Natsuki Hanae has voiced some of the most emotionally resonant characters in anime today, from Vanitas and Makoto Misumi to his most beloved role as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer. But behind his powerful performances lies a story of quiet grief and resilience. In a recent appearance on Fuji TV’s Let Me Tell Your Fortune, Hanae opened up about one of the most painful periods of his life a time marked by the loss of both his parents by the age of 21.
In his early years, Hanae faced an avalanche of personal loss. His mother passed away when he was around 18 or 19. Just as he began working professionally around the age of 20 or 21, his father passed away too. Soon after, his grandmother with whom he had lived also passed on. What followed, he described as the lowest point in his life. “That period was pretty much rock bottom for me,” Hanae said in his interview, recalling how those years left a deep emotional imprint.
Yet, instead of being consumed by grief, he gradually found a way to honor the memory of his loved ones through his art. His emotional performances are not simply the result of technical skill, but of a lived experience that allows him to connect with loss in a visceral way. “When I act out sad scenes, I can be moved to tears immediately. I can cry the moment I remember it,” he shared. “I see it in a very positive way now, but I haven’t overcome it yet.”
This intimate confession has struck a chord with fans who have long admired the sincerity in Hanae’s voice acting. His portrayal of Tanjiro, a character who also carries the pain of family loss while striving forward with compassion and courage, has felt especially poignant in light of his personal journey. It is this authenticity that makes his performances so impactful. Hanae explained that he sometimes feels his emotional capacity while acting is a final gift from his parents a silent legacy that lives on through every line he delivers.
In the world of anime, where larger-than-life battles and fantasy elements often dominate, Hanae’s story reminds fans that the most powerful voices often come from real, lived pain. His vulnerability has made his performances all the more layered, earning him top rankings in seasonal seiyuu polls, including a number two spot in the Male Seiyuu of the Year 2024 and a top-five finish in Spring 2025.
Now, as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba prepares to premiere its highly awaited Infinity Castle arc in theaters on July 18, Hanae stands poised to bring even more emotional depth to Tanjiro’s journey. His story is no longer just that of a voice actor. It is that of a son who turned heartbreak into something unforgettable.
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