Isamu Tanonaka - Actor Profile

Isamu Tanonaka

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
40Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 19, 1932
Birth Place: Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

About Isamu Tanonaka

was a Japanese voice actor from Taitō, Tokyo. He was best known for voicing Medama Oyaji in nearly every adaptation of Shigeru Mizuki's GeGeGe no Kitarō made during his lifetime. During his life he had been attached to Gekidan Tōgei and then Theatre Echo; he was attached to Aoni Production at the time of his death. He had a naturally deep voice but became famous for voicing characters with a high pitched voice. In addition to GeGeGe no Kitarō, he also had prominent roles in Tensai Bakabon (as the first voice of Honkan-san), Mazinger Z (as Mucha), Paul's Miraculous Adventure (as Doppe), Magical Princess Minky Momo (as Sindbook), Akuma-kun (as Youaltepuztli), Dr. Slump & Arale-chan (as Gara and Akira Toriyama), Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken (as Brass), and the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series (as Igor).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Isamu Tanonaka reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Animation

The majority of Isamu Tanonaka's filmography leans towards the Animation genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Isamu Tanonaka remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Kirato Saw Honorable Death With No Surrender ~ Mizuki Shigeru's War, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Isamu Tanonaka Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Isamu Tanonaka's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Isamu Tanonaka.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 Persona 3 the Movie: #4 Winter of Rebirth Igor (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2015 Persona 3 the Movie: #3 Falling Down Igor (voice) Hit Similar →
2014 Persona 3 the Movie: #2 Midsummer Knight's Dream Igor (voice) Hit Similar →
2013 Persona 3 the Movie: #1 Spring of Birth Igor (voice) Hit Similar →
2008 Spooky Kitaro: Japan Explodes!! Medama Oyaji (voice) Flop Similar →
2008 Kirato Saw Honorable Death With No Surrender ~ Mizuki Shigeru's War Medama Oyaji (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2008 Spooky Kitaro: Youkai Japan Rally 3D - Flop Similar →
2001 Slayers Premium Master (voice) Average Similar →
2001 One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure Boo Jack (voice) Hit Similar →
1999 Kindaichi Case Files Movie 2: Deep Blue Massacre Kisuke Akamori (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1999 Spooky Kitaro: Kitaro's Ghost Train Medama-oyaji Flop Similar →
1997 Spooky Kitaro: Yokai Express! The Phantom Train Medama Oyaji (voice) Hit Similar →
1997 Spooky Kitaro: Ghost Nighter Medama-oyaji (voice) Hit Similar →
1996 Spooky Kitaro: The Great Sea Beast Kitarou's Father (voice) Average Similar →
1994 Osawaga! Super Baby - Flop Similar →
1993 Ursa Minor Blue Tongari Hit Similar →
1990 Devil Boy: Welcome to Devil Land!! - Flop Similar →
1989 Devil Boy - Flop Similar →
1988 Tatakae!! Ramenman キョンピー Super Hit Similar →
1986 Spooky Kitaro: Crash!! The Great Rising of Demons from Another Dimension - Average Similar →
1986 Spooky Kitaro: The Strongest Ghost Army! Landing in Japan!! - Average Similar →
1986 Spooky Kitaro: The Great Yokai War Medama Oyaji (voice) Hit Similar →
1985 Spooky Kitaro Medama Oyaji (voice) Hit Similar →
1984 Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Treasure of Nanaba Castle Gala (voice) Flop Similar →
1983 Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Great Race Around The World Gara / Toriyama Hit Similar →
1983 I Am A Dog: Don Matsugorou's Life - Flop Similar →
1982 Dr. Slump: Hoyoyo! Space Adventure Gala (voice) Average Similar →
1981 Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hello! Wonder Island Gala (voice) Hit Similar →
1981 The Fantastic Adventures of Unico God 3 (voice) Hit Similar →
1980 Spooky Kitaro: The All Seeing Eye - Hit Similar →
1980 Botchan Nodaiko (voice) Average Similar →
1976 Puss 'n Boots Travels Around the World Cat Assassin B (voice) Average Similar →
1974 Mazinger Z vs The Great Dark General Dr. Nossori/Mucha Hit Similar →
1973 Mazinger Z vs. Devilman Mucha Average Similar →
1972 The Three Musketeers in Boots Killer Cat B (voice) Average Similar →
1971 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves Police Chief (voice) Average Similar →
1971 Animal Treasure Island Cat Sailor C (voice) Average Similar →
1969 Flying Phantom Ship - Average Similar →
1969 The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots Killer Cat B (voice) Hit Similar →
1968 Spooky Kitaro Le père de Kitarou (Voix) Hit Similar →

Isamu Tanonaka - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Isamu Tanonaka?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Isamu Tanonaka is "Kirato Saw Honorable Death With No Surrender ~ Mizuki Shigeru's War" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Isamu Tanonaka acted in?

Isamu Tanonaka has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Isamu Tanonaka?

Other notable films include "Tatakae!! Ramenman", "Persona 3 the Movie: #4 Winter of Rebirth", and "Kindaichi Case Files Movie 2: Deep Blue Massacre".