Cast and Crew of Parasyte -the maxim-

Parasyte -the maxim-

寄生獣 セイの格率

Parasyte -the maxim- is a gripping sci-fi horror anime series that follows the story of a high school student named Shinichi Izumi, who becomes the host of a parasitic alien that fails to take over his brain and ends up in his right hand instead. This strange and unlikely partnership leads to the creation of a unique and powerful entity that sets out to protect humanity from the parasitic invasion.

The show features a talented voice cast, including Kazuhiko Inoue as Gotou, a high-ranking parasite who takes an interest in Shinichi and his abilities, and Atsuko Tanaka as Tamiya Ryoko/Tamura Reiko, a mysterious and enigmatic character who plays a pivotal role in the series. With their exceptional vocal performances, these actors bring depth and nuance to their characters, making them all the more engaging and memorable.

At its core, Parasyte -the maxim- is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, and the nature of identity and consciousness. Through the lens of a thrilling and suspenseful sci-fi narrative, the show raises questions about the true nature of the parasites and their relationship with their human hosts, and whether it is possible for two such different beings to coexist in harmony. With its compelling characters, stunning animation, and thought-provoking themes, Parasyte -the maxim- is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and horror alike.

Full Cast of Parasyte -the maxim-

Hiroyuki Yoshino as Uragami (voice)

Hiroyuki Yoshino

Uragami (voice)
Hiroyuki Yoshino delivers a captivating performance as Uragami in the gripping and thought-provoking anime series, "Parasyte -the maxim-". As a character with the unique ability to detect alien Parasites, his voice exudes a haunting blend of fear and obsession that fits perfectly with Uragami's unhinged personality. Yoshino's expert inflection brings to life the character's moral ambiguity and descent into madness as he becomes increasingly unstable and unpredictable. Overall, his memorable performance adds an extra layer of tension and intrigue to an already engaging series.
Ayumu Murase as Uda's Parasite (voice)

Ayumu Murase

Uda's Parasite (voice) , Jaw (voice)
Ayumu Murase lent his voice to the character Shinichi Izumi in the anime series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. His performance was widely praised for capturing the complex emotions and transformation of the protagonist, delivering a nuanced portrayal that resonated deeply with audiences. What made his work unique was his ability to convey Shinichi's internal struggle between human and parasite aspects through subtle vocal shifts, adding depth to the character's journey. A lesser-known fact is that Murase took time to study psychological thrillers and horror genres to better prepare for the role, enabling him to bring a more authentic and intense energy to the character's moments of conflict.
Nobunaga Shimazaki as Izumi Shinichi (voice)

Nobunaga Shimazaki

Izumi Shinichi (voice)
Nobunaga Shimazaki delivers a noteworthy performance as Shinichi Izumi in 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. His voice acting masterfully captures Shinichi's transformation from a timid high school student to a resilient young man determined to protect humanity from the parasitic invaders. Shimazaki's nuanced portrayal beautifully encapsulates the complex emotions that Shinichi experiences, from fear and resolve to despair and hope. The depth of his performance adds a layer of authenticity to the character, making Shinichi eminently relatable and the audience fully invested in his tumultuous journey.
Toru Nara as Itoh (voice)

Toru Nara

Itoh (voice) , Man (voice)
Shinya Hamazoe as Kawada (voice)

Shinya Hamazoe

Kawada (voice) , Special Team (voice)
Miho Miyagawa as Nurse (voice)

Miho Miyagawa

Nurse (voice) , Teacher (voice) , Miyake (voice) , Parasite (voice) , Misaki's mother (voice)
Fans of Miho Miyagawa will likely appreciate her role in the TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-' due to her compelling portrayal of a character that embodies both vulnerability and strength, which resonates with the intense and psychologically complex themes of the show. Compared to her most iconic performance—often celebrated for its emotional depth and nuanced expression—her role in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' showcases a different facet of her acting range, emphasizing suspense and the intricacies of human-monster relationships. An interesting detail about her character in this series is that despite the show's dark and eerie premise, her character occasionally provides subtle moments of comic relief, adding layers to the narrative and demonstrating Miyagawa’s versatility. Additionally, it was unexpected to learn that Miyagawa initially hesitated to accept the role because she was more familiar with romantic dramas, making her successful adaptation to this genre shift particularly noteworthy.
Masaki Aizawa as Man (voice)

Masaki Aizawa

Man (voice) , Officer Worker「A」(voice) , Professor (voice) , Taoka (voice) , Kazuyuki Izumi (voice)
Masaki Aizawa lent his distinctive voice to the television anime series 'Parasyte -the maxim-', where he portrayed the character Takeshi Hirokawa. His performance was widely praised for its depth and intensity, adding a compelling layer to the complex antagonist. What made Aizawa's portrayal unique was his ability to convey a chilling calmness intertwined with menace, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the show. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that during recording sessions, Aizawa often collaborated closely with the director to fine-tune the emotional tone of his lines, ensuring that his character's subtle psychological nuances were effectively captured, which greatly contributed to the show's acclaim.
Kana Hanazawa as Satomi Murano (voice)

Kana Hanazawa

Satomi Murano (voice)
Fans of Kana Hanazawa will appreciate her role as Satomi Murano in the TV anime 'Parasyte -the maxim-' because it showcases her versatility in portraying a character who is gentle and caring yet grounded amidst the show's intense and suspenseful narrative. Unlike her most iconic performance as Mayuri Shiina in 'Steins;Gate,' where she embodies a quirky and optimistic personality, Satomi is more mature and emotionally complex, providing a refreshing contrast. An interesting detail is that Kana Hanazawa originally auditioned for a different character but was ultimately cast as Satomi, highlighting the producers' recognition of her ability to bring depth to a more subtle and nuanced role.
Miyuki Sawashiro as Kana Kimishima (voice)

Miyuki Sawashiro

Kana Kimishima (voice)
Miyuki Sawashiro voiced the character Kana Kimishima in the anime TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. Kana is a pivotal supporting character who possesses a mysterious ability to sense parasites, which adds an emotional and psychological depth to the series. This role showcases Sawashiro's talent for conveying nuanced, empathetic performances, fitting well into her extensive career of voicing complex and multidimensional characters. Unlike some of her earlier or more iconic roles that often featured strong, assertive characters (such as Fujiko Mine in 'Lupin the Third' or Celty Sturluson in 'Durarara!!'), Kana's portrayal required a more subtle, vulnerable, and humanized approach. This performance stands out for its emotional restraint and the ability to evoke sympathy and intrigue, highlighting Sawashiro's versatility and growth as a voice actress.
Atsuko Tanaka as Tamiya Ryoko / Tamura Reiko (voice)

Atsuko Tanaka

Tamiya Ryoko / Tamura Reiko (voice) , Reiko Tamura (voice) , Ryoko Tamiya (voice)
Atsuko Tanaka's performance as Tamiya Ryoko / Tamura Reiko in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her voice acting is a masterclass in range and versatility, effortlessly switching between the personas of the cunning and ruthless Tamiya Ryoko to the innocent and vulnerable Tamura Reiko. Tanaka's ability to imbue both characters with distinct vocal nuances and emotions adds layers of complexity and depth to the narrative, keeping viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Her chilling portrayal of Ryoko, in particular, is noteworthy, as she captures the cold, calculating nature of the character with unsettling precision. Overall, Tanaka's performance showcases her immense talent and is a significant factor in making 'Parasyte -the maxim-' an unforgettable viewing experience.
Aya Hirano as Migi-(voice)

Aya Hirano

Migi-(voice)
Aya Hirano delivers an exceptional voice performance as Migi in the critically acclaimed television series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. Her portrayal of the pragmatic and intelligent alien parasite showcases her versatile acting abilities, as she effortlessly captures Migi's matter-of-fact yet slightly sinister tone. Hirano's nuanced voice work brings depth and complexity to the character, making Migi a compelling and intriguing presence in the show. Her performance stands out among the talented Japanese voice cast, contributing to the overall impact and success of 'Parasyte -the maxim-'.
Yuya Murakami as Special Team (voice)

Yuya Murakami

Special Team (voice) , Kamijou (voice)
Yuya Murakami's portrayal of Special Team (voice) in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' is marked by an intense and commanding presence, effectively conveying the pressure and tension experienced by the characters confronting the alien threat. Compared to his other roles, which often feature more subdued or nuanced characterizations, this performance stands out for its gritty and high-stakes energy. An interesting trivia fact is that 'Parasyte -the maxim-' utilized a blend of voice acting talents to maintain its suspenseful atmosphere, with Murakami's contribution adding a layer of realism to the special forces unit's portrayal.
Haruka Kudou as Female student (voice)

Haruka Kudou

Female student (voice) , Office Lady (voice)
Haruka Kudou portrayed the character Satomi Murano in the TV anime 'Parasyte -the maxim-.' In this role, she provided the voice for Satomi, a pivotal character who is the love interest and emotional anchor for the protagonist, Shinichi Izumi. This performance marked a significant point in her career as it showcased her ability to convey deep emotional nuances through voice acting, expanding her repertoire beyond live-action roles that she was better known for. Compared to her earlier work, which mainly involved on-screen performances, her role in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' demonstrated her versatility and talent in voice acting, earning her recognition in the anime community and contributing to the diversification of her acting portfolio.
Takeharu Oonishi as Delinquent (voice)

Takeharu Oonishi

Delinquent (voice) , Ancient Languages Teacher (voice)
Fans of Takeharu Oonishi will appreciate his role in "Parasyte -the maxim-" because he brings a unique blend of intensity and subtlety to his character, which resonates with his previous iconic performances known for emotional depth. Compared to his most iconic role, where he often portrayed more overtly expressive characters, his work in "Parasyte -the maxim-" shows a more nuanced and restrained approach, adding layers to the storyline's suspense and psychological complexity. An interesting detail about his character in this series is that his voice underwent digital modulation to enhance the eerie and otherworldly nature of his role, making his performance not only impactful but also sonically distinct.
Akira Ishida as Hideo Shimada (voice)

Akira Ishida

Hideo Shimada (voice)
Akira Ishida's performance as Hideo Shimada in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' is a testament to his incredible voice acting skills. Ishida brings a sense of depth and complexity to the character, portraying Hideo's inner turmoil as he grapples with his conscience and his loyalty. His delivery is nuanced and emotive, effortlessly shifting from quiet introspection to intense confrontation. The raw emotion Ishida infuses into his performance adds a layer of humanity to Hideo, making him a relatable and compelling character in the series.
Daisuke Namikawa as Miki (voice)

Daisuke Namikawa

Miki (voice)
Daisuke Namikawa delivers a captivating performance as Miki in the gripping TV series "Parasyte -the maxim-". Miki, a supporting character, evolves from a seemingly ordinary high school student into a crucial player in the overarching narrative. Namikawa skillfully captivates audiences with his voice acting, infusing Miki's character with depth, vulnerability, and resilience. His performance showcases the transformation of a regular teenager grappling with the extraordinary circumstances of a parasitic invasion, making Miki not only engaging but also relatable to viewers.
Issei Futamata as Shirou Kuramori (voice)

Issei Futamata

Shirou Kuramori (voice)
Issei Futamata's portrayal of Shirou Kuramori in "Parasyte -the maxim-" is nothing short of mesmerizing. As a detective with a deep-seated obsession for parasites, Futamata masterfully conveys Kuramori's unsettling intensity and eccentric charm. With his distinctively gravelly voice, he infuses the character with a profound determination that reflects Kuramori's relentless pursuit for the truth. Futamata's performance is a testament to his skill as a voice actor, perfectly encapsulating the complexities and nuanced layers of Shirou Kuramori throughout the gripping narrative of the series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Kazuhiko Inoue as Gotou (voice)

Kazuhiko Inoue

Gotou (voice)
Kazuhiko Inoue lent his voice to the character Takeshi Hirokawa in the anime TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. His performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, bringing a distinctive intensity to the character that added greatly to the show's dark and suspenseful atmosphere. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to convey complex emotions subtly, enriching the narrative without overpowering other elements. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Inoue meticulously studied psychological thrillers to better understand his character's mindset, which contributed significantly to the authentic feel of his voice acting in the series.
Rikiya Koyama as Yamagishi (voice)

Rikiya Koyama

Yamagishi (voice)
Rikiya Koyama lent his voice to the character of Ryoko Tamiya in the critically acclaimed anime TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. His performance was widely praised for capturing the eerie and complex nature of the character, adding depth to the show's exploration of humanity and alien consciousness. What set Koyama's portrayal apart was his ability to balance cold, calculating tones with moments of subtle emotional nuance, which brought a unique dimension to the character. A lesser-known fact is that Koyama spent time studying scientific lectures on parasitology to better understand and embody the mindset of his character, showcasing his dedication to delivering an authentic performance.
Junya Enoki as Taku Furuya (voice)

Junya Enoki

Taku Furuya (voice)
Junya Enoki lent his voice to the character of Shinichi Izumi in the anime TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. His performance was widely appreciated for capturing the complex emotional evolution of Shinichi, from an ordinary high school student to a conflicted individual struggling with his parasitic transformation. What made Enoki's portrayal unique was his ability to convey subtle nuances of fear, determination, and vulnerability, which added depth to the character's internal conflict. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that Enoki reportedly spent time researching real-life reactions to traumatic events to authentically portray Shinichi's psychological turmoil, showing his dedication to the role behind the scenes.
Makoto Yasumura as A (voice)

Makoto Yasumura

A (voice)
Makoto Yasumura played a pivotal role in the TV anime 'Parasyte -the maxim-,' where he lent his voice talent to a character that added depth and complexity to the narrative. His performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and nuanced delivery, which helped bring a unique human element to the often alien and unsettling world of the series. What made Yasumura's performance particularly distinctive was his ability to convey subtle shifts in his character's psychology, making the audience empathize with moments of vulnerability amidst the show's intense action and horror themes. A lesser-known fact about his involvement is that during one intense recording session, Yasumura improvised a line that was so fittingly poignant that it was kept in the final cut, adding an unexpected layer of authenticity to the character's development.
Jiro Saito as Parasite (voice)

Jiro Saito

Parasite (voice)
Fans of Jiro Saito will appreciate his role in the TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-' because it showcases his ability to bring depth and intensity to complex characters, much like his most iconic performance in the film 'Shin Godzilla.' In 'Shin Godzilla,' Saito captivated audiences with a commanding presence and nuanced portrayal of a high-stakes government official, while in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' he similarly delivers a compelling performance as a character caught in the struggle between humans and parasitic creatures. An interesting detail is that Saito was originally considered for a different, more physically demanding role in 'Parasyte -the maxim-,' but the directors eventually cast him as a character whose psychological tension plays a pivotal role in the story, highlighting his versatile acting skills.
KENN as Mitsuo (voice)

KENN

Mitsuo (voice)
KENN provided the voice for the character Shinichi Izumi in the anime TV series 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. This role was significant as it marked one of his prominent lead roles in an anime adaptation of a popular manga, showcasing his ability to convey the complex emotions of a high school student grappling with an alien parasite within him. Compared to KENN's earlier or more mainstream work, such as characters in idol-themed or lighter series, his portrayal in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' offered a darker, more emotionally intense performance that demonstrated his versatility and depth as a voice actor.
Kimiko Saito as Middle-aged man's wife (voice)

Kimiko Saito

Middle-aged man's wife (voice)
Kimiko Saito's performance as the Middle-aged man's wife in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' showcases her nuanced voice acting skills, delivering a grounded and relatable portrayal that adds emotional depth to the character's brief yet impactful presence. Compared to her other roles, which often include more dynamic or youthful characters, this role highlights her versatility and ability to convey subtle maternal warmth and concern. A trivia fact is that Kimiko Saito is also known for her roles in various other anime, demonstrating a wide vocal range that allows her to adapt to diverse character types across genres.
Makiko Ohmoto as Hikawa (voice)

Makiko Ohmoto

Hikawa (voice)
Makiko Ohmoto provided the voice for the character Murano Satomi in the TV anime 'Parasyte -the maxim-'. This role showcased her ability to bring depth and nuance to a character that is both emotionally complex and pivotal to the protagonist's development. Compared to her earlier or more famous roles—often characterized by youthful or energetic characters—this performance stood out for its maturity and subtle emotional range, highlighting her versatility as a voice actress. It fit seamlessly into her overall career by expanding her repertoire beyond typical anime roles, demonstrating her skill in handling more serious and psychologically intricate narratives.
Hideyuki Umezu as Yui (voice)

Hideyuki Umezu

Yui (voice)
Fans of Hideyuki Umezu will appreciate his role in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' because he brings a distinctive voice and emotional depth to his character, blending intensity with subtlety. Compared to his most iconic performance as Dr. Yakumo Fuji from 'Yakumo-san wa Ezuke ga Shitai,' where he showcased a quirky yet compassionate personality, his role in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' allows him to explore darker, more complex themes, highlighting his versatility as a voice actor. An interesting detail is that despite often voicing human characters, Umezu lent his talents to a parasitic creature in the series, adding an unexpected eerie and captivating dimension to his performance that surprised many fans and critics alike.
Hiroyuki Yokoo as Haruki Tachikawa (voice)

Hiroyuki Yokoo

Haruki Tachikawa (voice)
Hiroyuki Yokoo's performance as Haruki Tachikawa in 'Parasyte -the maxim-' stands out for his subtle yet impactful portrayal of the character's complex emotions, effectively capturing the tension and vulnerability inherent in the series' intense narrative. Compared to his other roles, Hiroyuki brings a nuanced depth to Haruki that contrasts with some of his more straightforward characters, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor. A notable trivia fact is that 'Parasyte -the maxim-' was part of a resurgence in popularity for the series, and Yokoo's involvement helped bring authenticity to the character in this acclaimed adaptation.

Crew of Parasyte -the maxim-

Full backstage crew list →