Cars 2 Japanese Dub [upd] 99%
The Japanese release famously features the song "Polyrhythm" by the J-pop group Perfume . While the song appears in the English version during the Tokyo party scene, it was a major marketing point in Japan and is synonymous with the film there. Where to Watch
💡 Kōichi Yamadera alone is a reason to watch—he’s Japan’s equivalent of Tom Hanks + Robin Williams in voice acting.
The Japanese dub of Cars 2 received generally positive reviews from fans and critics alike. The film's blend of action, comedy, and heart was well-received, and the voice cast was praised for their energetic performances. The movie premiered in Japan on August 12, 2011, and went on to gross over 1.5 billion yen at the Japanese box office. cars 2 japanese dub
While Cars 2 may occupy a complicated space in Pixar's filmography globally, its Japanese release remains a high-water mark for animation dubbing. Through meticulous casting, sharp script adaptation, and a deep respect for local pop culture, the transformed an American spy parody into an immersive, cross-cultural cinematic ride that continues to be celebrated by Japanese animation fans.
One of the standout aspects of the Japanese dub was the casting of Koichi Yamadera as Francesco Bernoulli, a sleek and arrogant Italian racing car. Yamadera, known for his versatility and range, brought the character to life with his signature charm and wit. The rest of the cast, including Yūji Horikata as Holley Shiftwell and Masashi Ebara as Luigi, delivered equally impressive performances, bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters. The Japanese release famously features the song "Polyrhythm"
In conclusion, the Japanese dub of Cars 2 was a resounding success, thanks to the talented voice cast, faithful adaptation, and attention to cultural considerations. For fans of the Cars franchise and Japanese voice acting, the dub is a must-listen, offering a fresh take on a beloved film. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the high-speed world of Cars 2 in Japanese!
The Japanese dub of Cars 2 boasted an impressive voice cast, featuring many well-known and respected seiyuu (Japanese voice actors) in the industry. Takeshi Honda, known for his roles in Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro , voiced the lead character of Lightning McQueen, bringing his signature charm and energy to the role. Other notable cast members included Keiji Fujiwara as Mater, Hiroshi Kamiya as Finn McMissile, and Yūko Minaguchi as Holley Shiftwell. The Japanese dub of Cars 2 received generally
| Japanese Character Name | Japanese Voice Actor | Notes on the Actor | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Yamaguchi Tomonori (山口智充) | Popular comedian and actor from the duo DonDokoDon. His distinct, drawling voice perfectly captures Mater's lovable, slow-witted charm. | | Lightning McQueen (ライトニング・マックィーン) | Tsuchida Hiroshi (土田大) | A veteran actor known for his steady, reliable, and cool-headed performances, which are a perfect fit for the confident but occasionally flustered race car. | | Finn McMissile (フィン・マックミサイル) | Ōtsuka Hōchū (大塚芳忠) | One of Japan's most distinguished voice actors, known for playing sophisticated, authoritative characters. His deep, resonant voice gives the British spy a suave and commanding presence. | | Holley Shiftwell (ホリー・シフトウェル) | Park Romi (朴璐美) | A hugely popular voice actress known for strong, charismatic roles (e.g., Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist ). Her casting adds a layer of strength and intelligence to the sleek sports car. | | Francesco Bernoulli (フランチェスコ・ベルヌーイ) | Sōya Shigenori (宗矢樹頼) | A skilled veteran known for his ability to play both heroes and villains with equal flair, giving the flamboyant Italian racer a memorable voice. | | Mama Topolino (ママ・トッポリーノ) | Sawada Toshiko (沢田敏子) | A veteran actress known for playing kind and nurturing motherly figures. | | Sally (サリー) | Toda Keiko (戸田恵子) | A famous voice actress who reprises her role from the first film, bringing warmth and stability to McQueen's Porsche girlfriend. | | Flo (フロー) | Kataoka Tomie (片岡富枝) | A veteran actress who reprises her role as the wise and sassy owner of the gas station/cafe. | | Lewis Hamilton (ルイス・ハミルトン) | Okada Takayuki (岡田貴之) | A popular voice actor known for energetic and cool performances, matching the real-life F1 champion's on-screen persona. | | Chuki (チュッキ) | Iizuka Mayumi (飯塚雅弓) | A veteran voice actress known for her high energy and rapid delivery, perfect for the excitement of the Tokyo race announcer. |
The Japanese dub of Cars 2 stayed true to the spirit of the original film, with the voice actors delivering performances that were faithful to their American counterparts. The dub was handled by Tokai TV, a Japanese television network, in collaboration with Disney. The translation and adaptation process aimed to preserve the humor, action, and emotion of the original film, ensuring that Japanese audiences could enjoy the movie just as much as their American counterparts.
