Soramimi Project #26: Yamatera Kouichi 山寺宏一

First heard: Kaji Ryouji (Evangelion)

First noticed: Kaji Ryouji (Evangelion)

Memorable characters: Kaji Ryouji (Evangelion), Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop), Romaiya senpai (Honey & Clover), Cain Highwind (Final Fantasy IV DS)

Image character: Kaji Ryouji (Evangelion)

Discernment rate: average

Number of works seen: 17

Anyone who's watched anime for some time would know this name even if one hasn't heard him in Evangelion or Cowboy Bebop (rather over-rated in North America IMO but nevertheless monumental series). More seasoned anime fans would remember him as Hibiki Ryouga, P-chan and the Cursed Spring guide from Ranma 1/2. Unfortunately, I've only seen a short youtube clip on Yamatera-san's prowess as the three characters in one scene but have not the opportunity to actually watch the series, which I'd very much love to.

Out of the 17 works I've heard Yamatera-san, four are Evangelion, including the 2nd movie of the Rebuild of Evangelion: 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE. Of course, Kaji speaking English was a highlight for us before we realized the personality transformation for the main characters and a depart from the typical drama(!?) that Evangelion has been famous for. Yeah, can't wait to see the last two movies to see where it'll lead to. XD

While going through the list of works on ja.wikipedia, I noticed that he played Gyunei Guss from Char's Counterattack! However, CCA was the very first work I ever saw for UC Gundam, so I was focusing on getting the background and the story and didn't notice him. That, and due to the age of the movie (1988), I didn't expect to hear anyone I'd know beside Seiya, Shiryuu and, of course, Char. XD

I haven't heard that much of Yamatera-san, but he's definitely a great seiyuu and a veteran in the field, and I'd want to hear more of him for sure. If only I have access to the older anime series...!