In the unpredictable symphony of life, sometimes the most unlikely duets produce the most compelling harmonies. Such is the premise of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, the highly anticipated anime adaptation that plunges an ordinary middle school choir president into the extraordinary world of a yakuza’s vocal aspirations. As the series gears up for its July 24, 2025, premiere, the production team has just unveiled a remarkable expansion to its vocal lineup, announcing twelve new cast members set to bring the formidable ranks of the yakuza to life. This significant addition promises to enrich the narrative, adding depth and gravitas to the comedic yet heartfelt tale of an unusual mentorship.
The Core Duo and Their Unexpected Connection
The foundation of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” rests upon the odd-couple dynamic between a studious choir member and a fearsome gangster. This unlikely pairing forms the narrative backbone, drawing audiences into a world where musical talent might just be the key to avoiding a painful tattoo.
Satomi Oka: The Reluctant Choir Mentor
Satomi Oka, the protagonist and president of his school’s choir club, finds his structured world turned upside down when he’s conscripted into an unconventional role. Shun Horie, known for his role as Rintaro Miki in A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School!, lends his voice to Satomi, encapsulating the character’s initial apprehension and eventual unwitting embrace of his new “student.” Satomi’s journey is one of unexpected growth as he navigates the peculiar demands of a yakuza’s singing lessons.
Kyouji Narita: The Yakuza with a Secret Ambition
Opposite Satomi is Kyouji Narita, a yakuza who, despite his intimidating facade, harbors a terrifying secret: he must win a karaoke contest or face a boss-selected, torturously applied tattoo. Daisuke Ono, a veteran voice actor whose credits include Ao no Exorcist, portrays Kyouji, balancing his character’s tough exterior with an earnest, if slightly desperate, pursuit of vocal improvement. Their one-on-one karaoke sessions become the comedic and emotional core of the series.
Introducing the Yakuza Ensemble: Twelve New Voices Join the Fray
The narrative of “Let’s Go Karaoke!” expands significantly with the introduction of a dozen new voice actors, all portraying members of Kyouji’s yakuza organization. This expanded cast promises to populate the criminal underworld with a diverse array of personalities, adding to the humor and tension as Kyouji strives to avoid his fate.
The newly revealed voice cast members and their respective roles include:
- Jin Urayama as Boss: The intimidating figure who orchestrates the dreaded karaoke contest, his presence looms large over Kyouji’s desperate attempts to improve his singing.
- Yōji Ueda as Alien: A character whose moniker hints at a unique or perhaps otherworldly demeanor within the yakuza ranks.
- Hidenobu Kiuchi as Big Brother Yamaha: A name that playfully evokes musical instruments, suggesting a potential (and ironic) connection to the karaoke theme.
- Shigeo Kiyama as Pinky Finger: This role likely alludes to a traditional yakuza punishment, adding a grim humorous undertone to the character.
- Yukihiro Nozuyama as Punch Perm: A character whose appearance might be as distinctive as his voice, adding visual flair to the ensemble.
- Rintarō Nishi as Shaved Head: A common visual trope for yakuza, this character promises to be a stoic or imposing presence.
- Masaaki Yano as Kitty-chan Phobia: An unexpectedly quirky and potentially comical role, highlighting the show’s blend of serious and lighthearted elements.
- Ikuji Nose as Anikibun (Leader): A senior figure within the organization, indicating a role of authority or respect.
- Kenichi Mine as Long-Faced: A descriptor that could refer to a melancholic, stern, or unusually shaped character.
- Yūma Uchida as Jersey: A character perhaps known for their casual attire or athletic build, offering a contrast to typical yakuza imagery.
- Yūki Ishikari as T-shirt: Similar to “Jersey,” this role suggests a character with a less formal, more down-to-earth demeanor among the tough crowd.
- Masuo Amada as Former Cram School Teacher: An intriguing background for a yakuza member, promising a unique perspective or a comedic past.
This extensive cast will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant and idiosyncratic world of “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, populating it with memorable figures who will both challenge and support the main characters.
Production Details and Anticipated Premiere
The “Let’s Go Karaoke!” anime, adapted from Yama Wayama’s popular manga Karaoke Iko!, is being produced by animation studio Doga Kobo. Asami Nakatani is directing the series, with Yukiko Tsukahara as assistant director. Yoshimi Narita is handling the series composition, and Mai Matsuura is responsible for character designs, ensuring the visual fidelity to Wayama’s distinctive art style. Takuro Iga is composing the music, setting the tone for the series’ unique blend of comedy and drama.
The series is set to premiere on ABEMA on July 24, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. JST, followed by broadcasts on TV Tokyo and other networks later the same evening. The anime adaptation of Wayama’s other work, Captivated, by You (Muchū sa, Kimi ni.), will debut shortly after on August 21, with both series airing consecutively in the same timeslots. Crunchyroll will be streaming both anime series, making them accessible to a global audience.
Fans can look forward to seeing how these new voice actors bring the colorful and dangerous world of the yakuza to life, adding new layers of comedy and intrigue to Satomi and Kyouji’s extraordinary karaoke journey. The expanded cast ensures that “Let’s Go Karaoke!” will offer a rich tapestry of voices and personalities, solidifying its place as one of the most anticipated anime releases of the summer.
