The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is a widely celebrated local adaptation of the 2011 DreamWorks animated blockbuster Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011 Movie) Voice Actors - Behind The Voice Actors. Distributed in Japan by Paramount Pictures and localized by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation カンフー・パンダ2 - The Dubbing Database - Fandom, the Japanese version stands out for its high-profile casting, blending famous live-action actors with seasoned anime voice acting legends. 🎭 Main Cast & Characters
The Japanese voice cast brought back the star-studded lineup from the original film 『カンフー・パンダ2』、 木村佳乃
など前作声優陣 ... - Cinema Today, delivering distinct performances that rival the original Hollywood tracks: Po (Japanese: ポー) English Voice : Jack Black
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 features an impressive voice cast that brings a unique emotional depth to Po’s journey for inner peace. Japanese Voice Cast Highlights Tigress (タイガー): Yoshino Kimura (木村佳乃) Viper (ヘビ): Lord Shen (シェン 大老): Keiji Fujiwara (藤原啓治) Soothsayer (予言おばば): Tomoko Shiota (塩田朋子) Streaming & Accessibility
The Japanese-language version of the film is available through several digital platforms, including: Amazon Prime Video Why the Japanese Dub? Iconic Performance:
Keiji Fujiwara’s portrayal of Lord Shen is highly regarded for capturing the villain's sophisticated yet menacing nature. Local Resonance: The film’s focus on themes like inner peace
and traditional martial arts resonates strongly with Japanese cultural aesthetics. Quality Production: The dubbing was recorded at Tohokushinsha Publishing , a studio known for high-quality localization.
tailored for a specific social media platform like Instagram or TikTok to promote this dub?
The Ultimate Guide to Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese Dub
Introduction
Kung Fu Panda 2, the sequel to the beloved animated film Kung Fu Panda, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. The movie follows Po, a panda who becomes the Dragon Warrior, as he faces a new threat to the Valley of Peace. In Japan, the film was dubbed into Japanese, featuring a talented voice cast. This guide will explore the Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2, including the voice actors, production, and reception.
Japanese Voice Cast
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 features a talented voice cast, including:
Production
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 was produced by Oriental Light & Magic, a renowned anime studio. The dub was directed by Ken'ichi Maejima, who is known for his work on various anime series and films. The script was written by Kumi Tamai, a veteran scriptwriter who has worked on numerous anime series.
Reception
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. The voice cast was praised for their performances, with many noting that they brought a new level of energy to the characters. The dub was also praised for its faithful adaptation of the original English script.
The film itself was a commercial success in Japan, grossing over 1.3 billion yen at the box office. The success of the film can be attributed in part to the popularity of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, as well as the talented voice cast.
Interesting Facts
Conclusion
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is a fantastic example of how a well-produced dub can bring a beloved film to life in a new language. With a talented voice cast, faithful adaptation of the original script, and positive reception from fans and critics, the Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is a must-listen for fans of the franchise.
Where to Watch
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is available to stream on various platforms, including:
DVD and Blu-ray
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring the original English audio and Japanese subtitles.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is a wonderful example of the power of voice acting and dubbing. With a talented voice cast and faithful adaptation of the original script, the dub is a must-listen for fans of the franchise. If you're a fan of Kung Fu Panda or just looking for a great animated film, be sure to check out the Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2!
While Kung Fu Panda 2 is celebrated globally for Jack Black’s energetic performance and its stunning animation, the Japanese dub (カンフー・パンダ2) offers a uniquely rich viewing experience. For fans of the franchise or students of the Japanese language, this version provides a masterclass in how cultural nuances and elite voice acting (seiyuu) can transform a story.
Here is a deep dive into the cast, the cultural translation, and why the Japanese dub of this DreamWorks classic is worth a watch. The Powerhouse Voice Cast
Japan is world-renowned for its voice acting industry, and the cast for Kung Fu Panda 2 features some of the biggest names in the business.
Po (Tokio Yamaguchi): Po is voiced by Yamaguchi, a member of the idol group TOKIO. While it is common in Japan to cast "talento" (celebrities) for lead roles in Western films, Yamaguchi captures Po’s blend of fanboy enthusiasm and emotional vulnerability perfectly.
Master Tigress (Yoshino Kimura): Kimura brings a stoic, disciplined, yet underlyingly warm tone to Tigress, mirroring Angelina Jolie’s performance while adding a certain "cool beauty" (kakkoyui) vibe common in Japanese cinema.
Lord Shen (Keisuke Tsuguo): The villain of the sequel is perhaps where the Japanese dub shines brightest. Lord Shen’s sophisticated cruelty and tragic backstory are heightened by the theatrical, sharp delivery typical of Japanese period-drama antagonists.
Master Shifu (笹野 高史 / Takashi Sasano): Sasano provides Shifu with a "crotchety but wise grandfather" energy that feels incredibly authentic to the mentor archetype in Asian cinema. Cultural Resonance: Bringing the "Kung Fu" Home
Although Kung Fu Panda is an American production, it is a love letter to Chinese culture and martial arts cinema. When translated into Japanese, the film takes on an interesting "homecoming" feel.
Honorifics and Hierarchy: The Japanese language is built on social hierarchy. The way Po addresses the Furious Five versus how he speaks to Shifu (using terms like Shisho) adds a layer of formal respect that fits the martial arts setting more naturally than the casual English "Master."
The "Inner Peace" Motif: A central theme of the second film is Po finding "Inner Peace." In the Japanese dub, this is translated through concepts like Heijoshin (presence of mind) or Kokoro no Heika. For a Japanese audience, these concepts carry a deep spiritual weight rooted in Zen and Budo (the way of the warrior).
Emotional Impact: The scenes involving Po’s backstory and his relationship with his mother are famously tear-jerkers. The Japanese dubbing style often leans into the "melodrama" of these moments, using subtle vocal cracks and pauses that resonate deeply with local audiences. Why Watch the Japanese Dub?
If you’ve already seen the film in English, watching the Japanese version offers a fresh perspective: kung fu panda 2 japanese dub
Language Learning: The dialogue is clear and uses a mix of casual speech (Po) and formal, archaic speech (Shen and Shifu), making it a great resource for intermediate learners.
Alternative Atmosphere: The lack of Jack Black’s specific brand of improvisational humor allows the film’s darker, more cinematic elements to stand out. It feels less like a "kids' comedy" and more like a high-stakes "Wuxia" (martial arts hero) anime.
The Action: The frantic pace of the fight scenes feels incredibly natural when paired with the fast-paced, rhythmic nature of Japanese voice acting. Where to Find It
The Japanese dub is usually included as an audio track on International Blu-ray releases or can be found on streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime if you are using a VPN set to Japan. Conclusion
Kung Fu Panda 2 in Japanese is more than just a translation; it’s a reimagining that aligns the film more closely with the Eastern philosophies it portrays. Whether you’re a fan of Lord Shen’s elegant villainy or want to hear Po’s "Skadoosh" transformed into a spirited Japanese exclamation, this version is a must-see for any animation aficionado.
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (カンフー・パンダ2) was released in Japan on August 19, 2011. The production featured a mix of high-profile entertainment figures (tarento) and veteran voice actors (seiyū), recorded at the TFC recording studio. Core Voice Cast
The Japanese dub retained most of the principal cast from the first film, with notable additions for the sequel's new characters: Po: Tatsuya Yamaguchi Lord Shen (Lord Shen of Gongmen City): Keiji Fujiwara Master Shifu: Takashi Sasano The Furious Five: Master Tigress: Yoshino Kimura Master Viper: MEGUMI Master Monkey: Hiroya Ishimaru Master Crane: Mitsuaki Madono Master Mantis: Takuya Kirimoto The Soothsayer: Tomoko Shiota Mr. Ping: Naoki Tatsuta New Antagonists and Allies Wolf Boss: Toshiyuki Morikawa Master Storming Ox: Tesshō Genda Master Croc: Masafumi Kimura Master Thundering Rhino: Fumihiko Tachiki Availability and Platforms
The Japanese version is accessible through various digital and television channels:
Streaming & Digital: Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, and Google Play.
Television: Periodically broadcast on channels like the Disney Channel Japan. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) | Japanese Voice-Over Wikia | Fandom
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (Japanese title: カンフー・パンダ2) features a mix of high-profile actors and seasoned voice artists. Produced by the Tohokushinsha Film Corporation , the dub was released in theaters across Japan on August 19, 2011 Japanese Voice Cast
The Japanese version features several celebrities alongside professional voice actors: Tatsuya Yamaguchi (of the band TOKIO) [11] Master Tigress: Yoshino Kimura Master Shifu: Akira Sasanuma Lord Shen: Akio Otsuka (known for voicing Solid Snake in Metal Gear Master Monkey: Hiroya Ishimaru Master Mantis: Takuya Kirimoto Master Viper: Megumi Hayashibara (famous for roles in Evangelion Cowboy Bebop Master Crane: Mitsuaki Madono Ryusei Nakao (known for voicing Frieza in Dragon Ball Availability and Platforms
You can find the Japanese dubbed version on several major digital and streaming platforms in Japan: Streaming: The film is available on Amazon Prime Video Digital Purchase: It is also accessible through the Google Play Store Japanese voice actors for specific supporting characters or other films in the Kung Fu Panda franchise?
Here is the complete content information for the Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (公開日: 2011年8月19日), including voice cast, crew, and broadcast details.
In English, Po’s birth father reveals his name is "Po Ping." The humor is subtle. In the Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese dub, the writers added a pun. When Po’s dad says "You are Po... Ping," Po freezes and mutters, "Ping... like the sound of a bell? Chiiiiin." This panda-nalysis (forgive me) of his own name adds a layer of childish wonder that Japanese audiences adore.
カンフー・パンダ2 (Kunfū Panda 2)
Note: Official cast credits should be confirmed from the film’s Japanese release materials or distributor listings for exact casting.
A direct translation of Kung Fu Panda 2 would fail. The film is riddled with English puns ("Skadoosh") and Western-centric humor. The Japanese dub team had to "localize" the soul of the movie.
| Character | Japanese Voice Actor | Notes | |-----------|---------------------|-------| | Po (Panda) | Fumiyo Kohinata (小日向文世) | Reprised from first film; known for Hero (TV drama), The Dark Knight dub | | Master Shifu | Masaaki Yajima (矢島正明) | Veteran actor; also dubs Alfred in Batman films | | Tigress | Suzuka Ohgo (大後寿々花) | Child actress known for Memoirs of a Geisha | | Viper | Yuki Kajiura (梶浦由記) | Reprising – composer/singer, not typical VA | | Mantis | Kazuhiro Yamaji (山路和弘) | Reprising – known for Yakuza games dubs | | Monkey | Naoto Takenaka (竹中直人) | Reprising – famous comedian/actor | | Crane | Takashi Matsuyama (松山鷹志) | Reprising | | Master Rhino | Tetsuo Kanao (金尾哲夫) | | | Master Croc (Crocolisk) | Kazuhiko Inoue (井上和彦) | | | Lord Shen (Peacock) | Hiroshi Tsuchida (土田大) | Main antagonist; known for Gintama, Naruto | | Soothsayer (Goat) | Tomie Kataoka (片岡富枝) | | | Po’s Dad (Mr. Ping – Goose) | Tetsuya Iwanaga (岩永哲哉) | Reprising | | Po’s Birth Mother | Yuko Minaguchi (皆口裕子) | Brief flashback role | | Wolf Boss (Commander) | Masuo Amada (天田益男) | | | Master Storming Ox | Kenji Nomura (乃村健次) | | The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2
Note: Jack Black’s role as Po was originally voiced in Japanese by Fumiyo Kohinata, who received high praise for matching Black’s energetic yet emotional tone.
Unlike the first film, Kung Fu Panda 2 kept the original English songs (“Kung Fu Fighting” by CeeLo Green, instrumental score by Hans Zimmer & John Powell) for the theatrical release.
No exclusive Japanese insert song was recorded for this film.
However, for the home video trailers, a Japanese cover of “Kung Fu Fighting” by Shōnan no Kaze (湘南乃風) was briefly used.
For purists who believe "subtitles are superior," the Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese dub is the exception that proves the rule. This is not a cheap, rushed localization. It is a star-studded, emotionally nuanced reinterpretation.
Masahiro Sakurai’s Po does not try to imitate Jack Black; he becomes the Dragon Warrior. Ikkō Sawamura’s Lord Shen is a Shakespearean villain for the anime age. And with a script that understands Zen philosophy better than the original English, this dub offers a genuinely different, sometimes deeper, viewing experience.
Whether you are a student of Japanese, a seiyuu fan, or simply a Kung Fu Panda completionist, track down the Japanese dub of the second film. You will never hear "Skadoosh" the same way again—mainly because they don’t say it. They say something much cooler.
Final Rating for the Dub: 9.5/10 Where it beats the original: Emotional weight, villain menace, and the "Inner Peace" revelation scene.
Have you watched the Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese dub? Who is your favorite seiyuu in the cast? Let us know in the comments below!
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (Japanese title: カンフー・パンダ2) features a distinct cast of renowned Japanese voice actors (Seiyū) and was released in Japan on August 19, 2011. Main Japanese Voice Cast
The Japanese version features several well-known voice actors, some of whom are famous for their work in major anime series: Po: Tatsuya Yamaguchi Lord Shen: Keiji Fujiwara (Known for voicing Maes Hughes in Fullmetal Alchemist) Master Shifu: Takashi Sasano The Soothsayer: Tomoko Shiota Release & Availability
Theatrical Release: The film premiered in Japanese theaters in both 2D and 3D.
Streaming & Digital: The Japanese dub is available on various platforms in Japan, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and U-NEXT.
Production: The dubbing was recorded at the Tohokushinsha Film Corporation studio. Fan Reception
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 is often praised by fans for its stellar voice cast and how well the performances capture the film's darker, more emotional tone compared to the first movie. The Dubbing Database The Japanese Voice Cast
The dub features a blend of veteran voice actors and popular Japanese celebrities, which is a common practice for major animated releases in Japan. The Dubbing Database Tatsuya Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi returns from the first film, bringing a high-energy performance that matches Jack Black’s comedic timing. While he nails the "Skadoosh" moments, he also effectively handles Po's vulnerability as he searches for his origins. Lord Shen ( Keiji Fujiwara
This is widely considered the standout performance of the dub. The late Keiji Fujiwara (known for Hunter x Hunter
) gives Shen a sophisticated yet chillingly unhinged quality that rivals Gary Oldman's original performance. The Furious Five: Yoshino Kimura (reprising her role) Hiroya Ishimaru (the legendary Japanese voice of Jackie Chan) Mitsuaki Madono Takuya Kirimoto Master Shifu ( Takashi Sasano
Sasano brings a grounded, traditional "shisho" (master) feel to the character, emphasizing Shifu's pursuit of inner peace. Supporting Cast: Notable inclusions are Toshiyuki Morikawa as the Wolf Boss and Fumihiko Tachiki Po : Daisuke Ono (Japanese: ; Ono Daisuke)
as Master Thundering Rhino, both of whom are heavyweights in the Japanese voice-acting industry. Dub Performance and Reception Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Many purists argue that you should watch Kung Fu Panda 2 in English with subtitles. But for the Japanese dub, there is a compelling counter-argument: