A genius – certified one -, passionate and a hard worker, Shohei Komatsu has yet to show everything he’s about and the talents he has.
Shohei Komatsu
KANJI: 小松昌平
BORN: April 14, 1990
OCCUPATION: Voice actor, Actor
HEIGHT: ???
Shohei Komatsu was born on April 14, 1990 in Fukuoka and is currently represented by KEN PRODUCTION.
Seiyuu
His path is not of initial fascination for voice acting. Up until junior high school, he was pretty active in sports, practicing karate and kendo, and then when he was in high school, he joined the drama club, dreaming of becoming a stage actor.
So how did voice acting come into play?
After joining the theatre troupe HIROZ IN 2011, Komatsu participated in various stage plays and parades. While doing work as the main MC for some of the plays, he started to get interested in voice acting.
That’s when he decided to give it a try.
He graduated from HIROZ in 2012 and came to Tokyo. Soon after, he applied for the 7th Voice Actor Award New Artist Discovery Audition in 2013 but failed.
A year later he tried again for the audition for the 8th Voice Actor Award in 2014 and started to attract the attention of 8 talent agencies.
KEN PRODUCTION invited him to join their school, becoming a junior at the talent agency in 2015.
2016 –
Making a name for himself
After learning all the essential skills in order to be a solid seiyuu, Shohei Komatsu was ready to kick off his career.
He made his official debut as a voice actor in 2016 but he already had 2 minor roles under his name from 2014 and 2015.
2016 was a year of minor roles in anime. He was cast in My Hero Academia, Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou, Yokai Watch, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, DAYS, and Macross Delta.
A year later, Komatsu would reprise his role as THE kogadou’s Ren Kizaki in the anime adaptation The iDOLM@STER SideM.
Although the role didn’t have that much importance for the overall plot going on, its cameo put a smile on the face of its fans (and avid game players).
In 2018, Komatsu would end up reprising this role in the chibi version The iDOLM@STER SideM: Wake Atte Mini!.
Things would change a bit for Komatsu in 2019. He got his first leading role. He was cast as August von Earlshide in the isekai anime series, Kenja no Mago.
August is the playful – a bit of a trickster – crown prince of the Earlshide Kingdom and the closest friend of Shin Wolford (the series’ protagonist).
This was the first time Komatsu got a big spotlight to showcase his voice acting skills, delivering a solid and fun performance overall.
Although not a main character, in 2020, Komatsu was cast as the energetic and timYasunari Tsuru in the sports anime number24.
In 2021, he reprised his role as Hachin in the anime adaptation of the rhythm game Show by Rock!! Stars!!.
2022 started really quietly, with Komatsu only cast on the movie Toku: Touken Ranbu – Hanamaru – Setsugetsuka, reprising his role from the game as Hizen Tadahiro.
Other anime series in which he voiced characters include:
- Koi to Uso (2017)
- Attack on Titan (2017 – 2018)
- Kihei (2017)
- Sanrio Danshi (2018)
- Wakaokami wa Shougakusei! Movie (2018)
- Karakuri Circus (2019)
- King’s Raid: Ishi wo Tsugumono-tachi (2021)
- Fushigi Dagashiya: Zenitendou (2021)
- Meitantei Conan: Keisatsu Gakkou-hen – Wild Police Story (2021)
Radio
Komatsu is not that active when it comes to radio work however fans can expect him to make funny comments, put guests in a good mood and, overall, make the vibe in the show feel cozy and friendly.
Some of the radio show he’s guested/hosted include:
IDOLMASTER SideM Radio 315Night! (2017)
Alongside fellow THE kogadou‘s members Daiki Hamano and Junta Terashima, Komatsu 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.
MAN TWO MONTH RADIO Shohei Komatsu’s serious high kick (2018)
In 2018, Komatsu was invited to be the host of MAN TWO MONTH RADIO, show in which seiyuu can handle their own radio show for two months before switching with the next seiyuu.
Shohei Komatsu was a personality from June 2018 to July 2018.
In MAN TWO MONTH RADIO 小松昌平のドまじめハイキック (MAN TWO MONTH RADIO Shohei Komatsu’s serious high kick), fans got to participate in a quiz about the happenings in Komatsu’s life, got advice from him and listen to him talking more casually.
Toshinari Fukamachi and Shohei Komatsu TWO for ONE (2018 – 2022)
In 2018, Shohei Komatsu teamed up with fellow seiyuu Toshinari Fukamachi to co-host the radio show “Toshinari Fukamachi and Shohei Komatsu TWO for ONE“.
This is currently the longest-running radio show in Komatsu’s career so far, having announced its end in 2022. Prior to that, Komatsu and Fukamachi debuted as a duo, having released 2 singles while the radio show was active.
Other radio shows Komatsu has co-hosted or guested in include:
- Hoshinaru Echoes RADIO 2ndSEASON (2019 – 2020)
- ENLIGHTRIBE RADIO (2021-)
- Yuusuke Nagano and Shouhei Komatsu’s Manliness Improvement Committee (2021 -)
Games
Komatsu had the perfect start of his career as a voice actor in games.
He was cast in THE IDOLM@STER SideM as Ren Kizaki and a couple of months later, the game shot to maximum popularity, leading to frequent live events, a monthly talk show and more. It was the perfect setting for the rookie seiyuu – back then -, to shine and attract attention to himself.
After that, he got roles in music, action, RPG, puzzle, mecha, between many more music genres.
He’s lent voice to a couple of characters such as:
Ren Kizaki in THE IDOLM@STER SideM (2016 -) and SideM LIVE ON ST@GE! (2017 -)
In 2016, Shohei Komatsu joined the cast of the popular idol franchise, THE IDOLM@STER SideM.
The game, of the same name, was released in 2015 and mixed elements of music, story (incredibly toned down), and idol nurturing/farming.
He voices Ren Kizaki, THE kogadou’s arrogant and passionate member, and former Chinese martial artist. He’s obsessed with becoming the strongest ever and sees Takeru (CV: Junta Terashima) as his rival. Seeing as Takeru became an idol before him, he decided to become one as well just to beat him.
Due to his physical prowess, Kizaki can perform even the most complex stunts and dances on stage, something that backs up his skills as an idol.
Hibiki Nanahoshi in Op8♪ (2018 – 2019)
SHINE★彡 is a unit part of Op8♪ , idol raising smartphone game that launched in 2018 on iOS and Android.
Shohei Komatsu voiced Yuta Sunami, member of SHINE★彡, group that included Shoya Chiba, Junta Terashima, Kentaro Kumagai, Kento Ito, and Yusuke Nagano.
The game stopped distribution in September 2019.
Hachin in SHOW BY ROCK!! Fes A Live (2020 -)
SHOW BY ROCK!! Fes A Live is a popular rhythm game published by SQUARE ENIX in 2020 that features a mixed cast of male and female seiyuu as well as counts with several rock bands embracing different subgenres of rock music.
Komatsu voices Hachin, stylish delinquent and a member of the heavy metal band DOKONJOFINGER.
He also voiced characters in the following games (list is not exhaustive):
- Dragon Nest R (2017)
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
- REDSTONE2 (2017)
- CARAVAN STORIES (2018)
- Princess Connect! Re: Dive (2018)
- Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- (2019)
- Pokemon Masters (2019)
- BUSTAFELLOWS (2019)
- GALAXYZ (2020)
- Dragon Quest Rivals Ace (2020)
- Captain Tsubasa RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS (2020)
- Granblue Fantasy (2021)
- Angelique Luminarise (2021)
- Haunted Obakestra Vol.2 Bianke (TBD)
between many more.
Acting
Aside from his voice acting skills, Shohei Komatsu has a lot of experience with stage acting.
He used to be part of the theatre troupe HIROZ, troupe counting with over 60 members including actors, voice actors, dancers, singers, stuntmen, and models.
His background in karate and kendo was pivotal for him to learn his own stunts and be part of any action plays and parades.
During his time as a member of HIROZ, Komatsu acted in several stage plays. It was also with them that Komatsu learned dancing, stunts, and swordplay, things he still lists – to this day – as his strengths.
K4 Company (2021)
In 2021, Shohei Komatsu starred on K4 Company THE MOVIE. This was the very first time he acted in a movie and he was, out of all K4 Company members, the one with a natural acting and comfort in front of the camera.
The movie’s main cast included all K4 Company members.
The supporting cast included Tsubasa Yonaga, Kentaro Kumagai, Gakuto Kajiwara, Jun Kasama, Sho Karino, Yuuki Shin, and Yuya Hozumi in the movie K4 Company THE MOVIE.
Narration / Dubbing
If there is a field of work within voice acting in which Shohei Komatsu is incredibly active is dubbing. He’s got over 20 credits dubbing foreign movies and TV shows.
Some of those include:
- Barber Shop 3 Renewal!
- 15:17 to Paris
- City of Tiny Lights
- Robin Hood / King of Tights
- El Chapo
- Foyle’s War
- KILLJOYS
- Grey’s Anatomy Love Anatomy
- BULL
- LUCIFER
- SUPERGIRL
- Virgin River
between many more.
Drama CDs
When it comes to drama CDs, Komatsu has been active since 2016, reprising his role as THE kogadou’s Ren Kizaki in a multitude of drama CDs and drama parts included with music CDs.
Aside from those CDs in the IDOLMASTER SideM franchise, Komatsu has lent his talents to otome drama CDs as well as BL.
Some of the drama CDs he’s voiced characters in include:
- MARKER LIGHT-BLUE Deeper Drama CD「the Water flows into the Frame」
- Chocolate Vampire
- MusiClavies series
- HANDEAD ANTHEM series
- ENLIGHTRIBE Side.ESMERALDA -The ignition-
- Animal Seratopia Series
- GOALOUS5 MISSION: GO5 Voice Drama Vol.01 “Gakuen Wo Voice Fuku Seyo!”
- Empty Sweety
- At 25:00, in Akasaka
- Smoky Nector
- Sugar drug
between many more.
Music
Since his debut as a voice actor, Shohei Komatsu has been part of 2D music projects. Some have prospered while others tanked right before they started.
While he has never kicked off a solo career, Komatsu does have a really good voice and a tone that is reminscent of KENN.
That raspy and youthful edge to his mid-tones is a big highlight, something that makes his voice stand out within a group. While not the most skilled singer, Komatsu brings a unique energy to his performances that makes it so that every performance of his touches the listener (in different ways), making them invested in the songs.
He’s best known for being part of the following 2D music groups:
DOKONJOFINGER (2012 -)
The first 2D group that Shokei Komatsu joined was DOKONJOFINGER from the Show by Rock!! franchise.
The heavy metal band has double vocals, with Shohei Komatsu sharing those duties with fellow seiyuu Kent Ito.
Since its debut, DOKONJOFINGER has been a fan-favorite band, having released 11 singles (up until 2022), with most of those only getting digital releases.
Komatsu only started to sing for the band in 2020.
For fans of heavy metal and of Shohei Komatsu’s voice, you can find the band’s repertoire on Spotify.
THE kogadou (2015 -)
In 2015, Shohei Komatsu joined the cast of THE IDOLM@STER‘s male version, IDOLM@STER SideM.
He was cast as Ren Kizaki, former martial artist and member of THE kogadou. Daiki Hamano and Junta Terashima 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).
K4 Company (2019 -)
In 2018, Shohei Komatsu teamed up with fellow seiyuu Takeaki Masuyama, Takuya Masumoto, and Kento Hama to create K4 Company.
The group started with a variety/talk show, then started releasing music, starred in its own movie and then branched out to voicing several characters in the ambitious EDM music project, HANDEAD ANTHEM.
As a group, K4 Company rarely releases music and it does, it’s usually pop-rock tunes and ballads. Since its debut, the group has released 6 singles and 2 duet CDs.
TWO FOR ONE (2019 – 2022)
In 2019, TWO FOR ONE made its debut.
TWO FOR ONE consists of Shohei Komatsu and Toshinari Fukamachi, hosts of the radio show of the same name. Since its debut, the group has released 2 singles “We are TWO for ONE!” and “1 + 1”
With the end of the radio show in 2022, the group disbanded.
HANDEAD ANTHEM (2019 -)
HANDEAD ANTHEM is a music project created by K4 Company (Shohei Komatsu, Takeaki Masuyama, Takuya Masumoto, and Kento Hama) and launched on July 26, 2019.
This project mixes seiyuu, zombies, and EDM music all in the same place. Each group has its own unique identity and seiyuu – despite voicing characters in various groups – focuses on giving a unique voice for each character they are in charge of.
K4 Company members (Shohei Komatsu, Takeaki Masuyama, Takuya Masumoto, and Kento Hama on vocals) are in charge of voicing the franchise’s flagship groups deva, HIGH-TIDE, B.U.H, Yona.
The franchise counts with the following groups: deva, HIGH-TIDE, B.U.H, Yona, ALBA, and Shura Jodo.
Aside from releasing several CDs – not available for international fans -, music by all groups is available on streaming platforms.
Since its launch, the franchise has held several live shows featuring its units.
ESMERALDA (2020 -)
In 2020, Shohei Komatsu 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 – with Komatsu playing the drums -, something that makes this project quite unique. Out of all the bands in the ENLIGHTRIBE franchise, ESMERALDA is the most popular.
ESMERALDA’s sound is heavy and dramatic, taking heavy inspiration from visual-kei, hard rock, 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, Shohei Komatsu performed as Ramo Toride in “Zankyou“.
“Zankyou” brought to the spotlight a violent, solemn gothic-rock sound that will shake your emotions to their very core. The melodies are heartwrenching, and the whole tone and mood in this track are dark and, at times, delicate.
Matching or making sure those emotions were fleshed out was Shohei Komatsu that took over vocal duties to deliver a solid, passionate performance that made this track shine.
Even in its pitch-black darkness, “Zankyou” shines for its overall quality.
In a live setting, Shohei Komatsu has played live drums – simplified parts – for ESMERALDA’s songs.
RAISE (2022 -)
In 2022, Shohei Komatsu 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.
Komatsu is a member of RAISE, group that debuted in 2022. The lineup consists of Ichiru Sumeragi (CV: Shohei Komatsu), Rei Kisaki (CV: Tetsuei Sumiya), and Kazuomi Mifuda (CV: Hayato Dojima).
The group released its debut single “HIGHLIGHT” in May 2022, donning an interesting danceable sound.
Variety
When it comes to variety and talk shows, Shohei Komatsu doesn’t have many credits, result of his underrated status in the seiyuu industry.
Still, there have been some projects he has been a part of over the years and that have led to him to showcase to his fans just how quick witted, fun and thoroughly entertaining he is.
Some of the variety/talk shows he’s participated include:
GOALOUS5 (2019 -)
In 2019, Shohei Komatsu teamed up with Kentaro Kumagai, Shugo Nakamura, Junta Terashima 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 regular variety + talk show that is available on YouTube and Nico Nico.
Jinro Battle (2019 -)
Since 2019, Shohei Komatsu has been participating on Marine Entertainment’s Cop and Robbers’ style variety, Jinro Battle. He has participated in various recorded (during Covid-19 lockdown in 2020) and live editions.
And for all the sessions, his quick wits, critical thinking and acting skills were all put the test as he tried to his best to deceive or, on the other side, find who the robber was.
Some of his participations include: Jinro Battle lies and the truth 2020 FEBRUARY, Jinro Battle lies and the truth 2019 AUGUST, Jinro Battle – Jinro VS Kaito and Jinro Battle THE NIGHTMARE.
Komachie Channel (2020 -)
In 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown in Japan and while celebrating his 30th birthday, Shohei Komatsu launched his personal YouTube channel.
On this channel, fans get to watch gaming videos, listen to his online radio show as well as special livestreams.
For a seiyuu that wants – and deserves more exposure -, the launch of the YouTube channel appeared as the perfect opportunity for Komatsu to reach more people and show more of his personality beyond what showed on seiyuu events and projects.
Facts
There are smart people and then there are geniuses
In 2019, Shohei Komatsu was the very first male seiyuu to join Mensa, the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world.
If it wasn’t noticeable in events with challenges that require quick thinking + solving skills, Komatsu is a genius, solving almost any kind go problem really easily. Yes, he is a genius with an IQ of over 130.
Does his own stunts
Due to this background in karate and kendo, as well as the dancing and stunt skills he learned during his time as a member of HIROZ, Shohei Komatsu does his own stunts.
For those that follow the IDOLMASTER SideM franchise, he does backflips at high speed and cartwheels his way through the stage during specific parts of the choreography for some songs by THE kogadou.
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.
