Personal details
- Birth Date: 1948-11-12
- Height: 5′ 8″ (1.73 m)
- Birth Location: Kôfu, Yamanashi, Japan
- Professions: Actor, Additional Crew
Banjô Ginga, born November 12, 1948, way out in Kôfu, Yamanashi, Japan, is one of those voices you’ve probably heard a thousand times without realizing it. He’s basically a legend in the world of Japanese voice acting—like, when people say “iconic,” this guy is what they mean. Seriously, just look at his credits: he’s the deep, rumbling voice behind some of the most unforgettable characters in anime and gaming. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children? Yep, he’s in that. Mobile Suit Gundam I from 1981? Absolutely. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater? Of course. He’s kind of everywhere. He’s got this presence—like, when he talks, you listen. There’s a certain gravitas he brings to every role, whether he’s voicing a villain, a hero, or just some mysterious guy lurking in the shadows. It’s honestly wild how one person’s voice can shape the vibe of a whole scene. And he’s not just about the work, either. Off-screen, he’s married to Gara Takashima, who’s a pretty big deal herself in the voice acting community. Power couple vibes, for sure. Over the years, Ginga’s become a staple of Japanese pop culture, with fans who’ve followed him from the early days of anime all the way to modern video games. Honestly, you can’t talk about the evolution of voice acting in Japan without bringing up this guy—he’s that important. And let’s face it, anyone who can jump from giant robot anime to psychological thrillers and still keep people hooked? That’s some serious talent.
Alright, so Worf in the Japanese dub of Star Trek: The Next Generation? That’s a trip. You’d think a Klingon’s gruffness might get lost in translation, but nope, the Japanese voice actor absolutely nails that fierce, no-nonsense vibe. It’s wild how the character’s stoic honor and dry wit come through, even with totally different cultural beats. The voice is just as deep and commanding, but there’s this slight edge—almost samurai-like, honestly—that adds a new layer to Worf’s whole deal. Fans in Japan actually got pretty into it; Worf’s mix of awkward charm and grumpy loyalty just works, no matter what language he’s barking orders in. Subtle vocal quirks and the way certain Klingon words get pronounced? Chef’s kiss. If you’re a TNG nerd, checking out the Japanese dub is a must. Seriously, it’s a whole new flavor of Worf.
November 12, 1948
5′ 8″ (1.73 m)
Konidela Ram Charan
Kôfu, Yamanashi, Japan
76 years old