they may have with the hosts.
Banpresto/Prebanlab (2018)
In 2018, Junta Terashima was invited to guest on Prebanlab, talk and variety show hosted by fellow male seiyuu Kenichi Suzumura and Ryota Osaka.
He was invited to talk about THE IDOLM@STER SideM however there was much more than just promoting the franchise.
The episode featured comparisons between Terashima and Suzumura’s laughing faces (and how similar they are), hilarious charades, and an imagination corner in which Osaka took everything seriously and Suzumura and Terashima goofed around.
Seiyuu Hyakunen Shokudo vol.2 (2019)
In 2019, Junta Terashima teamed up with fellow seiyuu and close friend Shunichi Toki for Seiyuu Hyakunen Shokudo vol.2.
The pair visited Odawara, city in which they tried its delicacies as well as traditional food with roots 100 years ago.
GOALOUS5 (2019 -)
In 2019, Junta Terashima teamed up with Kentaro Kumagai, Shugo Nakamura, Shohei Komatsu and Toshinari Fukamachi to create the seiyuu group, GOALOUS5.
Their concept is “that of a dark hero who tries to win the world by using his voice” Additionally, each member dons a different “color”.
The group releases music and has a show that is available on YouTube and Nico Nico.
Terashima Junta Studio (2019 -)
In 2019, Terashima launched his personal YouTube channel, 寺島惇太Studio (Terashima Junta Studio).
In his channel, Terashima talks about games, hangs out with fans, releases song covers and gives the behind-the-scenes into his solo career.
Anidol KIDS TV (2020 -)
In 2020, Junta Terashima started to host the kids’ TV show tied to the 2D music franchise Anidol Colors titled “Anidol KIDS TV“.
Anidol KIDS TV features different animals per episode, explaining in an easy-to-understand manner the knowledge and the mysteries of the animal in question and its ecosystem. It also counts with an “animal quiz” in which kids will be able to put their knowledge to the test.
There is some sense of humor in this show that even adults will enjoy, making it perfect for families to watch.
Facts
Really close to Growth’s members
Usually, seiyuu performing in the same 2D groups are just doing their job, there may be chemistry but friends are usually rare. That’s not the case with Growth’s members.
According to Junta Terashima, the people he calls the most are his friends Shunichi Toki, Daiki Yamashita, and Yoshitaka Yamaya. They bonded in a way that shows in their performances, displaying an unreal level of chemistry and comfort around each other.
Outside of work, the members tend to meet or get in touch often, something that is endearing.
Wanted to become a mangaka
He wanted to work as a mangaka or illustrator, but he gave up because of, according to himself “lack of drawing ability”. He then wanted to pursue a career in music but also didn’t end up going that way.
Was a really active kid with lots of passions
Junta Terashima said on a radio show that he used to be part of the baseball club when he was in junior high school and the light music club when he was in high school.
He has a relaxed demeanor
Many seiyuu often mention that he has a sweet, calm demeanor akin to a dog’s – which Junta Terashima said he loves -, and Terashima himself has said on Animedia’s Seiyuu Data file in 2018 that his motto is “Have fun. Relax“.
Lyricist and producer
Not only does Junta Terashima writes lyrics for his solo artist career but he has also lent his talents to WAOOON, unit founded alongside TSUKIPRO’s long-time composer, Akira Takizawa.
He also wrote the lyrics and composed music for JUNTAA, his April Fools’ alter ego, creating bubbly and fun songs that fans find entertaining.
JUNTAA, the April Fools’ star
April Fools is a day that Junta Terashima doesn’t miss. While most seiyuu kid around with their tastes, pretend they have different jobs, or change their names, every year, Junta Terashima transforms into the female J-pop idol that loves alcohol, JUNTAA.
From his get-up – a serious one that shows that he is really focused on making this character believable – to the music videos and music recorded and released on April Fools, even down to the quirky way in which he ends up writing on social media, Terashima thought about everything.
This is the most elaborate April Fools gag going on among male seiyuu, one that fans already anticipate with a lot of excitement.
The follow up to 2020’s “Hoppy Girl” and 2021’s 乙女ストロング (Otome Strong), is titled ぐにゃぐにゃはっぴーしゃんぱんぱん (Gunya Gunya Happy Shanpanpan) featuring new female idol, Pigumi (because fellow seiyuu and friend Shunichi Toki was in for a crazy transformation as well).
With this, THTFHQ wraps up another Seiyuu Digest. In the meantime, don’t forget to check past Seiyuu Digests (some of those recently updated) – HERE.
