Elfen Lied

The Diclonius, a mutated homo sapien that is said to be selected by God and will eventually become the destruction of mankind, possesses two horns in their heads, and has a "sixth sense" which gives it telekinetic abilities. Due to this dangerous power, they have been captured and isolated in laboratories by the government. Lucy, a young and psychotic Diclonius, manages to break free of her confines and brutally murder most of the guards in the laboratory, only to get shot in the head as she makes her escape. She survives and manages to drift along to a beach, where two teenagers named Kouta and Yuka discovers her. Having lost her memories, she was named after the only thing that she can now say, "Nyuu," and the two allow her to stay at Kouta's home. However, it appears that the evil "Lucy" is not dead just yet...

Full Cast of Elfen Lied

Hiroaki Hirata voiced the character Kouta in the anime TV series 'Elfen Lied.' This role is significant in his career as it showcased his ability to portray complex emotions and a deeply conflicted character, differing from some of his more flamboyant or charismatic roles, such as Vinsmoke Sanji in 'One Piece.' His performance in 'Elfen Lied' stood out because it required a subtle, nuanced approach to convey Kouta's traumatic past and internal struggles, highlighting his versatility as a voice actor beyond the more action-focused or comedic roles he is often known for.

Jouji Nakata provided the voice for the character of Professor Kakuzawa in the TV series 'Elfen Lied.' His performance was widely praised for its nuanced and chilling delivery, which added depth to the enigmatic antagonist. What made Nakata's portrayal unique was his ability to convey a calm yet menacing presence, perfectly capturing the darker psychological themes of the show. A lesser-known fact about Nakata's involvement is that he extensively studied the character's backstory and motivations before recording, which is somewhat uncommon in voice acting; this dedication helped him bring a subtle complexity to Professor Kakuzawa that resonated with fans and critics alike.

Sanae Kobayashi lent her voice to the character Mariko Kurama in the anime adaptation of the TV series 'Elfen Lied.' Her performance was widely praised for bringing depth and emotional complexity to Mariko, a character tormented by her past yet exhibiting innocence and vulnerability. What made Kobayashi's performance unique was her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from eerie silence and coldness to moments of distress, which added layers to Mariko's character beyond the typical antagonist role. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that Kobayashi researched extensively about psychological trauma to authentically portray Mariko's fractured mind, and she worked closely with the director to ensure the voice portrayal aligned with the dark and tragic tone of the series.

Tomoko Kawakami voiced the character Nana in the TV series 'Elfen Lied.' This role stands out in her career as it showcased her ability to portray a complex character who blends innocence with emotional depth, providing a contrast to the darker themes of the show. Compared to her earlier or more widely recognized roles, such as in 'Air' or 'Angel Tales,' her performance in 'Elfen Lied' demonstrated a mature and nuanced range, enhancing her reputation as a versatile voice actress capable of handling multifaceted characters.

Hitomi Nabatame lent her voice to the character of Nana in the acclaimed anime series 'Elfen Lied.' Her performance was widely praised for bringing depth and nuance to a complex character who oscillates between innocence and fierce protectiveness. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey Nana's emotional vulnerability while effectively delivering the intensity required during the show's darker moments. A lesser-known fact about Nabatame's involvement is that she reportedly improvised some of Nana's softer dialogue moments, which added an additional layer of authenticity and charm to the character, making Nana especially memorable among fans of the series.

Mamiko Noto provided the voice for Nana in the TV anime 'Elfen Lied.' Her performance was widely praised for bringing emotional depth and vulnerability to the character, making Nana's struggles and growth particularly resonant with viewers. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey innocence and strength simultaneously through subtle vocal nuances, setting Nana apart in a series known for its intense and dark themes. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Mamiko Noto initially had reservations about voicing Nana due to the character's complex emotional range, but with guidance from the director and her own dedication, she developed a nuanced performance that became a defining role in her voice acting career.

Yuki Matsuoka lent her voice to the character of Kurama in the anime series 'Elfen Lied.' Her performance was well-received by fans and critics alike, noted for bringing a nuanced, emotional depth to the morally complex character. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey Kurama's internal conflict and stern exterior while subtly expressing vulnerability, which added layers to the character's persona and elevated the emotional impact of the series. A lesser-known fact about Matsuoka's work on 'Elfen Lied' is that she often improvised certain vocal inflections during intense scenes, which the director decided to keep because it enhanced the realism and emotional intensity of the moments.

Crew of Elfen Lied