Meet the Cast of My Family: A Japanese Comedy

My Family is a delightful and light-hearted comedy that explores the daily antics and adventures of a quintessential Japanese family. The show cleverly captures the nuances of family life, portraying the humorous yet relatable dynamics that unfold within the Tachibana household. At its heart are the characters of Kumiko Watanabe, who brilliantly brings to life the loving yet often bewildered mother, and Fumiko Orikasa, who plays their spirited teenage daughter, Mikan. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of daily routines, school life, and the occasional family mishap with charm and wit.

The Tachibana family is characterized by their typical yet endearing roles, with the father serving as the diligent salary-man striving to balance work and family commitments while maintaining a sense of humor in the face of daily challenges. Their interactions are often filled with comedic moments, showcasing the generational gaps and misunderstandings that arise in a family setting. As Mikan grapples with the pressures of teenage life, including friendships, school, and her aspirations, viewers are treated to a warm portrayal of the support system that family can provide, even amidst the chaos.

What makes My Family particularly engaging is its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, tapping into universal themes of love, patience, and the occasional conflict that arises in any household. The series encapsulates the essence of family life in Japan while exploring deeper themes such as identity and belonging. Through its relatable characters and humorous storytelling, My Family invites viewers to reflect on their own family experiences, making it a heartfelt comedy that feels both familiar and entertaining.

Full Cast of My Family

Kumiko Watanabe

Mother (voice) (663 episodes)

Kumiko Watanabe's performance as the voice of Mother in the animated television series "My Family" (also known as "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf" in some regions) is a testament to her versatility and depth as a voice actress. As the matriarch of the wolf family, Watanabe infuses her character with a warm, nurturing tone that perfectly captures the essence of a caring and protective mother. Her voice radiates with a comforting presence, providing a sense of stability and love within the chaotic dynamics of the family. Watanabe's ability to convey a range of emotions, from concern to joy, and her impeccable timing in both comedic and heartfelt scenes, adds layers of authenticity to her portrayal. Her performance as Mother is not only memorable but also resonates with audiences, who see in her voice the universal qualities of maternal affection and resilience. Kumiko Watanabe's work in "My Family" is a shining example of how voice acting can bring a character to life and make them an integral part of the viewer's experience.

Fumiko Orikasa

Mikan (voice) (663 episodes)

Fumiko Orikasa delivers a memorable performance as Mikan in the television series "My Family" (also known as "Gokusen"), showcasing her versatility and depth as a voice actress. Her portrayal of Mikan, a high school student who is part of the notorious yet lovable class 3-D, captures the character's vivacious energy and complex emotions. Orikasa's voice work brings a sense of authenticity to Mikan's struggles and growth throughout the series, highlighting her transition from a rough-around-the-edges delinquent to a more mature and empathetic individual. Her interactions with the main character, Kumiko Yamaguchi, voiced by Risa Hayamizu, are particularly noteworthy, as they depict the nuanced dynamics within the classroom and the influence of a strong, caring teacher. Orikasa's performance is a testament to her ability to convey the nuances of youth, with all its rebelliousness and tenderness, making Mikan a character that resonates with audiences and adds significant depth to the ensemble cast of "My Family."

Kenichi Ogata

Father (voice) (663 episodes)

Kenichi Ogata delivered a nuanced and heartwarming performance as the voice of Father in the animated television series "My Family" (also known as "Papa is a Idol"), a role that showcased his versatility and depth as a voice actor. Ogata brought a sense of paternal wisdom and gentle authority to the character, effectively capturing the essence of a loving and sometimes bumbling father figure. His vocal work conveyed a wide range of emotions, from the comedic absurdity of a father trying to keep up with modern trends to the tender moments of familial love and support. Ogata's Father was both relatable and endearing, serving as the emotional anchor of the series and resonating with audiences of all ages. His performance added a layer of authenticity to the character, making the animated Father a memorable and iconic representation of parenthood in the world of anime.

Daisuke Sakaguchi

Yuzuhiko (voice) (663 episodes)

Daisuke Sakaguchi delivers a noteworthy performance as Yuzuhiko in the television series "My Family," bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to the character through his skilled voice work. His portrayal captures the essence of Yuzuhiko's personality, infusing the character with a blend of youthful exuberance and the nuanced complexities that come with being part of a unique and blended family dynamic. Sakaguchi's voice acting resonates with a genuine quality that allows viewers to empathize with Yuzuhiko's experiences, whether he's navigating the typical challenges of adolescence or dealing with the more extraordinary circumstances that arise from his family's supernatural secrets. His interactions with other characters are delivered with impeccable timing and emotion, showcasing Sakaguchi's ability to convey both the humorous and serious moments of the series. Through his performance, Sakaguchi plays a crucial role in endearing Yuzuhiko to the audience and in making "My Family" a memorable and heartfelt viewing experience.

Hikaru Midorikawa

Iwaki (voice) (663 episodes)

Hikaru Midorikawa delivered a nuanced and emotive performance as Iwaki in the television series "My Family" (also known as "Boku no Ita Jikanga" or "The Family I Had"), a Japanese drama that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting impact of past choices. Midorikawa's portrayal of Iwaki is characterized by his rich and versatile voice, which aptly conveys the character's internal struggles and the weight of familial responsibilities he carries. Iwaki, a man who must confront the consequences of his actions and the secrets he's kept, is brought to life by Midorikawa's ability to express a wide range of emotions, from quiet introspection to moments of intense drama. His voice acting adds significant depth to the character, allowing viewers to empathize with Iwaki's moral dilemmas and the emotional turmoil that comes with trying to protect his family while dealing with his own regrets. Midorikawa's performance is a testament to his skill in voicing complex characters, making Iwaki a memorable and relatable figure in the landscape of Japanese television drama.

Yusuke Numata

Yoshioka (voice) (663 episodes)

Yusuke Numata delivered a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Yoshioka in the television series "My Family," bringing a depth of emotion and authenticity to the character that resonated with audiences. His vocal work captured the essence of Yoshioka's complex personality, seamlessly transitioning between moments of quiet introspection and the dynamic energy required for the character's more assertive scenes. Numata's voice acting highlighted Yoshioka's internal struggles and growth, making the character's journey a poignant aspect of the show's narrative. His ability to convey subtle shifts in emotion added layers to the portrayal, allowing viewers to empathize with Yoshioka's challenges and triumphs. Numata's performance was not just about delivering lines; it was about embodying the spirit of Yoshioka, making him a memorable and relatable figure in the tapestry of "My Family."