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from Wikipedia

Yasushi Ōhama (大濱 靖, Ōhama Yasushi), known professionally as Show Hayami (速水 奨, Hayami Shō), is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer. He is mainly known for his smooth, deep voice. He has played a wide range of characters from kind-hearted heroes (Father Remington, Maximilian Jenius, Nicholas D. Wolfwood) to twisted sociopaths (Sousuke Aizen, Muraki Kazutaka, Enrico Maxwell, Juo Kurohagi, and LoL champion Jhin). He is married to Rei Igarashi and works for Rush Style.[1][2]

Key Information

Filmography

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Anime series

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1981
1982
1983
1984
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
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2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026

Original net animation

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Original video animation

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Anime films

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Tokusatsu

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Live-action film

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Video games

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Unknown date

Drama CD

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Dubbing

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Live-action

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Animation

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Video games

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Discography

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Albums

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  • Yuuga na Jōken (優雅な条件) (1992)
  • Liaison (1994)
  • Ordovices (1997)
  • Garnitures (2000)
  • Ren-Sa: Chaine (2001)
  • Love Balance (2002)
  • Idee: Ima, Boku ga Omou Koto (2003)
  • Subete wa Boku kara Hajimatta (2005)
  • Love Story (2007)

Singles

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  • Eien No Okusoku (1997)
  • Shadow Maker (1997)
  • Cactus (1997)

Talking albums

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  • Kotoba no Kuukan I (2000)
  • Kotoba no Kuukan II (2001)
  • Kotoba no Kuukan III (2002)
  • Kotoba no Kuukan IV (2007)

Pure voice albums

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  • Voice: Dakara Anata ni (2008)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Show Hayami (速水 奨, Hayami Shō; born August 2, 1958) is a Japanese , voice actor, and singer renowned for his smooth, deep voice and extensive work in , video games, and since the . Born Yasushi Ōhama in Takasago, , he adopted his stage name early in his career and has become a staple in the seiyū industry, voicing over 300 characters across hundreds of titles. Hayami debuted in the early 1980s with roles in landmark anime such as Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982), where he voiced the charismatic antagonist Maximilian Jenius, a character he reprised in sequels like Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984) and Macross 7 (1994). His career spans diverse genres, with standout performances including Nicholas D. Wolfwood in Trigun (1998), Zarbon in Dragon Ball Z films, Vanilla Ice in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, and Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki in Fairy Tail. In video games, he has lent his voice to characters like Akechi Mitsuhide in the Sengoku Basara series and Jhin in League of Legends, while recent projects as of 2025 include Alzado in New Saga and roles in Ninja Gaiden 4 and Super Robot Wars Y. Beyond anime, Hayami has contributed to live-action dubs, narration, and music, maintaining an active presence through his official website and social media. In his , Hayami is married to voice actress Rei Igarashi and serves as the adoptive father and step-uncle to fellow voice actor Hideyuki Hayami, reflecting deep ties within Japan's community. His enduring influence is evident in his consistent ranking among prominent seiyū and ongoing collaborations in major franchises.

Biography

Early life

Show Hayami, born Yasushi Ōhama on August 2, 1958, in Takasago, Hyōgo Prefecture, , was the youngest of three brothers raised in a stable family environment. His father, originally from Okinawa, had volunteered for service as a boy pilot during before settling in Hyōgo, where he worked first at a rice shop and later as a tax official at the prefectural office; the family owned their home in Takasago, which they had expanded with additions like a bathhouse before Hayami's birth. His two older brothers, each two years his senior, were academically accomplished and attended the same as Hayami from through high school, with their father also being an alumnus of the local institution. During his childhood, Hayami was an energetic and leadership-oriented boy, often serving as , starring in school plays, and leading group activities like neighborhood scuffles or outdoor explorations in nearby mountains and fields alongside peers and under his eldest brother's guidance. Initially considering a career in like his father, Hayami's interests shifted toward performance arts in high school at a prestigious local academy, where he joined the drama club after being profoundly inspired at age 15 by a Seinen-za production of starring , captivated by the raw physicality and emotional depth of live theater. By the end of his second year of high school, this exposure had solidified Hayami's aspiration to become a professional actor, prompting him to forgo university and relocate alone to upon graduation to train at the Seinen-za institute and later the Shiki Theatre Company, where he honed foundational stage acting skills among a select group of applicants. This early pursuit of theater laid the groundwork for his later transition into .

Career

Hayami began his career as a stage actor in the late , performing with the Seinenza Theater Company and later the Shiki Theatre Company. In 1980, he transitioned into by winning the Grand Prix at Nippon Broadcasting's Amateur Voice Actor Contest, selected from 30,000 entrants; this victory provided a cash prize and opportunities for minor roles that launched his entry into the field. His debut came in 1982, voicing Maximilian Jenius in the anime series . Over the years, Hayami affiliated with several prominent agencies, including Production Baobab, , and Osawa Office, before founding his own management company, Rush Style, in 2013, where he remains represented as of 2025. Hayami expanded into singing during the 1980s, debuting through character songs such as duets performed as Jenius in , which marked his initial foray into vocal performances tied to his voice roles. Renowned for his smooth, deep voice that suits a wide range of characters from charismatic leaders to antagonists, Hayami has earned veteran status in the industry with over 40 years of contributions, including informal peer recognition for his enduring influence on standards. As of 2025, Hayami continues active voice work in major projects, including roles in Ninja Gaiden 4 as Achilles, Super Robot Wars Y as Black Knight, and New Saga as Alzado, while also serving as an executive through his agency.

Personal life

Hayami has been married to voice actress Rei Igarashi since the 1980s. The couple occasionally collaborates on professional projects, supporting each other's careers in the voice acting industry. They are the adoptive parents of voice actor Hideyuki Hayami, who was adopted following the death of his mother in 2006; limited public details are available regarding their family life, respecting their preference for . Hayami's hobbies include cooking, appreciating ammonites, and playing with his pet cats, reflecting a low-key personal lifestyle centered in .

Filmography

Anime series

Show Hayami's voice work in television series spans over four decades, beginning with his debut in the early , where his smooth often brought nuance to pilots, warriors, and villains in and action genres. His contributions to episodic formats have emphasized character development through recurring appearances in long-running shōnen series, portraying authoritative figures and antagonists that drive narrative tension. Hayami's roles highlight his range, from heroic allies to manipulative foes, influencing fan perceptions of iconic characters in broadcast . The following table lists select major roles in chronological order by debut year, focusing on his key contributions to television anime storytelling. This includes recurring portrayals across seasons, with episode details where partial.
Year(s)Series TitleCharacterNotes
1982Super Dimension Fortress MacrossMaximilian JeniusAce pilot and rival; 36 episodes, central to romantic and battle arcs.
1983Aura Battler DunbineBern BunningsAntagonist commander; 49 episodes, embodies imperial ambition.
1983–1984Armored Trooper VotomsPol PotariaSupporting military figure; 52 episodes, adds depth to war narrative.
1989–1996Dragon Ball ZZarbonFrieza Force elite; episodes 42–49, notable for transformation scene.
1989–1992Ranma ½Uchinosuke OshamanbeRecurring martial artist; select episodes across 161 total, comic relief with dramatic undertones.
1991Future GPX Cyber FormulaOsamu SugoSupporting racer; 37 episodes, contributes to high-speed drama.
1998TrigunNicholas D. WolfwoodMain supporting priest/gunslinger; 26 episodes, moral complexity in sci-fi western.
2004–2012, 2022–2024BleachSōsuke AizenPrimary antagonist; 366+ episodes, recurring across arcs, iconic betrayal plot driver.
2005The Law of UekiMarco MardiniPower contestant; 51 episodes, adds supernatural rivalry.
2006–2018GintamaUmibōzuRecurring alien bounty hunter, Kagura's father; 367 episodes, humorous yet fierce family dynamic.
2009–2019Fairy TailIchiya Vandalay KotobukiRecurring guild master; 328 episodes across seasons, flamboyant perfume-themed fighter.
200907-GhostAyanamiMilitary leader; 25 episodes, authoritative antagonist.
2011Fate/ZeroTokiomi TohsakaMage and mentor; 25 episodes (across seasons), strategic Holy Grail War participant.
2015–2016Assassination ClassroomGakuhō AsanoSchool principal antagonist; 72 episodes across seasons, embodies ruthless education theme.
2020–2022Dragon Quest: The Adventure of DaiBaranDemon lord son; 100 episodes, pivotal family revelation and battles.
Hayami's recurring antagonist roles, such as in and Asano in , underscore his skill in voicing manipulative baritone characters that heighten episodic stakes and series lore. These performances have enduring impact, with Aizen's arc cited for elevating 's narrative depth in shōnen television. His recent work continues to blend gravitas with familial subtlety in ongoing broadcast series.

Original net animation

Show Hayami has contributed to several original net animations (ONAs), which are episodic series produced for initial release on digital streaming platforms rather than traditional television broadcast. These projects often leverage online distribution for broader global accessibility, allowing for experimental storytelling and targeted audiences without the constraints of TV scheduling. Unlike broadcast , ONAs like those on emphasize bingeable formats and international co-productions, expanding Hayami's reach to diverse viewers through his versatile baritone voice in supporting and antagonistic roles. Hayami's ONA roles span promotional shorts, spin-offs, and full series, frequently appearing in ensemble casts for fantasy, action, and comedic genres. Notable examples include his portrayal of the stoic instructor Takashi Suguruno in the post-apocalyptic survival drama 7SEEDS (2019), streamed exclusively on Netflix, where he voiced a key mentor figure guiding survivors in a harsh world. In the comedic slice-of-life The Way of the Househusband (2021), also on Netflix, Hayami lent his voice to the enigmatic Bar Master, adding depth to the series' humorous take on yakuza life in a modern setting. Another highlight is his performance as the villainous sorcerer Nils John Mifune in BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (2022–2023), a Netflix adaptation known for its heavy metal-inspired animation and dark fantasy elements. The following table lists Hayami's confirmed ONA roles chronologically, focusing on episodic releases:
YearTitleCharacterPlatform (if notable)
2016Pokémon GenerationsG-Cis (ep. 15)YouTube
2016Koro Sensei Quest!Gakuhou AsanoCrunchyroll
2016Higanjima XAkira Miyamoto (eps. 1–3); MarutaYouTube
2016Monster Strike: Mermaid RhapsodyColonel StilesYouTube
20197SEEDSTakashi Suguruno / Instructor (eps. 8, 18)Netflix
2021SD Gundam World HeroesArthur Gundam MKIIIYouTube / Gundam.Info
2021BanG Dream! Garupa☆Pico Fever!Mysterious Creature (ep. 5); Narration (ep. 14)YouTube
2021The Way of the HousehusbandBar Master / Bartender (eps. 5, 10)Netflix
2022BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-Nils John MifuneNetflix
2023BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-: Hell's RequiemNils John Mifune (ep. 24)Netflix
2025Star Wars: Visions Volume 3Bounty Hunter (The Smuggler)Disney+
These roles demonstrate Hayami's adaptability in digital-first formats, often involving collaborations with international platforms that prioritize high-production values and niche fan engagement over conventional airing.

Original video animation

Show Hayami has contributed his distinctive baritone voice to numerous original video animations (OVAs), anime formats designed for direct-to-video release that often serve as side stories, character-focused extensions, or pilot episodes expanding on established narratives. His OVA roles span genres from science fiction epics to dramatic romances, showcasing his versatility in voicing authoritative antagonists, brooding leads, and enigmatic supporting characters. These performances have appeared in both standalone OVAs and multi-episode releases that delve deeper into character backstories or alternate scenarios. The following table lists select OVA roles chronologically, highlighting key examples of Hayami's work in this medium:
Year(s)TitleCharacterEpisodes
1987–1989Akira Fudō / Devilman2
1988–1997Adalbert von Fahrenheit15
1992Koji Nanjo1
1992–1994Raoul Am2
19936
1996Koji Nanjo3
2003–2004Angelique: Twin CollectionJulious4
2004Honoo no Mirage: Minagiwa no HangyakushaNobutsuna Naoe1
2017Tatsumi Azama8
2017Drifters: The Outlandish KnightMitsuhide Akechi1
20202
Hayami's OVA contributions, such as his intense depiction of Akira Fudō in the OVAs—a direct adaptation emphasizing —or his strategic admiral in the expansive series, underscore his impact on 's direct-to-video landscape, where OVAs allowed for mature themes and experimental storytelling unbound by television constraints.

Anime films

Show Hayami has provided voice work for a variety of feature-length anime films, often embodying sophisticated villains, pilots, or enigmatic figures whose performances resonate in theatrical settings due to his resonant delivery. His early film role came in the landmark mecha film Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984), where he voiced the skilled pilot Maximilian Jenius, a character central to the story's interstellar romance and battle sequences. In The Five Star Stories (1989), Hayami portrayed Peosche Nomien, adding depth to the epic fantasy narrative with his commanding tone. He voiced the antagonist Zarbon in Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge (1991), capturing the alien warrior's arrogance during intense action scenes. Hayami lent his voice to Duke Shargun in Gude Crest: The Emblem of Gude (1990), contributing to the film's atmosphere. In Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture (1994), he played Hauer, enhancing the drama with a villainous edge. For Please Save My Earth: From Alice to Rin-kun e (1995), Hayami voiced , bringing emotional nuance to the sci-fi romance adaptation. A standout supporting role was as in Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street (2002), where his performance amplified the mystery-thriller's intrigue. Hayami reprised his iconic role as the scheming Sōsuke Aizen across multiple films, including Bleach: Memories of Nobody (2006), Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion (2007), Bleach: Fade to Black (2008), and Bleach: Hell Verse (2010), delivering a consistently chilling presence that heightened the supernatural action. In Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010), he voiced , reprising the gunslinger from the series in this Western-inspired anime film. More recently, Hayami appeared as Larue in (2021), supporting the prequel's curse-filled battles with his authoritative style. In 2025, he voiced in Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, directed by Masakazu Hashimoto and produced by , adding to the comedy film's international adventure.

Tokusatsu

Show Hayami has contributed to the tokusatsu genre primarily through , lending his distinctive deep and resonant tone to antagonistic AI entities and mechanical devices in live-action productions. These roles highlight the genre's reliance on practical effects, suitmation, and explosive action sequences, where voice work enhances the menace of non-human characters without requiring on-screen physical performance. His notable tokusatsu appearances include:
  • Kamen Rider Zero-One (2019–2020, ): Voice of Ark and Ark-Zero, a malevolent AI that possesses humans and transforms into a destructive Rider form.
  • Kamen Rider Genms: Smart Brain and the 1000% Crisis (2021, ): Voice of Ark, reprising the AI antagonist in this V-Cinema spin-off exploring corporate intrigue and Rider battles.
  • Kamen Rider Outsiders (2022–2024, ): Voice of Ark, Zero-Three, and Ark, continuing the character's arc in this web-exclusive crossover series involving shadowy organizations and high-stakes Rider conflicts.
  • Kamen Rider Gotchard (2023–2024, ): Voice of the Ark Driver, the transformation belt housing the recurring AI threat amid alchemical-themed heroics and monster fights.
  • No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: TegaSword of Resurrection (2025, ): Voice of Pestis, the primary targeting a legendary sword in this film emphasizing team-based mecha action and practical stunts.

Live-action films and television

Show Hayami's involvement in non-tokusatsu live-action films and television has been minimal, as his career has predominantly focused on and stage performances. Early in his professional journey during the 1980s, following his training with the Youth Theater Group and Shiki Theatre Company, Hayami transitioned from stage work but did not secure prominent on-screen roles in standard dramas or films during this period. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Hayami's appearances in general entertainment productions remained scarce, with no notable lead or supporting roles documented in Japanese live-action dramas or feature films. This limited engagement highlights his specialization in vocal performances, allowing him to explore a wide acting range through character voices rather than physical on-screen portrayals. No comprehensive chronological list of such roles exists in available records, underscoring Hayami's emphasis on other media formats over traditional live-action screen work.

Video games

Show Hayami has voiced numerous characters in video games since the , often portraying strategic warriors, enigmatic villains, and charismatic anti-heroes in action, RPG, and strategy titles. His deep enhances immersive storytelling in , with recurring roles in long-running franchises like and contributions to global hits such as . These performances span Japanese-developed series and international co-productions, showcasing his adaptability to and real-time dialogue. The following table lists select major roles in chronological order by debut year, focusing on key contributions:
Year(s)TitleCharacterNotes
2005–2015 seriesRecurring warlord; multiple entries including 2 (2006) and (2014), known for dramatic betrayal arc.
2010: Samurai HeroesConsole adaptation; emphasizes tactical combat and .
2013: All-Star BattleEnrico Pucci; ; reprises anime roles with unique vocal flair in battles.
2016–presentGlobal MOBA; iconic assassin with poetic, theatrical delivery in voice lines.
2023–presentReverse: 1999A Gacha RPG; mysterious figure in time-travel narrative, ongoing updates as of 2025.
2024 4Supporting antagonistAction-adventure; adds depth to boss encounters with menacing tone.
Hayami's video game roles, such as the cunning in the series, have become synonymous with the franchise's over-the-top historical action, while his portrayal of in has reached millions of players worldwide, influencing and fan culture.

Drama CDs

Show Hayami has contributed to various drama CDs, primarily as a voice actor in scripted audio narratives derived from , video games, novels, and original stories. These works highlight his ability to convey complex emotions and character dynamics solely through vocal performance, often in casts that emphasize dramatic tension and interpersonal relationships. Many of his roles in this medium demonstrate his range, from authoritative historical generals to enigmatic supernatural figures, without reliance on visual elements. Notable performances include:
  • Zhou Yu in the CD Drama Collections: Romance of the Three Kingdoms series (1992–1995, produced by Koei), where he portrayed the strategic advisor in multi-volume audio adaptations of the historical epic.
  • Raoul Amory in Ai no Kusabi: Dark Erogenous (1993, produced by Victor Entertainment), voicing the elite Blondy noble in this dystopian sci-fi narrative exploring class and desire.
  • Maximilian Jenius in Macross 7: Docking Festival – Song Saves the Galaxy (1995, produced by Victor Entertainment), reprising his anime role in a side story focusing on interstellar conflict and romance.
  • Dr. Hayami in the S.S.D.S. (Super Stylish Doctors Story) series, including Ai no Kaito Shinsho volumes 1–4 (2003–2004, produced by Lantis), where he starred, scripted, and produced this ongoing medical-themed drama ensemble.
  • Dr. Hayami in S.S.D.S. Revolution drama albums 1–4 (2005–2006, produced by Lantis), expanding the series with themes of professional intrigue and personal dilemmas in a hospital setting.
  • Urielle in Tenshi Kinryouku (Angel Sanctuary): Hoshi Yuukai-hen volumes 1–3 (1990s, produced by Lantis), voicing the archangel in this supernatural tale of forbidden love and divine rebellion.
  • Akira (the café owner) in 23-ji no Mamatchi: Night Café Owner Akira no Baai (2025, produced by Pokedora), portraying a multifaceted entrepreneur in a modern slice-of-life audio story.

Dubbing

Live-action

Show Hayami has provided Japanese for numerous foreign live-action films and television series, often lending his distinctive smooth and deep voice to charismatic or authoritative characters, such as captains, detectives, and historical figures. His performances emphasize precise with the original actors' expressions and timing, enhancing the emotional depth in translations for Japanese audiences. Notable examples include his role as Dylan Hunt, the stoic captain leading a crew in the sci-fi series Andromeda (original release 2000–2005 in ), where he voiced Kevin Sorbo's character, capturing the leader's resolute determination amid interstellar conflicts. In the cult horror-comedy film The Mask (1994, released in Japan 1995), Hayami dubbed as the sleazy Charlie Skanker, delivering a comically oily tone that matched the film's exaggerated antics. Hayami portrayed Michael Mancini, the ambitious architect entangled in dramatic relationships, in the soap opera Melrose Place (original 1992–1999, dubbed episodes aired in Japan mid-1990s), voicing Jack Wagner with a suave intensity suited to the show's intrigue-heavy narrative. For the mystery series (TV Asahi dub, episodes from 1996 onward in Japan), he voiced John Byers, the conspiracy theorist from the Lone Gunmen trio (portrayed by ), infusing the role with a paranoid yet intellectual edge that complemented the show's investigations. In more recent works, Hayami dubbed Tobias Menzies as the dual roles of Frank Randall and Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall in the historical fantasy series Outlander (original 2014–present, Japan release via streaming 2015 onward), providing a layered performance that contrasted the characters' refined and ruthless traits through subtle vocal shifts. He also voiced Nicolas Cage as the hitman John in the action-comedy film Killers (2010, released in Japan 2010), aligning his delivery with Cage's over-the-top charisma in high-stakes chases and twists. Additionally, in the Marvel series Hawkeye (2021, Japan release 2021), Hayami brought elegance to Tony Dalton's Jack Duquesne, the sophisticated swordsman, enhancing the character's enigmatic allure.

Animation

Show Hayami has been involved in the Japanese dubbing of various foreign and films, lending his distinctive deep voice to a range of characters from heroic leaders to cunning antagonists, helping to localize Western content for Japanese viewers. His contributions span decades, beginning with major adaptations of American cartoons and extending to later sci-fi animations, where his performances enhance the emotional depth and dramatic tension of the originals. One of Hayami's earliest and most extensive involvements was in the Japanese dub of the American series The Transformers, which premiered in Japan on March 2, 1985. He voiced multiple characters across the series and its 1986 theatrical film The Transformers: The Movie, including the steadfast Autobot warrior Ironhide, the noble leader , and human ally Spike Witwicky. These roles showcased his ability to convey authority and complexity, voicing both protagonists and supporting characters in a production that required significant localization efforts. Later, Hayami provided the voice for Kit Fisto, the Nautolan Jedi Master, in the Japanese dub of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which began airing in Japan on October 7, 2008. His portrayal captured the character's calm wisdom and combat prowess, adapting the role to fit the series' epic tone while aligning with Japanese dubbing conventions for sci-fi narratives. A notable comedic turn came in the Japanese dub of Animaniacs, which aired from July 10, 1996, to December 25, 1996, where Hayami voiced the guest character Mel Gibson in a parody episode. This role highlighted his versatility in handling satirical Western celebrity cameos. In foreign animated content for Japanese audiences, cultural adaptations are essential to bridge differences in humor, values, and narrative pacing. For instance, the Japanese version of The Transformers altered character names (e.g., to ), added original episodes, and toned down violence to comply with local broadcasting regulations and appeal to family viewers, ensuring the story's themes of heroism and conflict resonate culturally. Hayami's performances in such projects contribute to this process by infusing roles with nuances that feel natural in Japanese, preserving the essence of the originals while making them accessible.

Video games

In video games, Hayami has dubbed foreign titles, notably voicing the enigmatic assassin in (2016–present), bringing a smooth, sinister tone to the character's artistic killings.

Discography

Albums

Show Hayami's album discography consists of nine original full-length releases spanning from 1992 to 2007, primarily in the and ballad genres, emphasizing his distinctive vocals and themes of romance, introspection, and personal reflection. These solo works, produced under various labels, highlight his transition from to a dedicated musical career, with concepts ranging from elegant pop arrangements in his debut to more narrative-driven vocal performances in later efforts. While no new original albums have been released since 2007, a remastered edition of his second album was issued in 2024 to commemorate its 30th anniversary. His debut album, Yuuga na Jōken (優雅な条件), released in 1992 by Cyclone Records, features 10 tracks blending and pop elements, establishing Hayami's smooth, sophisticated vocal style. The follow-up, Liaison (1994, ), contains 14 tracks including instrumental preludes and vocal ballads produced by Shinji Harada, exploring themes of love and longing with a jazz-infused pop . Ordovices (1997, Universal Music), a 12-track release, shifts toward more orchestral arrangements, incorporating classical influences in its romantic compositions. Subsequent albums under Lantis label mark a collaborative phase with anime-adjacent production, though focused on original songs:
  • Garnitures (2000), 11 tracks of upbeat pop with gourmet-themed metaphors for relationships.
  • Ren-Sa: Chaine (連鎖 ~Chaine~, 2001), 12 tracks emphasizing chained emotional s through mid-tempo ballads.
  • Love Balance (2002), 13 tracks balancing pop and acoustic elements to depict equilibrium in love.
  • Idée: Ima, Boku ga Omou Koto (idee ~いま、僕が想うこと~, 2003), 11 introspective tracks reflecting personal thoughts and growth.
  • Subete wa Boku kara Hajimatta (すべては僕から始まった, 2005), 12 songs tracing self-originating stories with mature pop-rock vibes.
  • Love Story (2007), 14 tracks compiling romantic tales in a cohesive album format.
These releases underscore Hayami's evolution as a solo artist, prioritizing vocal expression over character-specific ties.

Singles

Show Hayami's singles primarily consist of solo releases and character theme songs tied to productions, reflecting his dual as a and singer. These standalone releases often served as promotional pieces for television series or as independent musical endeavors, emphasizing his vocals in romantic and dramatic contexts. His in this category is relatively sparse compared to his albums, with a focus on the mid-1990s onward following his established . Hayami's earliest notable single appearance came in 1996 with "The Mask Says," performed in character as Knight Schumacher for the Future GPX Cyber Formula. Released by , the single features the title track alongside "Ai o Agetai" (I Want to Give You Love), blending high-energy pop with thematic elements from the racing series. In 1997, Hayami issued three solo singles under the Polygram label, marking a concentrated period of original music output. "Eien no Okusoku" (Eternal Speculation) was released in September, showcasing introspective lyrics and orchestral arrangements. This was followed by "Shadow Maker" in the same month, a moody track with gothic influences, including B-sides like "Amazing Bat Love" and instrumental versions. "Cactus," also from September, adopted a more rock-oriented sound, highlighting Hayami's versatility in emotional delivery. These singles were promotional for his album Ordovices but stood alone as distinct releases. Subsequent singles shifted toward character songs for , integrating Hayami's voice work with musical performance. For instance, in 2005, he released "Hanabira" (Petals) as Sosuke Aizen for Bleach Beat Collection 3rd Session, a dramatic tied to the series' narrative. Similarly, in 2006, the Koi Suru Tenshi Angelique character song volume featured Hayami as Julius, with tracks like "Kagayaku Ai no Tsubasa" emphasizing romantic themes from the adaptation. These later releases underscore how Hayami's singles often bridged his acting and singing roles, though they remained promotional rather than chart-topping hits.
TitleRelease YearLabelNotes
The Mask Says / Ai o Agetai1996Character song for (as Knight Schumacher)
Eien no Okusoku1997Solo single; introspective
Shadow Maker1997Solo single; gothic pop with B-sides
Cactus1997Solo single; rock-influenced track
Hanabira (Bleach Beat Collection)2005Character song for (as Sosuke Aizen)
Kagayaku Ai no Tsubasa (Angelique Character Song)2006LaLa DearCharacter song for Koi Suru Tenshi Angelique (as Julius)

Talking albums

Shō Hayami has produced a series of spoken-word albums under the title Kotoba no Kuukan (Words' ), which feature his solo narrations of literary works, original stories, and , often accompanied by minimal instrumentation to enhance the atmospheric storytelling. These releases emphasize Hayami's voice in delivering introspective and narrative-driven content, drawing from classic while incorporating his own written pieces that reflect personal themes such as memory, nature, and human emotion. Released through his agency Rush Style, the series showcases a production style that prioritizes intimate, unadorned recitation, blending professional techniques with subtle personal insights derived from Hayami's experiences as a veteran narrator. The following table lists the albums chronologically, including release year, format (all as single audio CDs), and a summary of key content:
TitleRelease YearFormatContent Summary
Kotoba no Kuukan I2000Audio CDFeatures Hayami's original story "Omoi" (Thoughts) alongside narrations of Kenji Miyazawa's "Donguri to Yamaneko" (The Acorns and the ) and other short tales, focusing on themes of longing and rural whimsy, with gentle guitar underscoring the emotional depth.
Kotoba no Kuukan II2001Audio CDIncludes adaptations of Miyazawa's "Kono Mori o Nukereba" (If You Pass Through This Forest) and "Chuumon no Ooi Ryouriten" (The Restaurant of Many Orders), combined with Hayami's originals like "Sasayaki" (), exploring fantasy and introspection through spoken dialogue and ambient soundscapes.
Kotoba no Kuukan III2002Audio CDCenters on Miyazawa's "Yodaka no Hoshi" (The Coot's Star) and Hayami's "Benjamin no Tsurii" (Benjamin's ), presenting poignant narratives of transformation and loss, with Hayami's delivery highlighting philosophical undertones via solo and sparse musical elements.
Kotoba no Kuukan IV: Onmyōji Ama no Jakushi2007Audio CDAdapts Baku Yumemakura's tale "Ama no Jakushi" (Heavenly Mischief), interwoven with poetry recitals such as Matsuo Bashō's , creating a mystical atmosphere through Hayami's evocative and , evoking .

Pure voice albums

Show Hayami's pure voice albums emphasize his vocal prowess through immersive, non-verbal soundscapes and character vocalizations, allowing listeners to experience his range in experimental formats divorced from full narratives or musical . These releases often employ audio techniques to simulate spatial movement and emotional depth via breaths, hums, whispers, and tonal shifts, showcasing techniques like resonant lows and subtle modulations that define his style. A prominent example is the 2004 release 監禁の館 (The Mansion of Confinement), produced by Magazine Magazine. In this single-disc collection, Hayami voices an array of archetypes—including a noble, , painter, host, secretary, newhalf, boy, , , and a secret character—using non-verbal cues such as echoing breaths, directional whispers, and layered hums to evoke tension and intimacy within a confinement-themed setting. The album's binaural design positions sounds to move around the listener, highlighting Hayami's control over vocal and pitch variation for atmospheric effect. This work exemplifies Hayami's versatility by isolating his voice as the sole instrument, demonstrating how his deep, velvety can convey complex emotions like longing or menace without reliance on lyrics or script, a technique rooted in his extensive background. Such albums underscore his ability to blend subtle effects with character essence, influencing later experimental audio formats in the industry.

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