You’d think after thirty-something years, the voices of Nerima would sound different. Old. Maybe even a bit tired. But when the first trailer for the MAPPA-produced Ranma 1/2 remake dropped, fans didn't just see a modern art style; they heard a miracle.
The original Japanese Ranma 1 2 cast didn’t just return. They sounded like they never left.
Honestly, it’s rare. Usually, when a classic like Rumiko Takahashi’s gender-swapping martial arts comedy gets a "shiny new coat of paint," the first thing to go is the aging voice talent. Look at Urusei Yatsura or Fruits Basket. Both were recast from the ground up. But Ranma is different. It’s personal.
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The Legends Who Stayed: Returning Ranma 1 2 Cast Members
Hearing Kappei Yamaguchi shout "Yattaze!" as male Ranma in 2024 feels like a glitch in the matrix. He’s sixty now. Yet, the high-energy, arrogant-but-sweet tone is identical to his 1989 debut. It was actually his first-ever starring role, and he’s clearly not ready to let it go.
Then you have Megumi Hayashibara as the girl-half. She’s the queen of 90s anime. Period. Having her back alongside Noriko Hidaka (Akane Tendo) preserves the specific, prickly chemistry that made the original show a hit. If you’ve ever watched the old "DoCo" music videos where the VAs performed in character, seeing them together again is basically a nostalgia nuke.
- Ranma Saotome (Male): Kappei Yamaguchi (Returned)
- Ranma (Female): Megumi Hayashibara (Returned)
- Akane Tendo: Noriko Hidaka (Returned)
- Nabiki Tendo: Minami Takayama (Returned)
- Kasumi Tendo: Kikuko Inoue (Returned)
- Ryoga Hibiki: Koichi Yamadera (Returned)
- Shampoo: Rei Sakuma (Returned)
It’s not just the leads. Even the side characters stayed. Kikuko Inoue is still the eternal seventeen-year-old as Kasumi. Minami Takayama—the voice of Conan Edogawa—is back as the manipulative Nabiki. It’s a family reunion where nobody aged, even though the world changed around them.
The New Faces in the Dojo
Of course, 1989 was a long time ago. Sadly, some of the original legends are no longer with us. Kenichi Ogata, who voiced the panda-obsessed Genma Saotome, moved to a new role. He’s now the Narrator, taking over for the late Tadashi Nakamura.
The new Genma is voiced by Cho (Brook from One Piece). He brings a frantic, weird energy that fits a man who turns into a panda to avoid responsibility. Soun Tendo also got a legendary replacement: Akio Otsuka. If his name doesn't ring a bell, his voice will—he’s Solid Snake. Hearing Snake voice a sobbing, over-dramatic father of three is one of the remake’s greatest unintentional jokes.
The Rivalry Recasts
The Kuno siblings and Ukyo are where things get spicy. Tomokazu Sugita is the new Tatewaki Kuno. He’s basically built his career on playing "lovable idiots," so his take on the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High is perfection.
Kaori Nazuka stepped in as Ukyo Kuonji. Replacing the late Hiromi Tsuru (the original Bulma) is an impossible task, but Nazuka brings a grounded, tomboyish charm that respects the legacy.
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The English Dub Drama: A Total Reset
If you’re watching on Netflix with the English dub, the experience is totally different. Unlike the Japanese side, the English Ranma 1 2 cast was entirely recast. This sparked some heated debates on Reddit and Twitter.
The original Viz Media dub from the 90s is iconic. For many Western fans, Richard Ian Cox and Venus Terzo are Ranma. But for the 2024 version, Netflix went with a fresh batch of talent.
David Errigo Jr. takes over as boy Ranma, while Suzie Yeung handles the girl-half. They’re great actors—Suzie was Yuffie in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth—but it’s a big shift. Valeria Rodriguez brings a feistier, more modern edge to Akane.
It’s worth noting that David Kaye, the original Soun Tendo, actually returned—but as the Narrator. It’s a nice "tip of the hat" to the fans who grew up with the VHS tapes.
Why These Casting Choices Matter for 2026
We’re currently in an era of "legacy sequels" and "faithful remakes." The decision to keep the Japanese cast proves that MAPPA and Rumiko Takahashi value the vibe over marketability.
Old VAs often have higher fees. They have busier schedules. Recasting is cheaper and easier. Choosing to bring back the 1989 crew is a massive flex. It tells the audience: "We aren't replacing your childhood. We're continuing it."
The remake also fixes a major issue from the original series: the pacing. The 90s anime was famous for filler. It was slow. Sometimes it felt like characters were running in circles. This new production is leaner. The voices are familiar, but the delivery is faster, matching the snappy animation style that occasionally dips into 16-bit video game aesthetics or classic manga screentones.
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How to Enjoy the New Cast Experience
If you're a newcomer, just dive in. You don't need the baggage of the 80s to appreciate the comedic timing. If you're a veteran, try the Japanese track first. The sheer comfort of hearing Yamaguchi and Hayashibara bicker again is worth the price of a Netflix sub alone.
Quick Cast Reference for the 2024 Remake
| Character | Japanese Voice (2024) | English Voice (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranma (Boy) | Kappei Yamaguchi | David Errigo Jr. |
| Ranma (Girl) | Megumi Hayashibara | Suzie Yeung |
| Akane Tendo | Noriko Hidaka | Valeria Rodriguez |
| Ryoga Hibiki | Koichi Yamadera | Damien Haas |
| Genma Saotome | Cho | Fred Tatasciore |
| Soun Tendo | Akio Otsuka | J. Michael Tatum |
| Tatewaki Kuno | Tomokazu Sugita | Jonah Scott |
| Shampoo | Rei Sakuma | Grace Lu |
Honestly, seeing the Ranma 1 2 cast list is like looking at a "Who's Who" of voice acting history. Whether you prefer the nostalgia of the returning legends or the energy of the new English performers, the remake stands as a testament to the show's staying power. It's chaotic. It's weird. It's exactly what Ranma should be.
Next Steps for Fans
Check out the official Netflix credits to see the full list of "Additional Voices," as many veteran actors take small cameos in the background of scenes at Furinkan High. You can also compare the 2024 character designs with the original 1987 manga art to see how the new animation team at MAPPA translated Rumiko Takahashi's specific style for a modern audience.