The acclaimed voice actress known professionally as Tanaka Mayumi was given the name Abe Mayumi at birth. Hailing originally from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, she has long stood as one of Japan’s most talented stars of stage, screen, and beyond.
Under the moniker Tanaka Mayumi, she has reached iconic status thanks in large part to her two-decades-plus portrayal of the straw hat-wearing pirate protagonist Luffy D. Monkey in the globally popular anime series One Piece, which started in 1999.
However, do you know she has also given her voice to many other characters in the anime industry as well?
In addition to her voice acting talents demonstrated through popular roles like Luffy over a span of 20+ years, Tanaka Mayumi has also accumulated critical acclaim as an actress on the stage as well as through work as a narrator of audiobooks and more.
This includes her being the distinguished recipient of some of Japan’s most prized awards in the seiyuu industry, such as the Kazue Takahashi Memorial Award in 2011 and the Kids Family Award just two years later in 2013 – honors celebrating some of the most gifted stars working in anime and character voice acting today.
Though known to many fans worldwide as the voice that brought Monkey D. Luffy to life, this performer’s origins begin with the birth name Abe Mayumi in Japan’s international epicenter, Tokyo.
Luffy’s Voice Actor Voices 10 Other Favourite Voices You Didn’t Know
Here are the top 10 characters that Luffy’s voice actor voices.
1. Krillin – Dragon Ball Super
Krillin is one of the most gifted and powerful martial artists on planet Earth. Possessed of great bravery and a faithful, good-natured spirit, he is a stalwart ally and dear friend.
Though he and Goku were initially rivals when they began their training under the tutelage of Master Roshi, their competition soon blossomed into a lifelong camaraderie closer than kin.
Indeed, Goku cares for Krillin as deeply as any brother. Despite typically being outmatched by the enemies they face, Krillin is a prominent and key member of the Z Fighters.
His short stature and bald head, humorously maintained even as he occasionally sprouts hair in his later years, allow him to inject comic relief into tense situations.
In the latter portion of Dragon Ball Z, Krillin steps back from frontline combat, choosing to settle down with his wife, Android 18, and daughter, Marron.
But the events of Dragon Ball Super conspire to bring him back to the lifestyle of a warrior. Through it all, across series and sagas, Krillin’s courage and loyalty shine as bright as his smooth pate.
2. Tokisaka – HQ Holder
Tokisaka was once a member of a clan of immortal hunters trained in the lethal Shinmei martial arts.
Though appearing outwardly human, Tokisaka has mythic origins, born genderless as one of the legendary Yatagarasu.
The demonic raven race remains without sex until their sixteenth year, when they may assume either a male or female form.
Though physically quite feminine in appearance, initially leading to assumptions that Tokisaka was female, he identifies himself as male in spirit.
After joining the ranks of Touta Konoe and the secretive group UQ Holder as one of their elite Numbers, Tokisaka forms an especially close bond with Touta.
In time, this friendship blooms into something deeper, reflected physically, as Tokisaka’s body gradually acquires more classically feminine attributes against his wishes.
Yet his masculine identity remains unchanged even as he struggles with profound new feelings for his companion Touta, who sees him only as male despite physical evidence to the contrary.
Tokisaka now faces a complex future, his sexless origins and demonic legacy at odds with his emotional and physical evolution.
3. Yajirobe – Dragon Ball Super
Yajirobe is a masterless samurai, a ronin, who crossed paths with Goku while the latter was hunting down Tambourine.
Though largely choosing to avoid confrontation and peril, preferring instead to lounge gluttonously in the company of his friend Korin atop the aptly named Korin Tower, Yajirobe has proven time and again to be a steadfast ally to Goku and his compatriots.
Despite outward appearances of laziness and his rotund frame, Yajirobe possesses impressive strength and speed when roused to action.
His skill with the katana sword is extraordinary as well. Though far from the most powerful of fighters, his cunning and technical mastery make him a valuable reinforcement.
When a crisis looms, Yajirobe generally swallows his apprehension (along with copious snacks, no doubt) and regularly descends Korin’s tower to deliver life-restoring Senzu Beans to aid his embattled friends on the battlefield.
For all his gruff complaints and posturing to avoid duty’s call, Yajirobe’s brave heart cannot ignore those in need
4. Ojii-chan – Ore, Tsushima
Ore, Tsushima is a popular Japanese comic created by the artist duo Opūnokyōdai. It began serialization in 2017 through unique posts on the manga’s official Twitter page.
These online chapters have been compiled into three physical tankōbon volumes by major publisher Shogakukan over the years.
In 2021, animation studio Fanworks partnered with Space Neko Company to produce an anime series adaptation that aired from July 3rd through September 18th in Fuji TV’s Super Animeism programming block.
Simultaneously, a complementary original net animation (ONA) series by studio AQUA ARIS was distributed online beginning July 5th.
Between its unorthodox Twitter comic origins, compelling story and characters that resonate with readers, stylish anime TV and web adaptation on esteemed platforms, and successful tankōbon collected volumes, Ore, Tsushima has showcased multimedia appeal and resonance with fans across physical and digital manga culture.
5. Sunakake-Babaa – Gegege no Kitaro
Sunakake-Babaa is an ancient yōkai, a supernatural monster of Japanese folklore, who appears as an elderly woman.
She is a member of the Kitarō Family, a group centered around the infamous yōkai boy Kitarō, which functions as a strange surrogate family and roving band.
As one of the wisest and most experienced of the group, Sunakake-Babaa often serves as an adviser and counselor to young Kitarō and the other yōkai companions as they get embroiled in adventures, offering guidance and insight gained from her centuries-long life.
In addition to this role as their venerable mentor, Sunakake-Babaa also manages the group’s living arrangements, overseeing the Yōkai Apartment that serves as their home base and headquarters when they are not roving the countryside.
Though old as dirt and rather monstrous in appearance, Sunakake-Babaa keeps the household functioning and her frightening adopted yōkai children in line through this dual role as their surrogate mother figure and manager.
6. Phyllis – The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Phyllis is an ancient witch who leads a secretive coven of magical practitioners. Her precise age is unknown, but she refers fondly to fellow witches and mages, even those many decades her senior, as “young ones”—implying she has walked the earth for centuries.
Despite the often dark and dangerous reputation of historical witches, Phyllis has a benevolent, caring spirit, using her wisdom cultivated over untold years to help mentor less experienced mages like Chise.
She has established strict ethical guidelines for herself and those in her coven, firmly believing magic should only be used to aid, never harm, others.
Though the full extent of her knowledge and power remains a mystery, she appears a maternal figure both nurturing and protective of her “children”—the younger witches and apprentices under her guidance.
They seem to revere Phyllis as an elderly high priestess, willingly following her compassionate leadership and heeding her ancient lessons on responsible magic use.
For all her mystical talents, in the end, she seems defined by ordinary human qualities of empathy and moral courage.
7. Ira – Dokidoki! PreCure
Ira has a playful, childlike personality and often behaves more like a mischievous little brother than a fearsome villain.
He dislikes admitting when his plans are foiled, reacting with petulant anger like a bratty kid. Hence, his teammates jokingly referred to him as “kid.”
He is quick to become frustrated when things don’t go his way, throwing temper tantrums by furiously bowling in the Selfish Trio’s secret base.
However, underneath his immature flaws and posturing lies an honorable heart. He displays gratitude when Rikka compassionately treats his injuries and helps restore his memories.
And despite claiming to see the Pretty Cures as enemies, he saves them from peril at one point, suggesting a buried admiration he won’t acknowledge.
Ira possibly harbors a budding crush on Rikka in particular that embarrasses yet softens him. Though certainly misguided in his actions, Ira reveals glimmers of conscience and empathy that hint at future redemption.
His childish bravado barely conceals inner goodness – he acts less like a sinister villain than a lonely, confused boy in need of friendship.
8. Yu Maehara – Gokujou!! Mecha Mote Iinchou
Mimi Kitagami is a responsible, levelheaded high school student who aspires to excel in everything she does, especially in her role as student council president.
Popular and well-liked among peers, Mimi prides herself on being a model student and a reliable leader that others can count on.
However, her composure and patience are often tested by the disruptive antics of three rebellious boys in her class.
Though Mimi works hard to keep them in line and out of trouble, the mischievous trio seems to relish regularly flouting the rules and flustering their uptight president for fun.
Ironically, Mimi secretly harbors a crush on the primary instigator, Ushio Tōjō. While quick to call him out for his delinquent schemes in public, in private, she is frequently flustered by her unrequited feelings towards the very boy who most often earns her reprimand.
Mimi struggles to balance her many responsibilities, public image, and secret heartache caused by stubborn troublemakers like Ushio, who always seems to see through her.
9. Uppi – Slayers Evolution-R
Lina Inverse and her companions have embarked on a dangerous quest to find and reclaim an artifact known as the Hellmaster’s Jar. According to legend, the evil Red Priest Rezo sealed his fragmented soul within it after death.
They seek this accursed jar because it is said to hold the key to unlocking the seal that Rezo also used to cut off Princess Amelia’s kingdom of Taforashia from the rest of the world.
The princess’s friend Pokota, trapped in stuffed animal form, is the rightful heir to Taforashia’s throne. By using the Hellmaster’s Jar to break Rezo’s blockade, Lina and the others hope to finally save Pokota’s imprisoned people.
Each has its own motives – Zelgadis seeks to use the jar’s powers to regain his lost humanity after Rezo’s reckless experiments once turned his flesh into unfeeling stone and metal.
Dangerous rivals also hunt this artifact for sinister ends; Zuuma plots murderous revenge against Lina for past defeat, while the enigmatic Xellos keeps his reasons frustratingly veiled.
However, recovering the Red Priest’s secret soul vessel first is their best chance to ruin Rezo’s old schemes and liberate Taforashia from its magical isolation at last. The race is on to claim theHellmaster’s Jar!
10. Boochokin – Hero Bank
In this fictional world, individuals take part in competitive “Hero Battles” by utilizing “Bankfon Gs,” special devices that enable them to temporarily gain possession of powerful superhero costumes and square off against other participants.
The public can also provide combat upgrades to their preferred fighters.
Kaito Gōshō, a selfless elementary school boy with a perpetual desire to assist others, hastily signs an agreement from a cryptic priest named Sennen to borrow an especially formidable hero outfit dubbed “Enter the Gold” for his own use in these battles.
However, Kaito subsequently discovers this arrangement carries an exorbitant debt of 10 billion yen that he must now pay back through triumphing in numerous Hero Battle matchups going forward.
With the advantage of his incredible new uniform but the pressure of his towering financial obligations, Kaito embarks on his quest to prevail in the widespread Hero Battle circuit, aiming to settle his costly debt while also helping any people in need he encounters along the way.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to her many iconic voice acting roles, Tanaka Mayumi has also lent her vocal talents to several honorable and upstanding fictional characters.
For instance, she has voiced “Turbo Granny” in the series Dandadan – a spunky, eccentric elderly woman with unexpected grit and determination.
Another one of her virtuous roles is Chum from Oroka na Tenshi wa Akuma to Odoru, a kindhearted, innocent angel character.
Additionally, Tanaka Mayumi has portrayed the noble Sezek from v1 Maou to One Room Yuusha, a courageous and dutiful warrior committed to vanquishing evil.
Through these and other ethical character depictions, Tanaka Mayumi has showcased not only her versatility as a voice performer but also her ability to compellingly bring to life protagonists with moral fiber, charm, and strength of spirit.
Her contributions have allowed audiences to connect to and root for a range of upright heroes and heroines.
