WWE wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura has landed a voice acting role in the second season of Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc, marking his debut in the world of anime voiceover. Nakamura will voice the character Kamandas, a friend of Warsman, adding his unique flair to the popular wrestling anime.
Nakamura Joins Kinnikuman Cast as Kamandas
Shinsuke Nakamura, known as “The King of Strong Style” in WWE, is stepping into the world of anime voice acting. He will be voicing Kamandas, a comrade of Warsman who provides support and encouragement during their rigorous training.
- First Voice Acting Role: This marks Nakamura’s first foray into voice acting, a new challenge for the wrestler.
- Kamandas’ Role: Kamandas is portrayed as a supportive friend to Warsman, helping him endure tough training sessions.
Nakamura expressed his excitement about joining the Kinnikuman franchise, stating, “I am very honored to be able to appear in ‘Kinnikuman’, a series that I have been familiar with since I was a child. This is my first attempt at voice acting, but since I usually fight in the ring and use my voice, I think I was able to deliver a realistic performance. Please look forward to the broadcast!”
Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc Season 2 Overview
The second season of Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc premiered on January 12, 2025, in Japan and began streaming worldwide on Netflix on January 13, 2025. The season continues the intense battles of the Perfect Origin Arc.
- Release Date: January 12, 2025 (Japan); January 13, 2025 (Netflix worldwide).
- Streaming Platform: Netflix releases new episodes weekly.
Production
Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is produced by Production I.G, known for anime such as Ghost in the Shell, Kuroko’s Basketball, and Haikyu!!.
- Director: Akira Sato (Release the Spyce)
- Series Composition: Makoto Fukami (Psycho-Pass, Berserk (2016))
- Character Design: Hirotaka Marufuji (Lupin the 3rd Part 6)
- Music: Yasuharu Takanashi
Story
Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc adapts the arc from the 2011 revival manga and focuses on a three-way battle among the Justice, Devil, and Perfect Chojin factions, revealing the origins of the Chojin. The official description sets the stage: Prince Kinnikuman, once ridiculed, wins the Chojin World Cup and becomes a central figure among the Seigi Chojin, protecting the universe.
Season 2 focuses on the battles at the Tottori Sand Dunes between the Seigi/Akuma Allied Forces and the Perfect Large Numbers Corps.
Key Characters and Voice Cast
The anime features a large cast of characters, voiced by prominent voice actors:
- Kinnikuman: Mamoru Miyano
- Meat: Sumire Uesaka
- Terryman: Daisuke Ono
- Robin Mask: Katsuyuki Konishi
- Warsman: Yuki Kaji
- Ramenman: Tomokazu Seki
- Brocken Jr.: Jun Kasama
- Geronimo: Kensho Ono
- Buffaloman: Hiroki Yasumoto
- Black Hole: Toshiya Miyata
- Nemesis: Takeshi Kusao
- Mayumi Kinniku/Prince Kamehame: Akira Kamiya
Kinnikuman: A Legacy of Wrestling and Superheroics
Kinnikuman is a manga series created by the duo Yudetamago (Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada). It follows Suguru Kinniku, a clumsy superhero who must win wrestling tournaments to retain his title as prince of Planet Kinniku.
Manga and Anime History
- Original Manga: Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1979 to 1987.
- First Anime: Produced by Toei Animation, aired from 1983 to 1986 (137 episodes).
- Sequel Anime: Kinnikuman: Scramble for the Throne, aired from 1991 to 1992 (46 episodes).
- Kinnikuman II Sei (Ultimate Muscle): Sequel manga series that follows Mantaro Kinniku, the son of Suguru Kinniku.
Story Evolution
Initially a parody of Ultraman, Kinnikuman gradually shifted its focus to superpowered wrestling. By the sixth arc, the series fully embraced wrestling as its core element.
International Recognition
The Kinnikuman franchise has a significant international fanbase. In North America, Kinnikuman II Sei was adapted into Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy.
Shinsuke Nakamura: From Wrestling Ring to Voice Acting Booth
Shinsuke Nakamura, born on February 24, 1980, is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. Known for his “Strong Style” wrestling, Nakamura has achieved success in both Japan and the United States.
Wrestling Career Highlights
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
- WWE: Former NXT Champion, United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and Royal Rumble winner.
Other Media Appearances
Besides wrestling, Nakamura has also appeared in video games such as WWE 2K22, WWE 2K23, and WWE 2K24. His role in Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc marks his first voice acting role in anime.
