In the intricate symphony of anime production, the casting of voice talent can transform a static drawing into a vibrant, living character, breathing personality and depth into every line. When the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yama Wayama’s “Let’s Go Karaoke!” announced its initial cast, fans eagerly awaited the melodious clash of a yakuza lieutenant seeking vocal instruction from a middle school choir head. Now, the stage is set for an even richer performance, as the production has dramatically expanded its ensemble, revealing twelve new cast members who will lend their voices to the series’ colorful yakuza contingent.
Expanding the Ensemble: A Deep Dive into the New Additions
The “Let’s Go Karaoke!” anime, which is set to premiere on July 24, 2025, on AT-X and other networks, and will be streamed by Crunchyroll, has significantly bolstered its vocal talent. This latest wave of casting announcements introduces a formidable group of actors, all slated to portray various yakuza characters, enriching the underworld setting of the story. The series, produced by Doga Kobo and directed by Asami Nakatani, promises a unique blend of comedy and unexpected camaraderie as it brings Yama Wayama’s popular manga to life.
The Voices Behind the Yakuza
The newly revealed cast members are a testament to the anime’s commitment to delivering a rich auditory experience, with each actor bringing their unique presence to the roles. These additions join the previously announced main cast, which includes Shun Horie as Satomi Oka and Daisuke Ono as Kyouji Narita, the central duo of the narrative.
The twelve new cast members, and their respective character roles as revealed by the production staff, are as follows:
- Yōji Ueda as Alien
- Yūma Uchida as Jersey
- Jin Urayama as Boss
- Hidenobu Kiuchi as Big Brother Yamaha
- Shigeo Kiyama as Pinky Finger
- Yukihiro Nozuyama as Punch Perm
- Rintarō Nishi as Shaved Head
- Masaaki Yano as Kitty-chan Phobia
- Ikuji Nose as Anikibun (Leader)
- Kenichi Mine as Long-Faced
- Yūki Ishikari as T-shirt
- Masuo Amada as Former Cram School Teacher
These diverse character names hint at the quirky and comedic elements that are a hallmark of Wayama’s original work, promising a memorable portrayal of the yakuza who find themselves entangled in Kyouji’s unusual quest for karaoke mastery.
The Road to Premiere: Production Details and Anticipation
The journey of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” from a self-published doujinshi to a full-fledged anime series has been a noteworthy one, captivating readers with its unique premise. The original manga, first published as a doujinshi in 2019 before being released as a book in 2020 by Kadokawa Future Publishing, has garnered significant attention, even inspiring a live-action film adaptation that premiered in January 2024.
Key Creative Team and Studio
The anime adaptation is helmed by a skilled creative team. Asami Nakatani is directing the series at animation studio Doga Kobo, known for its vibrant and dynamic productions. Yukiko Tsukahara serves as the assistant director, while Yoshimi Narita is responsible for the series scripts, ensuring the narrative flow and character development align with the manga’s spirit. Character designs are handled by Mai Matsuura, and Takurō Iga is composing the music, setting the auditory tone for the series. This collaborative effort aims to translate the manga’s charm and humor effectively to the animated screen.
Release Schedule and Streaming Platforms
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” is scheduled to begin its broadcast on July 24, 2025. It will air on AT-X, Tokyo MX, BS11, Nagoya TV, HBC Hokkaido Broadcasting, and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting. For international viewers, Crunchyroll has licensed the series for streaming, making it accessible to a global audience. Medialink has also licensed the series for streaming in Southeast Asia and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) on Ani-One Asia’s YouTube channel.
Alongside “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, another of Yama Wayama’s manga, “Captivated, by You,” is also receiving an anime adaptation, set to debut on August 21, 2025. Both anime will air consecutively in the same timeslots, offering fans a double dose of Wayama’s distinctive storytelling.
Impact of Expanded Voice Cast on Narrative
The addition of twelve new voice actors, specifically for the yakuza characters, is a strategic move that significantly enriches the narrative landscape of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”. The core of the story revolves around the unlikely mentorship between Kyouji Narita, a yakuza lieutenant desperate to avoid a boss-imposed tattoo punishment for losing a karaoke contest, and Satomi Oka, a middle school choir president. The larger yakuza ensemble suggests that the anime will explore the dynamics within Kyouji’s gang more thoroughly, providing a more comprehensive and humorous look at the pressures and peculiarities of yakuza life.
The varied and intriguing character roles, such as “Alien,” “Kitty-chan Phobia,” and “Former Cram School Teacher,” hint at the eccentric personalities that will populate Kyouji’s world, offering ample opportunities for comedic interactions and unexpected moments that align with the manga’s unique tone. The expanded cast ensures that the supporting characters are not mere background elements but fully voiced individuals who will contribute to the series’ humor and heart.
Anticipation for “Let’s Go Karaoke!”
With its compelling premise, talented voice cast, and established animation studio, “Let’s Go Karaoke!” is shaping up to be a standout title of the upcoming anime season. The strategic reveal of these twelve new voice actors only serves to heighten anticipation, promising a series rich in character and comedic potential. As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly await the harmonious, albeit unusual, blend of yakuza life and middle school choir lessons.
