Definition
Nobutoshi Canna is a Japanese voice actor, narrator, and singer, known for his work in anime, video games, and other media. He performs under the stage name “Canna” while his birth name is Nobutoshi Hayashi.
Overview
Born on May 20, 1968, in Tokyo, Japan, Canna began his career in the early 1990s after joining the talent agency Office Osawa. He gained prominence through a diverse range of roles across multiple genres, contributing to both television series and interactive entertainment. Over the decades, Canna has become recognized for his distinctive deep voice and ability to portray both heroic and antagonistic characters. In addition to voice acting, he has released music singles and participated in live events and radio programs related to his projects.
Etymology/Origin
- Given name: “Nobutoshi” (信俊) combines kanji characters meaning “trust/faith” (信) and “sagacious/quick” (俊).
- Surname (stage name): “Canna” is a stylized romanization selected by the actor for professional use; it does not correspond to a traditional Japanese surname and is likely chosen for its phonetic appeal and uniqueness in the entertainment industry.
Characteristics
- Vocal range: Known for a resonant, low‑to‑mid register, suitable for mature, authoritative, or villainous characters.
- Notable roles: Includes characters such as Takumi Usui in Maid‑Sama!, Lancer in Fate/Zero, Shūichi Saihara in Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, and Shizuo Heiwajima in Durarara!!.
- Professional affiliations: Represented by Office Osawa; active in voice‑acting unions and industry events.
- Additional activities: Has performed theme song recordings, participated in drama CDs, and appeared as a guest on radio and television programs discussing his work.
- Awards and recognition: Has received nominations and accolades from Japanese voice‑acting award bodies for his contributions to the field, though specific award listings should be verified with official sources.
Related Topics
- Japanese voice acting (Seiyū) industry
- Office Osawa (talent agency)
- Anime series featuring Canna’s performances (e.g., Maid‑Sama!, Fate/Zero, Durarara!!)
- Video game titles with his voice work (e.g., Danganronpa series)
- Japanese dubbing practices for foreign media
- Notable seiyū contemporaries active during the 1990s‑2020s.