Believe it. That’s the catchphrase that defined a generation of anime fans. But here’s the thing: those words weren't just written; they were breathed into life by a person standing in a recording booth, probably sweating under heavy headphones. When we talk about the voice actor for Naruto, we aren't just talking about one person. We are talking about a legacy split between two powerhouse performers—Junko Takeuchi in Japan and Maile Flanagan in the United States.
Voice acting is weird. It’s a job where you scream for eight hours and hope your throat doesn't bleed.
For over two decades, these two women have voiced a male character from his childhood through his awkward teenage years and eventually into his reign as the Seventh Hokage. It’s a massive feat. Most shows get cancelled after thirteen episodes. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden ran for 720 episodes combined, not even counting the movies or the Boruto sequel. That is a lot of screaming.
Why Junko Takeuchi is a Living Legend
In Japan, the voice actor for Naruto is Junko Takeuchi. She didn’t just play Naruto Uzumaki; she became him. Before she landed the role in 2002, she was already known for playing Gon in the original Hunter x Hunter. She has this specific, raspy quality to her voice that sounds like a kid who has been shouting at the top of his lungs for days. It fits Naruto perfectly because, well, that’s exactly who he is.
The Japanese recording process is intense. Unlike American dubbing, where actors often record their lines alone, the Japanese cast usually records together in one room. This creates a genuine chemistry. When you hear Naruto arguing with Sasuke (voiced by Noriaki Sugiyama), those actors are often standing right next to each other. Takeuchi has often talked about how the role changed her life. She grew up alongside the character.
Wait, did you know she actually auditioned for a different role initially? It's true. But the creators heard that grit in her voice and knew she was the only one who could handle the emotional weight of a lonely boy with a fox demon in his gut. Her performance in the "Pain Arc" is widely considered a masterclass in voice acting. The raw grief she channeled when Naruto learns about Jiraiya’s death isn't just "acting." It’s visceral.
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The American Side: Maile Flanagan’s Surprising Journey
Then there’s Maile Flanagan. She is the English voice actor for Naruto, and her story is kind of hilarious. When she first auditioned, she didn't even know what Naruto was. She showed up, saw a picture of a kid with spiky blonde hair, and gave him a voice that sounded like a mischievous brat with a heart of gold.
She got the part.
Flanagan has a background in improv and comedy, which is probably why her comedic timing in the early episodes is so spot on. But the dub had a massive challenge: the word "Dattebayo." In Japanese, it's a verbal tic. In English, they translated it to "Believe it!" People hated it at first. It was repetitive. It was clunky. But Maile leaned into it so hard that it eventually became iconic.
Recording an English dub is a different beast entirely. It’s called ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement). The actor has to match the "flaps"—the mouth movements of the animation. If the character's mouth stays open for three seconds, the actor has to stretch the word for three seconds. It’s like a mathematical puzzle for your vocal cords.
The Longevity of the Role
Think about the stamina required. Maile has been doing this since 2005. That’s twenty years of voicing the same blonde ninja. She has mentioned in interviews that she has to be careful with her voice. If she gets a cold, production slows down. If she screams too much during a battle scene, she might lose her range for a week.
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- She records in a small booth in Los Angeles.
- She often works with directors like Mary Elizabeth McGlynn.
- She has voiced Naruto in video games, commercials, and even theme park rides.
It’s a grueling schedule. But the payoff is huge. Flanagan is a staple at conventions, where thousands of fans line up just to hear her say "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" in person. It’s a bizarre life, but she loves it.
The Emotional Toll of the Voice Actor for Naruto
People think voice acting is just reading lines. It’s not. It’s athletic. To be the voice actor for Naruto, you have to tap into deep-seated trauma. Naruto is a character defined by rejection. He was an orphan. The whole village hated him.
When Junko Takeuchi records a scene where Naruto is crying, she isn't just making "crying sounds." She is weeping. There are stories from the Japanese studio where the entire staff would be in tears watching her perform. It’s that sincerity that makes the show work. If the voice felt fake, the show would have flopped in 2003.
Maile Flanagan had to do the same thing for the English-speaking audience. She had to take a character that could easily be annoying and make him sympathetic. It's a fine line. If you go too "cartoony," the audience stops caring during the serious fight scenes. If you go too serious, you lose the "knucklehead ninja" vibe.
Misconceptions About the Job
One of the biggest myths is that voice actors make millions like movie stars. They don't. While lead actors on a massive show like Naruto do well, it’s a middle-class living for most. They get paid by the episode or by the hour.
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Another misconception? That anyone can do it. "I can do a funny voice, I should be an actor!" No. You have to be an actor first. The voice is secondary. You have to understand subtext, pacing, and breath control. If you can't act, a "cool voice" means nothing. Both Takeuchi and Flanagan are trained actors who happened to find their niche in animation.
Impact on Global Culture
Because of these two women, Naruto is a household name. You can go to a rural village in Italy or a skyscraper in Tokyo, and people will recognize the orange jumpsuit. The voice actor for Naruto carries the weight of a multi-billion dollar franchise.
When the series shifted into Boruto, the challenge changed. Now, Naruto is an adult. He’s tired. He’s a dad with a desk job. Takeuchi and Flanagan had to age their voices. They lowered the pitch. They added a sense of weariness. It’s subtle, but it’s there. That’s the level of detail that separates pros from amateurs.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Voice Actors
If you're looking to get into this world, study these two. Don't just mimic them—understand why they make the choices they make.
- Protect your instrument. Your voice is your livelihood. Drink tea. Avoid screaming at concerts.
- Learn to read fast. You’ll often see a script for the first time minutes before you record. Cold reading is a vital skill.
- Study the "flaps." If you want to work in dubbing, you need to master the art of timing.
- Find the heart. Don't just do a "shonen voice." Find out why the character is angry or sad.
The legacy of the voice actor for Naruto isn't just about a TV show. It’s about the millions of kids who felt a little less alone because a blonde ninja told them to never give up. Whether you watch in Japanese or English, that message comes through loud and clear because Takeuchi and Flanagan put their souls into the microphone.
Next Steps to Master the Lore
To truly appreciate the craft, watch the "Behind the Scenes" features on the Naruto DVD sets or listen to Maile Flanagan’s guest appearances on voice acting podcasts. Compare a scene from the original 2002 series to a scene in Boruto to hear how the vocal texture has evolved over two decades. If you are interested in the technical side, look up ADR scripts online to see how dialogue is timed to the millisecond.