The anime adaptation of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” has been steadily gaining traction since its premiere in April 2025. As the series progresses, new characters and storylines are unfolding, enriching the world established in the original “My Hero Academia” series. One such addition is Captain Celebrity, a top-ranking hero hailing from America, who is set to make his debut in the anime’s eighth episode. Voicing this charismatic hero is none other than the esteemed Toshiyuki Morikawa, a name synonymous with iconic anime roles.
Toshiyuki Morikawa Joins the Cast
Toshiyuki Morikawa’s addition to the cast has generated considerable excitement among fans. The announcement was made on the official website for the “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” anime, confirming that Morikawa will be lending his voice to Captain Celebrity. The character is scheduled to appear in the eighth episode, titled “Major,” which aired on May 26, 2025.
Who is Toshiyuki Morikawa?
Toshiyuki Morikawa is a highly celebrated Japanese voice actor, narrator, and singer with a career spanning over three decades. Born on January 26, 1967, Morikawa has voiced an extensive array of characters in anime, video games, and dubbed films, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. He is also the head of Axlone, a voice acting company he founded in April 2011.
Notable Roles
Morikawa’s versatility and distinctive voice have allowed him to portray a diverse range of characters across various genres. Some of his most iconic roles include:
- Yoshikage Kira in “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable”
- Sephiroth in the “Final Fantasy” series and “Kingdom Hearts” series
- Dante in “Devil May Cry”
- Kagaya Ubuyashiki in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”
- Isshin Kurosaki in “Bleach”
- Minato Namikaze in “Naruto: Shippuden”
- Julius Novachrono in “Black Clover”
- Eneru and Hatchan in “One Piece”
- Griffith in the 1997 “Berserk” anime
In addition to these, Morikawa has also provided the Japanese dubbing for actors such as Ewan McGregor, Tom Cruise, and Keanu Reeves. His extensive filmography and contributions to the voice acting industry have solidified his status as a legend in the field.
Captain Celebrity: An Overview
Captain Celebrity is a prominent hero who transfers to Japan from America. While details about his backstory and specific abilities are still emerging in the anime, he is described as a top-ranking hero.
Episode 8: “Major”
Captain Celebrity makes his debut in episode 8 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, titled “Major.” As the story unfolds, Captain Celebrity’s interactions with the main characters and his role in the vigilante landscape will likely be explored further.
About My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is a spin-off manga series written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. It serves as both a spin-off and a prequel to Kōhei Horikoshi’s acclaimed “My Hero Academia” series. The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Giga in August 2016 before moving to Shōnen Jump+ in October 2016, concluding in May 2022.
Story Setting
The story unfolds five years before the events of the main series, offering a glimpse into the early days of the hero-centric society. It centers around Koichi Haimawari, a young man with a seemingly unremarkable Quirk who aspires to help others despite lacking a hero license.
Key Characters
- Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler): The protagonist, a kind-hearted college student who uses his Quirk to assist people in his neighborhood.
- Kazuho Haneyama (Pop Step): A young and energetic aspiring pop idol with a Quirk that allows her to leap great distances.
- Iwao Oguro (Knuckleduster): A quirkless vigilante with exceptional combat skills who takes Koichi and Kazuho under his wing.
Plot Summary
Koichi’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Knuckleduster, a formidable vigilante. Together with Pop Step, they form a team of underground heroes, addressing issues that often go unnoticed by licensed heroes. The series explores themes of justice, heroism, and the complexities of a society reliant on Quirks.
Anime Adaptation
The anime adaptation of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” was announced at Jump Festa ’25 and premiered on April 7, 2025. Produced by Bones Film and directed by Kenichi Suzuki, the series features Yōsuke Kuroda as the scriptwriter, Takahiko Yoshida as the character designer, and Yuki Hayashi, Shogo Yamashiro, and Yuki Furuhashi composing the music.
Production Details
- Director: Kenichi Suzuki
- Studio: Bones Film
- Scriptwriter: Yōsuke Kuroda
- Character Designer: Takahiko Yoshida
- Music: Yuki Hayashi, Shogo Yamashiro, Yuki Furuhashi
Where to Watch
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, offering subtitles in multiple languages.
Episode Release Schedule
The series is expected to run for 13 episodes, with new episodes airing weekly.
Connecting to the Main Series
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” enriches the broader “My Hero Academia” universe, offering a different perspective on the hero society. The spin-off introduces new characters, explores the challenges faced by unlicensed heroes, and delves into the darker aspects of the world.
Cameos and References
Fans of the main series will appreciate the cameos from familiar faces like Eraserhead and Midnight. The series also sheds light on the origins of certain elements, such as the Quirk-enhancing drug Trigger, which later plays a significant role in “My Hero Academia.”
Themes
While maintaining the spirit of “My Hero Academia,” “Vigilantes” explores more mature themes and presents a grittier portrayal of heroism. The series questions the rigid structures of hero society and highlights the importance of helping those in need, regardless of official recognition.
Reception
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” has garnered positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and seamless integration with the main series have contributed to its popularity. Toshiyuki Morikawa’s addition to the cast is expected to further enhance the series’ appeal.
A Must-Watch for My Hero Academia Fans
Whether you’re a long-time fan of “My Hero Academia” or new to the franchise, “Vigilantes” offers a compelling and immersive experience. With its unique characters, intriguing storyline, and the addition of acclaimed voice actors like Toshiyuki Morikawa, the series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on the world of heroes and Quirks.
