Known for his roles as Reiner in Attack on Titan, Kaigaku in Infinity Castle and Tokoyami in My Hero Academia, Yoshimasa Hosoya is a hero of the voice acting world. At Anime Las Vegas 2026, Yoshimasa Hosoya joined numerous other incredible voice acting guests, making this a convention for the record books. Most importantly, a spotlight panel featured Hosoya, where fans could learn more about him and ask him questions.
An Introduction
Seeing as Hosoya spoke Japanese, a translator was on hand to ensure smooth sailing. However, Hosoya did introduce himself in English, introducing himself as a JVA (Japanese Voice Actor), a role he had learned that day at the convention. He explained that in Japanese, voice actors are called “seiyu,” so hearing the term JVA was interesting to him.
Japan vs America
Another talking point of the spotlight panel was the differences and similarities between American conventions and Japanese conventions. Seeing as Hosoya‘s not a stranger to international conventions, having previously gone to conventions in Houston, New York and Chile prior to Anime Las Vegas, as well as conventions in Japan, Hosoya emphasized the differences and similarities he sees.
Starting with the similarities, Yoshimasa Hosoya emphasized that American fans do just as well as Japanese fans at expressing their love for and supporting anime. For those who did not attend Anime Las Vegas 2026, there were numerous huge inflatables, such as Charizard, scattered across the convention hall. Hosoya noted that with cosplayers and decor like inflatables, American fans seem quite proud of their anime support.
However, the pride is also a stark contrast to Japanese anime fans. Unlike fans in Japan, Yoshimasa Hosoya said American fans are bolder and prouder when it comes to cosplaying. They’re not as afraid to go out and about in full cosplay.
His Home
Although Hosoya has traveled all over the globe, from Las Vegas to Saudi Arabia to China, his home in Hiroshima is quite quant. When asked about his favorite part of his home, he basically summarized it in one word “nothingness.” He enjoys that there’s not much there, just ships, bridges and lots of cats. It’s nice that way, a nice place for older people as well.
Yoshimasa Hosoya’s Voice Acting Origin Story
Hosoya’s voice acting story begins with the acting club, where he began practicing as an actor. While in that club, Hosoya was introduced to the series Martian Successor Nadesico, and upon seeing it, he realized that voice acting was exactly what he wanted to do.
Following that inspiration, Hosoya then, of course, got into the voice acting world and very vividly remembers his first recording. In his first recording, Hosoya’s character was cutting off the head of another characters, which he explained was such high pressure. He added he was so nervous recording the scene, that his voice was in shreds by the end of it.
Additionally, the panel explained the differences between voice acting in the U.S. versus in Japan. In the U.S. voice actors record in separate rooms, while in Japan the voice actors do an ensemble class, which Hosoya said feels more daunting with everyone around. However, Yoshimasa Hosoya added that when he does scenes with such incredible voice actors, who are so good at their craft, he absolutely loves it.
Voicing Reiner Braun in Attack on Titan
Without a doubt, Yoshimasa Hosoya’s most famous character he’s ever voiced was Reiner Braun in Attack on Titan, over 10 years ago. When he first got the role, he was a lot younger and skinnier than he was now, making him very different than Reiner, since Reiner is a strong and big man.
Due to the stark difference between Hosoya and his character, Hosoya knew he had to bring more strength to his characterization and voice. However, he also felt he had a commonality with Reiner. With Reiner’s bigger build, but lack of confidence and Hosoya being young, but making this strong and powerful voice, he felt a deep connection with his character.
Overall, the entire panel allowed fans to see a personable side of Yoshimasa Hosoya, beyond just his characters, but also into his home and his journey. Until next Anime Las Vegas, keep up with Anime Fire for more anime convention coverages!
Leave a Reply