Soramimi Project #21: Yamaguchi Kappei 山口勝平

First heard: Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

First noticed: Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

Memorable characters: Inuyasha (Inuyasha), Rokuta (Juuni Kokuki), L (Death Note), Sai Saishi (G Gundam), Souya Hideyoshi (Ueki no Housoku), No.28 (World Destruction)

Image character: Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

Discernment rate: above average; visual

Number of works seen: 30

Ranma 1/2 and Detective Conan or One Piece probably come to mind when most people think of Yamaguchi Kappei. Unfortunately, I've never seen any of these. But I did meet him through another one of his major career works, Inuyasha. I will try to watch Ranma 1/2 and maybe Conan to hear what he sounds like before (this summer is probably a good time as I currently only have 4-6 anime planned and would have the time and bandwidth; One Piece is already planned for the near future because I want to hear Nakai-san's Zoro XD).

Yamaguchi Kappei has a unique nasal and somewhat scratchy voice, and he is really good at acting. Having heard him first in 2000 in Inuyasha and recently in Inuyasha Kanketsuhen, the effect of age and extensive wear on his vocal cord was noticeable, but he was still the Inuyasha we all loved, and more.

Most of the characters I've heard of him are the hot-blooded or genki type, but he's good with a cool type like L from Death Note as well, or a calculating type like Noin from Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne. Regardless of the character type, though, most of them have an inner innocence despite the front they put up. I find this quite fitting, because Yamaguchi-san always carries an air of innocence himself. He's a very cute and family-loving man. :)

Never seen him in a play, but judging from his seiyuu performance and his character, I'm sure he's great on stage. Would definitely like to hear more of him in works to come, as well as his past works. これからも頑張ってください！