Masato Obara is a talented Japanese actor and voice actor, recognized especially for his versatile performances across both stage and screen. A graduate of Nihon University College of Art, he hails from Tokyo and began his career in the early 1990s. Known for his distinctive voice, he has become the go-to Japanese dub for Hollywood stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey. Obara’s journey spans drama, film, anime, and video games, earning him respect among peers and fans alike. His friendly demeanor and skill with traditional Japanese dance and kendo add a unique flair to his already diverse profile.
Masato Obara was born on August 25, 1965, in Tokyo, Japan.
He graduated from Nihon University College of Art, setting a solid creative foundation for his future endeavors.
Obara is the youngest of three brothers, with the interesting twist of being a twin, making family gatherings even more lively.
Obara made his theatrical debut with the play "12 Gentle Japanese," produced by the renowned Tokyo Sunshine Boys theater company.
He has since appeared in numerous TV dramas such as "Ultraman Tiga," "HERO," "Legal High," and "Furuhata Ninzaburō."
On the silver screen, he delivered supporting roles in films like "Unfair the Movie" and "Inochi no Umi."
His stage credits include popular productions like "SHOW MUST GO ON" and the much-anticipated "Mongol Invasion" revival in 2025.
He is highly acclaimed in the world of voice acting, particularly as the Japanese voice for Ben Affleck’s Batman in the DC Extended Universe (including "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Justice League," and "The Flash").
He’s also known for voicing other Hollywood actors, such as Matthew McConaughey in "Interstellar" and Andy Serkis' Caesar in the "Planet of the Apes" series.
Anime fans might recognize his work in series like "Blue Exorcist," "Magic Users Precure!", and portraying Sherlock Holmes in "Lupin the Third Part 6."
His game credits include roles in the "Yakuza" series, "Dynasty Warriors," and "Saint Seiya."
He has also contributed to radio dramas, narrations, and TV variety programs, demonstrating wide-ranging appeal.
Obara was a junior at university to playwright Koki Mitani, and his professional debut was through Mitani's theater company.
He reportedly reverted to using his original professional name, upon advice from fellow actor Masahiko Nishimura.
Within the Tokyo Sunshine Boys, he was affectionately called “Otoko Obara,” the “manly man” of the group.
Obara's unique skills include traditional Japanese dance and kendo, reflecting both artistry and discipline.
His twin brother adds an interesting dynamic to his personal narrative.
Watching Tsukayama Masakazu dub Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard" inspired him to pursue a career in voice acting.
Obara briefly used the stage name "Orihara Masato," but later reverted to his original name.
He became freelance in 2019 after leaving Aoni Production and subsequently joined Accent in 2020.
He stands 178 cm tall and has blood type A.
He has provided narration for documentary and variety programs, such as "SASUKE" and "Edo Recipe Book."
Obara maintains a friendly social media presence, updating fans about his professional moves and new projects.
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