Kano
The voice behind Hanamichi Sakuragi's fiery spirit.
Takeshi Kusao is the Japanese voice actor who portrays Hanamichi Sakuragi in the anime series Slam Dunk. Born on November 20, 1965, in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Kusao works for Aoni Production and is also known for his roles as Trunks (Dragon Ball Z) and Ryo Sanada (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers). His performance as the energetic and passionate Sakuragi is one of his most recognized works, bringing the character's loud personality and emotional range to life throughout the series and its four theatrical films.
- Role
- Point Guard
- Affiliation
- Kainan High School
- Position Number
- 5
- Key Skill
- Tactical Vision & Passing
- Team Philosophy
- Total Team Basketball
- Status
- Active Player (National Tournament)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Takeshi Kusao voiced Hanamichi Sakuragi in the 1993 television anime Slam Dunk, as well as in all four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995: Slam Dunk (1994), Slam Dunk: Conquer the Nation, Hanamichi Sakuragi! (1994), Slam Dunk: Shohoku's Greatest Challenge! (1995), and Slam Dunk: Howling Basketman Spirit!! (1995). These films followed the TV series and featured Sakuragi's continued growth as a basketball player. Kusao's vocal performance captured Sakuragi's signature loud declarations, his comedic frustration, and his moments of genuine determination. The role remains one of the most iconic in Kusao's career, alongside his work as Trunks in the Dragon Ball franchise and Ryo Sanada in Yoroiden Samurai Troopers.
In Their Own Story
When Slam Dunk premiered in 1993, Takeshi Kusao took on the role of Hanamichi Sakuragi, the loud, red-haired delinquent who falls in love with basketball. Over the course of the series, Kusao voiced Sakuragi through his transformation from a boastful beginner to a dedicated player. The four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995 allowed Kusao to further develop the character in standalone stories, including Slam Dunk: Conquer the Nation, Hanamichi Sakuragi! and Slam Dunk: Shohoku's Greatest Challenge!. Kusao's energetic delivery became synonymous with Sakuragi's catchphrases and emotional outbursts, making the character memorable to audiences. The role stands alongside his other major works from the same period, including his portrayal of Trunks in Dragon Ball Z starting in 1991.
Reader's Guide
Takeshi Kusao is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer born November 20, 1965, in Tokorozawa, Saitama. He is affiliated with Aoni Production. His role as Hanamichi Sakuragi in Slam Dunk (1993 television anime) is one of his best-known performances. He also voiced Sakuragi in four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995. Beyond Slam Dunk, Kusao is widely recognized for voicing Trunks in Dragon Ball Z (starting 1991), Ryo Sanada in Yoroiden Samurai Troopers (1988), and Ky Kiske in the Guilty Gear video game series. His filmography spans television animation, OVAs, theatrical films, video games, and tokusatsu productions. In his personal life, he married voice actress Yuka Saitō in May 2015, and they have two children, with the second born on November 13, 2021.
Did You Know?
- Takeshi Kusao was born on November 20, 1965, in Tokorozawa, Saitama.
- He voiced Hanamichi Sakuragi in the 1993 Slam Dunk TV anime and all four theatrical films released in 1994 and 1995.
- Kusao is also the voice of Trunks in Dragon Ball Z, a role he began in 1991.
- He married fellow voice actress Yuka Saitō in May 2015, and their second child was born on November 13, 2021.
- Kusao works for Aoni Production and is also a singer.
More in Players & Coaches
Elsewhere in the Slam Dunk universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record