Yoji Matsuda

Biography

Yoji Matsuda, born on October 19, 1967, in Setagaya, Tokyo, is a renowned Japanese actor and voice actor. Growing up in a family with a musical translator and professor as an older brother, Matsuda's path to stardom began at a young age. Despite dropping out of Aoyama Gakuin University, he found his passion for acting early on and joined the Himawari Theatre Group at just five years old.

Matsuda's talent was evident from the start, with his breakthrough role coming in the 1983 TBS television drama "Family Game" where he portrayed Shigeyuki Numata. His career continued to soar as he landed roles in iconic works such as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" in 1984 and "Shuna's Journey" in 1987, where he played the main character, Shuna.

In 1997, Matsuda lent his voice to the character Ashitaka in the beloved anime film "Princess Mononoke," solidifying his status as a prominent voice actor. Notably, he also provided the Japanese voice for Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Jack Dawson, in the blockbuster film "Titanic," showcasing his versatility and talent in both Japanese and English-speaking roles.

Aside from his success in film and voice acting, Matsuda expanded his horizons by teaching acting at Tokyo Animation College in 2006. He further honed his craft by collaborating with esteemed directors like Yukio Ninagawa and Yoji Aoi, showcasing his dedication to the art of acting.

Throughout his career, Matsuda also made a mark on the stage, captivating audiences with his performances in productions like "From the North Country." His ability to immerse himself in diverse roles and work across different mediums has earned him a reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor in the Japanese entertainment industry.