Yūsuke Kobayashi

Yūsuke Kobayashi is a Japanese voice actor known for his versatile range and emotional depth. Born March 25, 1985 in Tokyo, he rose to prominence after winning the Best New Actor Award at the 11th Seiyu Awards in 2017. Kobayashi's breakthrough came with his lead role as Subaru Natsuki in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, a performance that showcased vulnerability and determination. He also voiced Shinra Kusakabe in Fire Force and Senku Ishigami in Dr. Stone, roles that demanded intensity and charisma. Across his career, he has amassed over 50 anime roles and numerous video game appearances, making him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry.[edit]

Kobayashi graduated from university and worked as a systems engineer for about three years before pursuing voice acting. Inspired by the performances in Code Geass, he quit his job and enrolled at the Japan Narration Actor Institute. His early years in the industry were marked by minor roles and background characters, and he worked multiple part-time jobs to support himself. The turning point came when he auditioned for the lead role of Subaru Natsuki in Re:Zero, which he won, marking his first major leading role.[edit]

Kobayashi's breakthrough came in 2016 with his lead role as Subaru Natsuki in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World. This performance earned him the Best New Actor Award at the 11th Seiyu Awards in 2017. He followed with major roles: Senku Ishigami in Dr. Stone (2019), Shinra Kusakabe in Fire Force (2019), Yūta Togashi in The Promised Neverland (2020), and Rudeus Greyrat in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (2021). He also voiced Kamen Rider in the live-action Kamen Rider Zi-O (2018). His career shows a steady rise from supporting roles to leading man status, with a reputation for emotional depth and versatility.[edit]

Kobayashi is known for roles with intense emotional range, often playing underdogs or geniuses with strong wills, such as Subaru, Senku, and Rudeus. Media portrayals emphasize his hardworking, humble nature and his status as a late bloomer in the industry. On Twitter, he maintains a professional tone but occasionally shares personal interests like Gunpla and video games, which fans enjoy. His fandom does not have an official name; fans are often referred to by the series he voices.[edit]

Yūsuke Kobayashi commands a massive, decentralized following that swells whenever he steps into the booth to channel characters like Subaru Natsuki or Senku Ishigami. His fanbase does not operate under a single official banner; instead, supporters identify through the specific series they love, creating a fluid community centered on his vocal performances rather than a rigid organization. The fanbase has no formal name. The intensity of this group is undeniable, often erupting into viral discussions about his visceral acting styles on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. The emotional volatility he brings to roles has sparked legendary reactions, with audiences describing his performance in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World as terrifyingly authentic. Despite this cultural footprint, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Yūsuke Kobayashi, but he currently holds no placement in the published rankings such as the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This absence from the chart reflects a landscape where global fame metrics prioritize different signals, yet it does not diminish his status within the anime industry. His influence remains potent through character-driven engagement, proving that deep resonance with niche audiences can coexist with a lack of broad statistical ranking. Fans continue to celebrate his marriage to Yumi Uchiyama and his recent work in Witch on the Holy Night, treating these milestones as shared victories for the community. The narrative around him is one of earned respect, built on years of hard work and a reputation for delivering performances that leave viewers with goosebumps.[edit]

Yūsuke Kobayashi is a devoted enthusiast of the Gundam series, maintaining an extensive collection of Gunpla model kits that rivals professional displays. He harbors a particular fondness for yakiniku, preferring grilled meat above all other cuisines. Off-screen, the energetic voice behind Subaru Natsuki reveals a calm and reserved personality, a stark contrast to his on-screen intensity. He openly admits to struggling with cooking, a humble admission that endears him further to fans who appreciate his authenticity. Friends with fellow talents Nobuhiko Okamoto and Yuma Uchida, he frequently appears on their radio programs, strengthening his ties within the industry. A defining legend surrounding Kobayashi is his capacity for "insane" acting, particularly noted during a viral discussion regarding Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Episode 75. Viewers reported physical reactions to his portrayal, describing the scene as terrifying and capable of inducing goosebumps. This moment cemented his reputation for conveying extreme emotional volatility without breaking character. Another pillar of his lore is his journey from obscurity to winning the Best New Actor Award at the 11th Seiyu Awards in 2017, a story of perseverance that resonates deeply with aspiring actors. His role as Subaru Natsuki remains iconic, establishing a benchmark for playing flawed, non-traditional heroes in the isekai genre.[edit]

Kobayashi has a younger brother but has not publicly shared his parents' names or occupations. He lives a private life and has not disclosed details about his current household. He does not have any publicly known pets.[edit]

Kobayashi has worked with directors Masaharu Watanabe (Re:Zero), Shinya Iino (Dr. Stone), and Yuki Yase (Fire Force). His frequent co-stars include Rie Takahashi, Yuma Uchida, and Manaka Iwami.[edit]

Yūsuke Kobayashi has kept his romantic life extremely private. There are no publicly confirmed relationships, engagements, or marriages reported in credible Japanese media. As of 2026, he is reportedly single.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Yūsuke Kobayashi's net worth is estimated at $2 Million as of 2026. His financial foundation rests primarily on his prolific career in voice acting for anime and video games, where compensation is structured per episode or project. Beyond recording sessions, he generates additional revenue through appearances at events, royalties from merchandise tied to his major roles, and occasional live-action projects such as Kamen Rider Zi-O. Unlike some peers who pursue extensive business ventures, Kobayashi maintains a focused portfolio without major endorsement deals. This steady accumulation of wealth reflects his consistent demand in the industry and his ability to anchor high-profile franchises.[edit]

Kobayashi won the Best New Actor Award at the 11th Seiyu Awards in 2017 for his role as Subaru Natsuki in Re:Zero. He also won the Best Voice Actor award at the Newtype Anime Awards in 2017.[edit]