Behind the Scenes: My Hero Academia Cast Reflects on Their Journey at AnimeJapan 2025

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At AnimeJapan 2025, the highly anticipated finale of “My Hero Academia” was the main attraction during an unforgettable stage event. The voice actors behind iconic characters like Izuku Midoriya (Daiki Yamashita), All Might (Kenta Miyake), All For One (Akio Ōtsuka, young and old), Tomura Shigaraki (Kōki Uchiyama) came together to talk about their journey in bringing these beloved characters to life. As the series reaches its climax in October 2025, the actors reflected on their time recording, shared anecdotes, and discussed how their roles have influenced them and the audience.

Originally produced by Kōhei Horikoshi, “My Hero Academia” debuted in 2016, swiftly captivating viewers with its blend of superhero adventures and heartfelt storytelling. This anime focuses on Izuku Midoriya, a boy without a quirk who yearns to be a hero. Upon receiving the legendary quirk “One For All” from the revered All Might, Midoriya embarks on his odyssey at U.A. High School, where future heroes are trained to safeguard society. Across seven successful seasons, the series has delved into topics such as legacy, resilience, and the escalating conflict between heroes and villains. The upcoming eighth and final season is set to bring a thrilling climax, wrapping up one of the most acclaimed contemporary anime productions.

A Special Gathering at AnimeJapan 2025: The Cast Of My Hero Academia Share Their Experience

Midoriya and All Might: A Shared Journey

At the start of the occasion, Yamashita and Miyake reminisced about the development they’ve witnessed in Midoriya. Yamashita discussed how Deku’s relationship with All Might has progressed beyond just a mentor-protégé bond, now symbolizing hope for many. Miyake echoed this sentiment, noting that All Might’s regard for Midoriya has deepened as well.

The moment was delightful until Otsuka interjected, recalling how Midoriya had shown such deep affection for All Might by consuming All Might’s hair. This comment had everyone in stitches, and Yamashita, clearly taken aback that Otsuka remembered the incident, joined in the laughter and thanked him for the reminder.

The All For One Legacy: From Voice to Voice

A significant moment occurred during a discussion between Akio Ōtsuka, Hiroshi Kamiya, and Kōki Uchiyama regarding their roles portraying All For One. Uchiyama reminisced on the previous season’s emotionally charged scenes, specifically when Shigaraki’s body was possessed by All For One. As both he and Ōtsuka shared some lines, Uchiyama shared that this experience led him to question Shigaraki’s identity further. The complexity of expressing a fragmented mind added depth to his performance.

Kamiya reminisced about the moment he received the offer to play the young All For One, and humorously shared his initial uncertainty. He noted that Otsuka’s voice was already renowned, and proposed the idea of voicing a youthful iteration of All For One instead.

[Ōtsuka] has had that voice since elementary school. So he should do the young voice as well.

— Hiroshi Kamiya (young All For One) about Akio Ōtsuka (All For One)

However, even though he was hesitant, Kamiya took up the chance, putting in a lot of effort to portray the cunning side of the villain in a more youthful version.

Despite some differences, Otsuka couldn’t help but heap praise on his co-actors. He admired Kamiya’s development as a voice artist, pointing out that while others might mimic his voice, Kamiya managed to embody not only his own performance but also the essence of the character he portrayed.

It’s like a tiger grew wings.

— Akio Ōtsuka (All For One) about Hiroshi Kamiya (young All For One)

The seasoned actor also remembered the time when his colleagues lamented over the fact that a skillful performer such as Uchiyama had to imitate Ōtsuka. However, Uchiyama promptly countered this viewpoint, considering it an invaluable learning experience since it offered him the chance to learn a distinct acting method. This comment brought a smile to Ōtsuka’s face.

The experienced actor also remembered when people regretted that Uchiyama had to imitate Ōtsuka, but Uchiyama quickly disagreed, viewing it as a fantastic learning opportunity because he got to learn a unique acting style. This comment made Ōtsuka smile.

I’m glad I was your teacher.

— Akio Ōtsuka (All For One) to Kōki Uchiyama (Tomura Shigaraki)

Humor and Banter Behind the Scenes

During discussions about recording intense scenes, it was evident that the actors shared a strong bond. Kamiya explained the difficulties he faced while recording, mentioning that All For One’s sound booth was isolated from the rest of the cast. Ōtsuka confided that this isolation left him feeling lonely and he would often tease his fellow cast members as a way to cope. Yamashita chimed in with amusement, sharing how they would sometimes be subjected to unexpected audio attacks from Ōtsuka’s voice through their headphones.

During our recording sessions, when we exclaimed something like “We’ll win!”, we’d often hear a response similar to “We’ll see about that” through our headphones. And boy, it wasn’t pleasant at all.

Miyake kept the audience amused by discussing the tough work involved in portraying All Might’s intense battles, revealing a time when he almost gave out from fatigue while acting out his struggles. Ōtsuka added humor to the situation, saying, “We both are mature gentlemen. Engaging in such strenuous actions isn’t a walk in the park.

Witnessing the ensemble of My Hero Academia perform live was truly delightful. Their interactions ranged from playful exchanges to heartfelt instances, and it was evident that the actors shared an unmatched camaraderie. Such events underscore the fact that these actors pour immense passion into their roles, and they seem to genuinely appreciate collaborating with one another and sharing memories of their time in the recording studio.

How to Watch the MHA Stage Show at AnimeJapan 2025 Event

If you weren’t able to attend the live My Hero Academia stage show, don’t worry! You can still catch the entire performance on TOHO animation’s YouTube channel. This recording preserves all the emotional moments, humor, and insightful comments from the cast, making it a must-see for devoted fans looking to celebrate the series’ rich history.

The Road to the Finale: My Hero Academia Is Nearing Its End

MHA Season 8 & MHA: Vigilantes To Premier Back-To-Back

In October 2025, the last season of “My Hero Academia” will air, promising fans an intense finale to the battle between Midoriya and Shigaraki. Already, Studio Bones has hinted at a breathtakingly beautiful and heartrending conclusion, paving the way for a climax that could shape their legacy forever.

If you’re yearning for more adventures in the universe of ‘My Hero Academia’, brace yourself! Starting from April 7, 2025, the spin-off anime titled ‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ unfolds, delving into the lives of clandestine protectors. This adaptation of the beloved manga provides a grittier, street-level viewpoint on the world of heroes, offering an enticing glimpse into the hidden side of hero society.

Fans can catch both the final season and Vigilantes on Crunchyroll:

  • My Hero Academia Season 8: October 2025, simulcast with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
  • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes: April 7, 2025, available for streaming with subtitles.

The final countdown is underway, and AnimeJapan 2025 has fueled our excitement even more! This gathering took us on a journey filled with emotional recollections and hilarious banter, offering a glimpse into the immense devotion and enthusiasm that lies behind the scenes. As we approach the conclusion of the story, viewers are set for an incredible adventure they won’t soon forget.

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2025-03-26 14:34