Kazuki Yao

Kazuki Yao (矢尾 一樹, Yao Kazuki, born June 17, 1959 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa) is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Mix Max. He once worked for Sigma Seven from 2004 to 2009. Formerly married to fellow voice actor Mina Tominaga, his current spouse is Natsuki Hayashi.

During his youth, Yao loved playing outside with friends and had little interest in TV shows. Because his father was a public servant, the family had to move every 3 years. Eventually, they settled in Tokyo where Yao completed his high school education. His hobbies include kendo, guitar playing, and baseball.

He shared his mother and sister's interest in plays and musicals, so it only felt natural for him to take up stage acting. While the troupe he joined was rather popular, they had trouble generating revenue which kept their budget limited. One day, Yao consulted one of the staff members who introduced him to the world of TV entertainment, paving the way for him to become a voice actor.

Yao tends to voice characters who act abrasive or hot-blooded, though he has been known to portray villains who also serve as comical foils to the protagonists. A few of his roles include Sidoh in Death Note, Yoki in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Koichiro Iketani in Initial D.

Works

 * Pastha - Angelique
 * Tiger - Monster Rancher TV series
 * Judau Ashta - Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series; reprise of his role in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
 * Franky, Bon Clay - One Piece: Pirate Warriors titles; reprise of his roles in the anime
 * Gennon, Gaston - BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk