Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda, known for countless roles including Seto Kaiba in "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and Kento Nanami in "Jujutsu Kaisen," is a veteran at 54, but his immense popularity and dashing looks have also landed him frequent roles in live-action Japanese dramas, constantly expanding his horizons.
His popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, culminating in him snagging the #1 spot in the male category of Oricon News' inaugural "Most Popular Voice Actor Ranking" late last year. He's captivated fans of all ages, from youngsters to seniors. With acting and film offers exploding after he hit 50, Tsuda—still very much in "my turn" mode—reflected on his career in an Oricon News interview.
Kenjiro Tsuda first dipped his toes into acting at 19, making his debut as an actor while still in college. He even played a host in the 2000 drama "Ikebukuro West Gate Park." But in past interviews, he's confessed those were truly tough times. "It was so hard to get recognized; I felt like I was at rock bottom..." he recalled. "I made absolutely no money, had to think twice before buying a single bread roll, and even once taped a candle to a plate just to read scripts by its flickering light."
With his acting career on shaky ground, he started voice acting at 25. By 29, he landed what he calls his "fateful role"—Seto Kaiba in "Yu-Gi-Oh!" (2000). He then voiced Sadaharu Inui in "The Prince of Tennis," steadily cementing his place as a voice actor. He chuckled, remembering, "At that point, I genuinely felt my life was in danger if things continued like that. Then suddenly, it was like, 'Hey, I think I can actually make a living doing this!'" He expressed deep gratitude for voice acting, which reignited his hope.
Tsuda laughed when asked about topping Oricon News' inaugural "Most Popular Voice Actor Ranking" in the male category. "I was genuinely shocked! I've never taken first place in a ranking that spans all age groups like this. Before, I was thrilled just to make the list, but those were usually targeted at specific demographics. When I first heard I was #1, I was both surprised and overjoyed (laughs)."
He also revealed, "I've always known my support base was strong among the 30-somethings (laughs). Especially the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' generation of fans are incredibly passionate; I can feel their full support at events. When I go to recording sessions, co-stars in their 30s or young newcomers often tell me, 'I used to be a duelist!' It's truly a blessing for a character to be loved for so long."
Especially after Kenjiro Tsuda appeared in the NHK morning drama "Anpan" in 2025, he noted, "I've gained more fans in their 80s! I'd never experienced that before. During filming, a staff member even told me, 'Actually, my mom is your fan.' I was genuinely shocked at that moment; I never imagined a day like this would come."
After turning 50, Kenjiro Tsuda's work isn't just limited to anime voice acting; his live-action drama roles have increased significantly, and the types of characters he plays are more diverse than ever.
From morning dramas and historical sagas to Sunday theater productions and even films, he's everywhere. Tsuda himself jokingly uses a "Yu-Gi-Oh!" line to describe it: "Now it's my turn!"
Now, "Tsuda-san" isn't just a popular voice actor; his acting career is also taking center stage. He probably never imagined that after struggling as a destitute actor in his youth, he'd return to the acting world after fifty with an explosion of offers.
via： Oricon News