Danganronpa: (He)Artless Deceit

Note: Protagonist of the Main Story

Pronunciation: a-KI-ra HA-ya-SAH-ka

Biography

With her sassy nature and witty humour, it's no wonder that Akira became the Ultimate Internet Sensation just weeks after her debut online. Her level headedness made her unique to her adoring fans as they admire her authenticity. Despite this, it's strange that nobody's ever seen her outside of her videos and conventions. Some people jokingly theorise that she's a stealthy hitman for the yakuza, but that's just a ludicrous theory, right?

Voice Description

Akira should have a Medium-High to Medium mature, self-assured female voice. Akira is typically blunt and sassy, and she tends to speak in shorter sentences as she is not very talkative. In the right situation, she can be very caring and comforting. While much rarer, she has also been known to show a fragile, timid side in extreme situations. As befitting the Ultimate Internet Sensation, she has a charisma that makes her sassy attitude more entertaining to others than overbearing. Overall, Akira is a down-to-earth and rational young woman.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo

Pronunciation: chee-EH-me ha-TOE-ree

Biography

It's easy to fall for Chiemi's captivating charm with her beaming optimism and gregarious attitude. Born to a model and the owner of a clothing brand, fashion is second nature to her. She created her own ethical clothing line at the age of fifteen, earning her the title of the Ultimate Fashion Designer. Chiemi is hyperactive, and she loves to party and plan all sorts of events — as long as she's not the one having to clean up.

Voice Description

Chiemi should have a cheery and upbeat Medium-High to Medium pitch female voice that’s very confident and lively. A natural charmer, she naturally draws others to her with her optimism. When in a good mood she should very much sound like the life of the party, though in a way that doesn’t come across as grating. However, in uncomfortable situations, Chiemi tends to panic quickly, and this uneasiness should be represented in her voice. Regardless of her mood, her strength of will is a prominent aspect of her speaking style.  

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=20

Note: This role may require singing, but this is purely optional.

Pronunciation: CHO yo-SHE-da

Biography

Chou Yoshida, commonly known as Ultimate J-Pop Idol 'Chousiria,' is a bubbly sweetheart that has stolen the hearts of many. Her adorable looks can easily smite any person who looks her way, so it's no surprise her popularity quickly arose when she originally debuted in her old idol group. Even without her idol persona, Chou is still well mannered and polite, almost to the point where she can be too formal with others. She's also a very patient individual, and doesn't speak out when she's annoyed. When angered, however, is an entirely different story.

Voice Description

Chou is a young woman whose adorable looks are often matched by an equally cute personality whose voice alternates between a High and Medium-High pitch depending on the situation. When in her “Chousiria” idol persona, she is characterized by her bubbly cuteness and approachable friendliness. However, most of the time she prefers being her normal self, where she is still friendly, but much more formal and patient with others, almost too much so. When she’s angered, however, she becomes very aggressive, and her voice should reflect her emotional state.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=59

Pronunciation: HE-de-YO-she KOO-ro-SA-wa

Biography

Bursting with vitality is the high-spirited Ultimate Taekwondo Practitioner, Hideyoshi Kurosawa. Winning every competition under his belt, Hideyoshi is adept in both poomsae and sparring, captivating anyone who lays their eyes on him in the dojang. Despite his often daring attitude, he possesses a surprising level of maturity that allows him to be a great leader. Sociable and outgoing, it's no wonder why people enjoy being around him, even the loners. Although Hideyoshi originates from a wealthy background, he gets excited about free items.

Voice Description

Hideyoshi is an energetic and friendly young man who would best be portrayed with a Medium to Medium-Low male voice. Daring and confident, he has a quality to how he speaks that tends to naturally elevate him to a leadership position. This is further boosted by his surprising maturity and level-headedness that somewhat contradicts his shounen-manga looks. He is almost always friendly to anyone he speaks to and is most definitely the type to look on the bright side, but this does not mean he always keeps his cool. In intense situations, he can become aggressive and lash out against others.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=82

Note: Her nickname 'Bani' is used more often.

Pronunciation: IT-soo-ME YO-ko/BA-nee

Biography

Avid game enthusiasts around the world have heard of 'Bani', an alias used by the Ultimate Game Developer, Itsumi Yoko. Her work has appealed to both people looking for entertaining gameplay and those who want to experience a story that tugs at their heartstrings. Although she is praised online, in person Itsumi's distant and defensive nature makes her hard to approach. It would be easier for her to open up once she's given a comfortable space and some time alone.

Voice Description

Itsumi, or Bani as she prefers, is a reserved young woman who speaks in a soft-spoken High-pitched female voice. In most situations, she is guarded and defensive, responding curtly to those she doesn’t wish to speak to. When she is speaking about video games, however, she becomes significantly more animated and engaged, though she still maintains her relatively-quiet way of speaking. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=110 (Note that this reference only reflects her type of voice, but it does not accurately represent her general attitude.)

Note: This role may require singing, but this is purely optional.

Pronunciation: EE-za-NA-me HOE-she-ME-ya

Biography

Behind Izanami's outgoing demeanor and charming smile lies an enigma. She seems to have forgotten her Ultimate talent, and her prowess in numerous fields doesn't help to narrow it down either. Although Izanami may be amiable and playful, finding amusement in teasing others, something far more grave lurks behind her pleasant exterior.

Voice Description

Izanami is a mysterious young woman who usually speaks in a poised, almost regal, Medium to Medium-High female voice. Usually highly composed, her poised speech and air of regality give her an ethereal quality. While she is typically amiable and even playful, she is capable of being quite intimidating, the whimsy of her speech taking on a steely edge. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=136

Pronunciation: KAHT-soo-HE-ko ME-na-MOE-toe

Biography

Formalities and etiquette are a priority in Katsuhiko's life. Shrewd and assertive, he tolerates no amount of idiocy and discusses all matters seriously. These traits are to be expected from the Ultimate Debater. He's a realist through and through, not hesitating to shoot down idealistic views with his carefully formulated arguments. However, it is comical—and perhaps endearing—to see him talk about the things he's passionate about in such a highbrow manner.

Voice Description

As the Ultimate Debater, Katsuhiko is an excellent speaker, possessing a cool yet assertive Medium-Low male voice. As a realist and professional, he delivers arguments in an objective and assertive way that doesn’t rely on volume or anger. Amusingly, this serious nature also extends to his more casual interests, sometimes making him the comically-serious mood maker in scenes. In rare moments, he may lose his cool, but not in anger — he becomes easily flustered if you successfully tease him.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=159

Note: Transgender male VAs are preferred. Please specify if you're trans! Kiyoshi has 4 audition lines to account for his three puppets and himself.

Pronunciation: kee-YO-she FOO-jee-OH-ka

Biography

Although puppet shows aren't as popular as they used to be, Kiyoshi prides himself on being the Ultimate Puppeteer who has made a name for himself by performing at charity events. Using handmade puppets and stories that he has written himself, his shows never fail to entertain people of all ages. His puppets may be full of life, but Kiyoshi himself is a quiet individual. Some even find him peculiar because he prefers talking to his puppets rather than actual people, and when he needs to communicate with others, he'll usually speak through his puppets.

Voice Description

Kiyoshi, the Ultimate Puppeteer, tends to let his three puppets do the speaking for him. He himself, however, possesses a quiet, Medium-High boyish voice. His first puppet, Molly, has a cute and bubbly High-pitch voice, almost like a falsetto. The second, Kat, sounds like a snobby aristocrat with a Medium pitch voice. Lastly, Jack is the rough and tumble puppet, acting like a tough guy with a deep Low voice. The puppets' voices do not need to match their respective pitches that accurately, because at the end of the day, it is Kiyoshi himself who is giving his voice to the puppets. The same voice actor is expected to do all of these voices. A trans male voice actor is preferred, but the quality of performance takes precedence, so everyone is welcome to audition for Kiyoshi regardless of gender identity.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=199

Pronunciation: KYO-rahn MOO-ra-SHE-ta

Biography

Kyouran's hospitality and gentlemanly behaviour make it all the more shocking to learn that he's the Ultimate Con Artist, a sly schemer behind numerous frauds, including the notorious one billion yen scam. Not much is known about him, not even his name—Kyouran Murashita could easily be an alias. His kind eyes have an off-putting glint, as if he can see through everything you say. He promises never to lie to anyone, but who's to say that a conman will stick to his word?

Voice Description

As befitting of the Ultimate Con Artist, Kyouran is a charming young man with a soft and inviting Medium to Medium-High male or androgynous voice. He is typically the ideal image of a gentleman, speaking to others kindly and without apparent pretense. He’s so friendly that it is almost off-putting; you can’t tell what he’s thinking since he’s almost always smiling gently with his face and his words. Despite this, he is most certainly capable of sounding menacing, and being able to balance this aspect of him with a natural-sounding kindness is key to being cast.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=225

Pronunciation: OH-toe-MAY HA-na-YA-ma

Biography

Starting her manga career at the young age of fifteen, Otome earned the title of the Ultimate Manga Artist after her psychological horror manga sold three million copies worldwide. Her work never ceases to amaze considering her astonishing art and storytelling capabilities. However, Otome is the epitome of insolence as she constantly spits vulgar words out of her mouth, but her grumpiness stems from a lack of proper rest due to her insanely packed schedule. When she's refreshed, Otome is surprisingly down-to-earth and laidback—just a casual teenager.

Voice Description

Otome is an exhausted young woman who has a somewhat-hoarse Medium to Medium-Low female or androgynous voice. Plagued by insomnia due to tight deadlines, she usually sounds drained and somewhat cranky. When she feels she is being criticized or insulted, she immediately goes on the offensive, unleashing a string of profanities and insults until the other party relents or leaves. In the rare instance she is well-rested, she is surprisingly friendly and relaxed; these times are rare, however. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=245

Pronunciation: RAY foo-KOO-no

Biography

Born into an extremely traditional household in the countryside, Rei was raised and trained to become an Itako due to her blindness. She gained recognition after people decided to ask a spirit medium like her to solve a murder, resulting in more visitors to her house, and thus, she eventually earned the title of the Ultimate Itako. Rei may be cute and bubbly, but she surprisingly has a god complex of sorts, unwilling to talk to others if they aren't as talented as her. Reckless and moving to the beat of her own drum, she does not listen to the others' advice and charges into dangerous situations without thinking twice.

Voice Description

As befitting her petite appearance, Rei has a High-pitch female voice that is typically rather cute. Curious and playful, she enjoys having fun and her voice reflects that. She is also quite haughty, however, and speaks down on those who she feels are not as talented as herself. She tries to maintain her cheerfulness even when she’s feeling down, but those listening can tell that she’s secretly wavering. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=278

Pronunciation: SA-toe-roo TA-chee-BA-na

Biography

Satoru became the Ultimate Historian after writing numerous books that explained history in an entertaining way, sparking the interest of teenagers. He finds the past quite fascinating and believes that everyone can benefit from learning about it. Satoru is very humble and submissive, admiring others and always seeking their approval. He doesn't seem to know how to feel proud of his achievements unless he receives praise, and he wishes to be someone cooler and likeable rather than embrace himself.

Voice Description

Satoru looks a bit younger than most of his peers, and his boyish Medium-High male voice reflects this. A young man of strong emotions, he is quick to nervousness and excitement; this can be obnoxious to those around him. He is also, despite typically being kind, capable of being very snide and rude. Overall, Satoru is characterized by tumultuous emotions and the chosen voice actor will need to be capable of expressing them adeptly.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=303

Pronunciation: SHE-on mo-REE-ta

Biography

Although Shion doesn't remember anything about her talent, she's known to the masses as the Ultimate Criminologist who single handedly curbed the crime rate of her own prefecture. Compassionate and caring, Shion is quite friendly and loved by all, but she's the farthest thing from a pushover. She may be nice, but she will lecture those who do anything offensive or ill-mannered. While Shion is a sweetheart to others, she treats her younger twin in a vastly different manner.

Voice Description

Shion is a friendly young woman with a warm, Medium-High to High female voice. She is quite kind and motherly towards others, lecturing others when they misbehave and showing them affection when they behave. The one exception to this may be her twin brother, Tomoya, to whom she is much more playful and teasing. Despite her natural tender-heartedness, she is not a pushover, and will not let others bully her. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=333

Pronunciation: toe-MO-ya mo-REE-ta

Biography

You wouldn't expect a narcissistic and overconfident person like Tomoya to be everybody's new best friend. Despite his gigantic ego, he truly has a heart of gold. The atmosphere around him becomes lighthearted when Tomoya cracks jokes to keep everyone's spirits high. As the Ultimate Therapist, he's skilled at alleviating the others' tensions and fears. As for his own... the seldom somber look on his face speaks volumes.

Voice Description

Tomoya is a lively and overconfident young man who typically speaks in an energetic Medium to Medium-High male voice. In the average situation Tomoya comes across as a bit of a narcissist and a show-off, often bragging about himself and often flirting with the female students. These tendencies tend to make him the butt of many a joke, and it is his humorous reactions that often add lightheartedness to scenes. Despite his usual playfulness, he is capable of being serious, and is actually very kind and understanding to those who need it. He can also be solemn and contemplative, illustrating a complexity to his character that extends beyond his surface-level. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=358

Pronunciation: TA-ke-she YA-ma-MO-toe

Biography

Consistently lifting weights ever since he was young, Takeshi Yamamoto had the mindset that working hard was the only way to achieve success. As a result of his long term regimen, his efforts paid off and was rewarded with the title of the Ultimate Weightlifter. Takeshi's intimidating appearance only complements his rude and cold attitude. However, he has been known to be very caring, and will lend a hand to those who need it. Because of this, Takeshi is very particular about respecting others, and refuses to do so if he isn't treated the same.

Voice Description

A big, strong guy with a voice to match, Takeshi has a powerful Medium-Low to Low male voice. Not one for passiveness or beating around the bush, he says everything in a blunt and straightforward manner. To Takeshi, respect is the most important thing in any situation — if you don’t show him respect, he will respond to the perceived rudeness with aggression of his own. Conversely, he is caring and helpful to those who need and deserve it. Overall, he is a large man with a big personality.

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=387

Pronunciation: you-MAY-oh A-ra-KA-wa

Biography

Born with the face of a prince, Yumeo's good looks attract everyone... until he opens his mouth, and all that comes out of it is utter disrespect and rude comments. Many people are also taken aback when they learn that he's the Ultimate Forensic Pathologist and that he enjoys working with dead bodies more than he enjoys being around others. Uncooperative and aloof, Yumeo is a loner that trusts nobody, ignoring anyone trying to converse with him. He does things his own way and is easily irritable if anybody interrupts his work. Due to his discourteous attitude, it's not a surprise that nobody wants to befriend him, except for one particular person…

Voice Description

Despite his good-looks, Yumeo is a quiet young man whose Medium to Medium-Low male voice is almost always tinged with a hint of venom. In an average conversation, Yumeo is rude and standoffish, not hesitating to make rude comments even if the situation doesn’t call for it. He does things in his own way and at his own pace and expresses frustration when people interrupt him. Despite his bad attitude, he does get along with certain characters, though that mostly just amounts to holding back on his verbal jabs and softening his voice. He is also sometimes seen with a melancholic look on his face, suggesting that there may be a deeper reason behind his behaviour.  

Reference: https://youtu.be/iv8eXT1gzeo?t=414

Note: Protagonist of the Side Story

Pronunciation: DEN-she SHE-ge-NO-boo

Biography

'Yon' is an alias for the mysterious hacker notorious for exposing corrupt individuals. Known worldwide, people expect him to be an investigator serving vigilante justice, but in reality, Yon is simply a shut-in NEET called Denshi Shigenobu who just finds his work amusing. As the former Ultimate Hacker, digging up blackmail is no big deal for him, and he'll offer his services to anyone who has the cash ready. Denshi has a strange sense of humour, inventing weird objects like a walking toaster, and he's a jokester on the internet. Recently, though, he's been on edge. What connection does Denshi have with the Ultimate Award Ceremony—and the killing game?

Voice Description

Denshi is a man of many faces, but his Medium-Low voice is always present in some capacity. When relaxed and in his element, he’s rather silly and a bit of a jokester; teasing others on the internet and coming up with weird inventions like a walking toaster. He can also be kind and empathetic, speaking compassionately to those he cares about. Lastly, as a man who has lived in the seedy underbelly of society, he can be cold and downright cruel; whatever it takes to survive. Ultimately, Denshi’s actor must be able to deftly express a wide range of emotions in a natural way. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084

Pronunciation: REE-you-jee HE-moo-ra

Biography

The Himura Clan is the most powerful organization in Japan, and its current chairman is Ryuuji Himura. He radiates an unwelcoming and standoffish aura, intimidating those working under him and causing them to avoid him. Despite being a loner because of his attitude, it seems like he does long for company, but much to his dismay, he's constantly forgotten as his subordinates' conversations only revolve around the former chairman. Ryuuji surprisingly has a soft heart and cherishes those who are close to him although he is unable to express it well.

Voice Description

As one would expect as the current head of the Himura Clan, Ryuuji has a calm and controlled Medium-Low to Low male voice with an aura of threatening strength. He is an intimidating man who coolly controls his organization. Amusingly, he does long for friends he can be candid with, but his subordinates’ fixation on the previous head occasionally makes him the comic relief in scenes. He is also surprisingly soft-hearted, but he has difficulty expressing his feelings and comes across as awkward.

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084?t=24

Pronunciation: MO-mo-ka a-YA-say

Biography

Traditionally, a woman could not be a yakuza, yet Momoka not only rose up the ranks, but she also became a lieutenant for the Himura family. She was one of the rare few handpicked by the former patriarch to be in this role as she had shown immense capabilities in human relations. Bubbly and optimistic, Momoka is a charming lady who seems childish on the surface, but underneath that exterior is a plethora of reason and wisdom. She enjoys teasing others and her warm smile can melt anybody's heart, but it's a little off-putting when that smile never wavers, even in grave, gritty situations…

Voice Description

Momoka is a carefree young woman who tends to speak in an airy Medium-High female voice. She is known amongst her peers for her optimism and sunny disposition, and some may derogatively refer to her as an airhead. Her warm smile melts any ill-will directed towards her, however, and her good-natured teasing makes her popular. She also possesses a more wise and serious side should the situation call for it, still bearing the same carefree attitude but in a more reserved tone.

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084?t=52

Note: Nonbinary/Genderfluid VAs preferred. Please specify if you're NB! They also use any pronouns.

Pronunciation: KAY-soo-kay FOO-jee-NOO-ma

Biography

Keisuke has no interest in meaningless banter—their only focus is on work, work and more work. A no-nonsense person, they were also chosen by the former chairman to be a lieutenant for the Himura family. As a former businessman, they are proficient in management and accounting, being a major source of income for the organization. Keisuke is levelheaded, reserved and calm, and although they may be annoyed easily, they never lose their composure. Momoka, however, notes that they transform into a completely different person if they feel threatened, and even Hirotaka wouldn't dare to fight them.

Voice Description

Keisuke endeavours to always present themself in a professional and businesslike manner, and this is reflected in their cool and composed Medium-pitch androgynous voice. Despite being easily annoyed, they almost always remain levelheaded and collected, delivering their words in an even manner. However, should they be pushed too far, they become enraged, shouting and screaming; even the strongest of the Yakuza would not want to fight Keisuke when they’re like this. A non-binary voice actor is preferred, but the quality of performance takes precedence, so everyone is welcome to audition for Keisuke regardless of gender identity.

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084?t=82

Pronunciation: HE-roe-TA-ka EH-goo-chee

Biography

As an ex-professional boxer, Hirotaka is undoubtedly one of the strongest people in Japan, but his burly appearance does not reflect his personality. He's a peacemaker who avoids arguments whenever possible, and he'd rather de-escalate the situation than send somebody to the hospital (although that'd be easier). Hirotaka has been a lieutenant for the Himura Family for years, and he's been a yakuza longer than most of the higher-ups and even the chairman himself. He's well respected within the family and gets along with others easily due to his passive nature.

Voice Description

A strong man with an aura of toughness, Hirotaka is surprisingly gentle, even if his Medium-Low to Low voice is a bit gruff. Having been with the clan for years, Hirotaka is somewhat of a father figure to many of the younger members, and this extends to his fatherly attitude. A natural peacemaker, he uses his words to defuse danger before it can escalate, and he speaks with the confidence of one who has seen it all. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084?t=113

Pronunciation: EE-sao mo-REE-ta

Biography

The brilliance of Isao Morita matches no other. As the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, he controls the police force and upholds the law as best as he can. Hence, the crime rate in Japan is at an all time low due to his marvelous efforts and those of his two children. Isao is charming and easy-going, and he has earnt the respect and admiration of many because of his vast capabilities and humble nature. Although he's keeping up a brave face in his search for the missing Ultimates, he can't help but worry about his children—but ensuring their safety also gives him the determination to stay calm and find the mastermind behind it all.

Voice Description

The brilliant head of Japan’s national police force, Isao is a man whose Medium to Medium-Low male voice is steeped in his physical, intellectual, and political strength. The symbol of justice among the people, his natural charm and smooth voice make him more popular than most politicians. When in more candid situations he reveals a humble and easygoing side, showing that he’s more than his public image. As a father, he is very worried about his children and is hellbent on saving them; never caving to pressure, he focuses on his goal with laser precision. 

Reference: https://youtu.be/CJ3zwOiA084?t=141