Kung Fu | Panda 2 Japanese Dub [hot]
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) is widely regarded as a stellar adaptation that preserves the emotional weight and high-octane energy of the original English version. By utilizing a mix of veteran voice actors (seiyū) and high-profile celebrities, the dub effectively captures the sequel's more mature and darker tone. Core Voice Cast
Po (Jack Black) → Hiroshi Tsuchida (土田大)
While Jack Black brings manic, improvisational energy, Hiroshi Tsuchida takes a different route. Known for his grounded roles (Giroro in Sgt. Frog, Furuichi in The iDOLM@STER), Tsuchida’s Po is less of a slacker and more of an earnest, loud Shonen protagonist. He retains the clumsy charm but adds a layer of vocal sincerity during the emotional revelation scenes that is uniquely Japanese. His rendition of "I’m not a big fat panda. I’m the big fat panda" sends chills.
The Villain: Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) → Ikkō Sawamura
Gary Oldman’s Lord Shen is chilling, but Ikkō Sawamura (a famous actor and television personality) brings a different kind of menace. Sawamura’s Shen is less "insane aristocrat" and more "elegant predator." His Japanese is pristine and courtly, which makes his sudden bursts of psychotic rage even more terrifying. The line, "You think my departure was a banishment? I call it... strategy," delivered in Sawamura’s silky baritone, is a standout moment in anime dubbing history. kung fu panda 2 japanese dub
The film premiered in Japanese theaters on August 19, 2011. While the original English version was praised for Gary Oldman’s chilling performance as Lord Shen, the Japanese version was equally lauded for its high production quality and how well the cast captured the "kung fu movie" aesthetic that is deeply rooted in Asian cinema history. The Japanese Voice Cast
And so, Po returned home, hailed as a hero once more. His journey had not only deepened his connection to his roots but also granted him a profound appreciation for the ancient art of kung fu. The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2
Rating for the Dub: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Deducting half a point only because Gary Oldman’s original Shen remains untouchable in the final monologue.
The movie's memorable characters, coupled with the incredible voice acting in the Japanese dub, made it a standout hit among anime and kung fu enthusiasts alike. Known for his grounded roles (Giroro in Sgt
In the Japanese dub of "Kung Fu Panda 2," the voice actors brought these characters to life with their incredible talents. Po's lovable buffoonery was endearingly captured by Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese voice of Po), while Kenji Hamada brought gravity and depth to the role of Mr. Ping.