Masashi Hirose

Masashi Hirose, born on November 6, 1947 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, is a veteran Japanese voice actor who has been active in the industry since 1970, making him one of the most enduring talents in anime and video game dubbing. He is currently affiliated with Production Baobab, a prominent agency that represents many of Japan's top seiyū, and his deep, resonant voice has become a hallmark of powerful supporting characters. Hirose first gained widespread recognition for his iconic portrayal of Ramba Ral in the groundbreaking series Mobile Suit Gundam, a role that cemented his reputation for delivering heroic and charismatic performances. In addition to Gundam, he voiced the comedic yet formidable Rikishiman in the beloved series Kinnikuman, showcasing his versatility across both serious and slap‑stick genres. Over the decades, his extensive filmography includes memorable characters such as Gosterro in Blue Comet SPT Layzner, Nakano‑sensei in Lovely Complex, and the menacing Hades in Fairy Tail, each contributing to his status as a prolific character actor. Hirose’s contributions extend beyond television anime to feature films, OVAs, and even tokusatsu productions, where he provided voices for alien antagonists in Ultraman Zoffy and Garo Special. He has also voiced numerous video game characters, most notably reprising Ramba Ral in the Super Robot Wars series and lending his gravitas to roles in Fallout: New Vegas and Tales of Vesperia. In September 2014, Hirose faced a health challenge that required hospitalization, leading studios to temporarily replace him in ongoing series such as One Piece and Gundam Build Fighters Try, yet his legacy continued to thrive. Despite this setback, he returned to voice work and remains a respected figure whose contributions have shaped multiple generations of anime fans. Today, Hirose’s distinctive vocal style continues to be celebrated for its depth, authority, and the emotional weight he brings to each character, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of Japanese voice acting.