Kishō Taniyama
Kishō Taniyama (谷山 紀章, Taniyama Kishō; born August 11, 1975) is a Japanese voice actor, singer, and lyricist affiliated with the talent agency Ken Production.[1][2] Taniyama was born in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and entered the industry after graduating from a vocational school, joining Ken Production shortly thereafter.[1] He has gained prominence for his versatile voice work in anime, including the roles of Jean Kirstein in the Attack on Titan series, Chuuya Nakahara in the Bungo Stray Dogs series, and Natsuki Shinomiya in the Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ series.[1] Additional notable performances include voicing Dark Schneider, the lead character in BASTARD!! -Ankoku no Hakaishin-, and various characters in video games such as Akira Kirigaya in La Corda d'Oro: Starlight Orchestra.[1][2] In addition to acting, Taniyama is a prominent figure in the music scene as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the rock duo GRANRODEO, which he co-founded in 2005 with composer Katsushi Murai.[1] The band has released numerous albums and singles, often tied to anime soundtracks, and conducts annual nationwide tours in Japan; the duo celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 with a nationwide tour and international performances.[1][3] His hobbies include reading, cycling, and watching basketball and baseball, reflecting a well-rounded personal life that complements his professional pursuits.[1]Early life and education
Childhood and family background
Kishō Taniyama was born on August 11, 1975, in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.[2][4][1] He spent his childhood and early years in the Yamaguchi region, a provincial area known for its industrial and coastal communities.[4] Public details about his family background, including his parents and any siblings, remain scarce, as Taniyama has consistently maintained privacy regarding his personal life.[1]Schooling and voice acting training
Taniyama graduated from Yamaguchi Prefectural Ube High School in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture.[5] Following his high school graduation, he relocated to Tokyo in 1994 to pursue a career in voice acting, driven by his longstanding interest in the field. His interest was inspired by the animated film Akira (1988).[6] In 1994, Taniyama enrolled in the Voice Acting Department at Yoyogi Animation Academy, a one-year vocational program where he received formal training in seiyū techniques, including vocal performance and character interpretation.[5][6] He completed the program, which prepared him for professional auditions in the industry. During his time at the academy, Taniyama supported himself through part-time jobs, such as a brief stint working at a Wendy's restaurant for about three months at age 19.[7] He also participated in early auditions, culminating in his successful entry into Ken Production in 1995 via an in-school agency audition, marking the start of his professional affiliation.[6]Voice acting career
Debut and early struggles
Kishō Taniyama made his professional debut as a voice actor in 1996, voicing an Imperial Army soldier in the ongoing OVA series The Legend of the Galactic Heroes.[4] This minor role marked his entry into the industry following his graduation from the voice acting department of Yoyogi Animation Academy.[5] Throughout the late 1990s, Taniyama took on sporadic supporting parts that highlighted his emerging versatility but offered limited exposure. Notable among these was his portrayal of Nail in episodes 39–41 of The King of Braves GaoGaiGar in 1997, a mecha anime where he lent his voice to a secondary character in the series' climactic arcs.[4] The following year, he appeared as Takai in episode 13 of Devilman Lady, contributing to the dark fantasy narrative's ensemble cast.[4] These roles, while building his resume, were infrequent and often uncredited or brief, reflecting the competitive nature of early voice work. Taniyama affiliated with Ken Production in the mid-1990s, an agency that supported his gradual accumulation of supporting roles amid professional uncertainty. From the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, he endured a period of significant instability, describing in a 2025 interview roughly 10 years with few steady jobs and persistent financial hardships during his twenties.[8] This decade of sparse opportunities tested his perseverance, as he navigated auditions and minor gigs while balancing the demands of establishing himself in a saturated field.Breakthrough roles and recognition
Taniyama's role as Sharnid Elipton in the 2009 anime adaptation of Chrome Shelled Regios marked a significant step toward wider recognition in the voice acting industry, showcasing his ability to portray a laid-back yet skilled sniper in a dystopian world plagued by monstrous threats. This supporting performance highlighted his versatile delivery in action-oriented narratives, helping to establish him as a reliable talent for complex character arcs.[4] His portrayal of Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan (2013–2023) represented a major breakthrough, where he voiced the initially cynical and self-preserving soldier who gradually transforms into a principled leader amid humanity's desperate struggle against Titans. This role contributed to the series' immense global impact, with the manga surpassing 140 million copies in circulation worldwide by 2025, amplifying Taniyama's visibility on an international scale.[9] The character's moral evolution and Taniyama's nuanced performance in conveying raw emotion and internal conflict earned praise for deepening the anti-hero's relatability in one of anime's most acclaimed adaptations.[4] Other pivotal roles further solidified his reputation, including Koichi Shido in High School of the Dead (2010), where he lent a charismatic edge to the authoritative teacher-turned-leader in a zombie apocalypse setting. Similarly, as Chuuya Nakahara in Bungo Stray Dogs (2016–present), Taniyama captured the mafia executive's intense loyalty and fiery temper, adding depth to the character's gravity-manipulating abilities and turbulent alliances. Additionally, his portrayal of Shinnosuke Shinonome (also known as Four M Seasons) in the Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ franchise showcased his singing talents as part of the idol group ST☆RISH. Taniyama received industry accolades in the 2010s, including sharing the Best Musical Performance award at the 6th Seiyu Awards in 2012 as part of the group ST☆RISH from Uta no Prince-sama. Fan-voted polls also underscored his prominence, with him ranking 34th among the top 50 voice actors with the best voices in a 2013 Animate Times survey and placing third in a 2013 Goo Ranking for voice actors who excel at singing.[10][11] By the 2020s, these roles and recognitions had cemented his status as a top-tier seiyuu, particularly for dramatic and multifaceted portrayals.Music career
Formation and success with Granrodeo
Granrodeo was formed in 2005 by vocalist and lyricist KISHOW (Kishō Taniyama) and guitarist, composer, and arranger e-ZUKA (Masaaki Iizuka), with the duo debuting under the Lantis record label.[12] The band's name derives from a fusion of "grand" and "rodeo," reflecting their high-energy rock style blended with anime influences. Specializing in anime theme songs, Granrodeo quickly established itself as a key contributor to anime soundtracks, leveraging Taniyama's voice acting prominence to gain initial visibility in the industry.[13] The band's debut single, "Go For It!," released in November 2005, served as the opening theme for the anime series IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix.[14] Early releases like the 2006 single "Decadence," the ending theme for Kikoushi Enma, and "Infinite Love," the opening for Koi Suru Tenshi AngeliqueSolo musical projects
Taniyama's solo musical output in the 2000s primarily consisted of singles and character songs tied to his voice acting roles, marking his initial forays into individual artistry. His debut solo single, "Daydreamin'," released in February 2005, served as the ending theme for the anime Suki na Mono wa Suki Dakara Shouganai!! and showcased his vocal talents in a pop-oriented track.[21] Later examples include the 2013 character song single for Tatsuya Himuro from Kuroko's Basketball, featuring original songs like "Ready Fight!" and "Any Time, Any Place," which highlighted his ability to embody character-specific emotions through music. After nearly two decades prioritizing his work with Granrodeo, Taniyama released his first major solo album, Shinya Reiji (translated as "Midnight Zero Hour"), on July 24, 2024, under the moniker KISHOW. The album comprises 11 introspective tracks blending rock, pop, and ballad elements, exploring themes of solitude and reflection, with production contributions from artists like Grammy winner Masanori Takumi and city pop specialist Tetsuji Hayashi.[22] Tracks such as "Midnight Circus" and "Every Single Night" demonstrate a shift toward personal storytelling, diverging from the high-energy anthems of his band projects.[23] Beyond performing, Taniyama has established himself as a prolific lyricist for non-Granrodeo anime projects, contributing words to soundtracks and insert songs across various series. Notable examples include lyrics for tracks in the Koisuru Tenshi Angelique OST (2006-2007), Blassreiter OST (2008), Needless OST (2009), Karneval OST (2013), Bungo Stray Dogs OST volumes (2016-2023), and Saiyuki Reload Blast OST (2017), often enhancing narrative depth in anime themes performed by other artists.[24] These contributions, spanning over 20 projects up to 2023, underscore his influence in anime music composition without direct vocal involvement. To promote Shinya Reiji, Taniyama launched his debut solo live tour, "KISHOW LIVE TOUR 2024 'MIDNIGHT CIRCUS'," starting in August 2024, with performances at venues like KT Zepp Yokohama. The tour emphasized his broad vocal range, incorporating acoustic arrangements and emotional ballads that revealed facets of his singing beyond rock.Filmography
Anime television series
Kishō Taniyama's contributions to anime television series encompass a diverse array of characters, from youthful rivals and magicians to intense protagonists and antagonists, spanning over three decades. His debut came in a sports anime, and he has since portrayed recurring figures in long-running series, often voicing complex supporting roles that evolve across multiple seasons. The following table presents a chronological overview of selected notable roles in TV anime, highlighting character types for reference.| Year | Series Title | Character | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Captain Tsubasa J | Luciano Leo | Supporting rival player[4] |
| 1997 | The King of Braves GaoGaiGar | Nail | Supporting ally[4] |
| 2001 | X | Daisuke Saiki | Supporting magician[4] |
| 2002 | Digimon Frontier | Yutaka Himi | Supporting family member[4] |
| 2003 | Konjiki no Gash Bell!! | Albert | Supporting fighter[4] |
| 2005 | The Law of Ueki | B.J. | Supporting competitor[4] |
| 2006 | Kiniro no Corda: Primo Passo | Len Tsukimori | Main protagonist[4] |
| 2007 | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann | Kittan Bachika | Supporting team member (recurring across episodes)[4] |
| 2008 | Junjou Romantica | Takahiro Takahashi | Supporting friend (recurring)[4] |
| 2009 | Koukaku no Regios | Sharnid Elipton | Main squad member[4] |
| 2010 | Toaru Majutsu no Index II | Stiyl Magnus | Supporting antagonist mage (recurring)[4] |
| 2011 | Uta no Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 1000% | Natsuki Shinomiya | Main idol protagonist[4] |
| 2011–present | Ao no Exorcist | Kinzō Shima | Supporting exorcist (recurring across seasons)[4] |
| 2013–2023 | Shingeki no Kyojin | Jean Kirstein | Main soldier (recurring across seasons)[4] |
| 2016–2023 | Bungou Stray Dogs | Chuuya Nakahara | Main antagonist ally (recurring across seasons)[4] |
| 2018 | JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 5: Ougon no Kaze | Yuya Fungami | Supporting Stand user (recurring in arc)[4] |
| 2019 | Ahiru no Sora | Kenji Natsume | Supporting team captain[4] |
| 2020 | Pet | Tsukasa | Main operative[25] |
| 2020 | Maoujou de Oyasumi | Hades | Supporting demon lord[4] |
| 2023 | Sousou no Frieren | Wirbel | Supporting antagonist mage[26] |
| 2024 | Quality Assurance in Another World | Sakai | Supporting character[27] |
| 2024 | Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc | Mr. Kham | Supporting chojin[28] |
| 2025 | The Banished Court Magician Aims to Become the Strongest | Gloria | Supporting character[29] |
| 2026 | Gomon Baito-kun no Nichijou | Hela | Supporting character[30] |
Anime films and OVAs
Kishō Taniyama has provided voice acting for numerous anime feature films and original video animations (OVAs), often portraying intense or charismatic characters in action, fantasy, and drama genres.[31][4]Anime Films
His film roles include early appearances in psychological thrillers and later contributions to major franchises.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Perfect Blue | Blue[31] |
| 2007 | Naruto Shippūden the Movie | Gitai[31] |
| 2008 | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann The Movie: Gurren-hen | Kittan Bachika[31] |
| 2009 | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann The Movie: Lagann-hen | Kittan Bachika[31] |
| 2009 | Mai Mai Shinko to Sennen no Mahou | Father Shimatsu[31] |
| 2013 | Toaru Majutsu no Index: Endymion no Kiseki | Stiyl Magnus[31] |
| 2013 | Aura: Maryuuin Kouga Saigo no Tatakai | Tatsuo Andou[31] |
| 2014 | Shingeki no Kyojin Movie 1: Guren no Yumiya | Jean Kirstein[31] |
| 2015 | Shingeki no Kyojin Movie 2: Jiyuu no Tsubasa | Jean Kirstein[31] |
| 2017 | Kuroko no Basket Movie 4: Last Game | Tatsuya Himuro[31] |
| 2018 | Bungou Stray Dogs: Dead Apple | Chuuya Nakahara[31] |
| 2018 | Shingeki no Kyojin Movie 3: Kakusei no Houkou | Jean Kirstein[31] |
| 2019 | Uta no Prince-sama Movie: Maji Love Kingdom | Natsuki Shinomiya[31] |
| 2020 | Shingeki no Kyojin: Chronicle | Jean Kirstein[31] |
| 2023 | Argonavis from BanG Dream! Movie: Axia | Kouga Iryuu[31] |
| 2024 | Shingeki no Kyojin Movie: Kanketsu-hen - The Last Attack | Jean Kirstein[31] |
OVAs
Taniyama's OVA work spans from adult-oriented titles in the early 2000s to recent fantasy adaptations, with recurring roles in established series.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e | Kouhei Orihara[31] |
| 2004 | Akane Maniax | Takayuki Narumi[31] |
| 2004 | Sensitive Pornograph | Sono Hanasaki[31] |
| 2004 | Enzai | Dürer[31] |
| 2004 | Sensei no Ojikan: Dokidoki School Hours OVA | Jōji Seki[31] |
| 2005 | Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Hachiyou Shou | Kotengu[31] |
| 2005 | DearS: Kin no Tama desu no? | Takeya Ikuhara[31] |
| 2006 | Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Ayu Mayu Gekijou | Takayuki Narumi[31] |
| 2006 | Sky Girls | Ryohei Tachibana[31] |
| 2006 | Lily to Kaeru to (Ototo) | Kondou[31] |
| 2007 | Kimi ga Nozomu Eien: Next Season | Takayuki Narumi[31] |
| 2010 | Zettai Karen Children OVA: Aitazousei! Ubawareta Mirai | Shūji Sakaki[31] |
| 2011 | Deadman Wonderland OVA: Akai Knife Tsukai | Keigo Ugachi[31] |
| 2012 | Shinken Seminar Koukou Kouza | Takumi[31] |
| 2013 | Amnesia OVA | Ikki[31] |
| 2013 | Shingeki no Kyojin OVA | Jean Kirstein[31] |
| 2017 | Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen | Kinzou Shima[31] |
| 2017 | Bungou Stray Dogs: Hitori Ayumu | Chuuya Nakahara[31] |
| 2019 | Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin: Hitoribocchi no Kyuuketsuki | Katsumi Tamao[31] |
| 2020 | Fate/Grand Carnival | Berserker[31] |
| 2022 | Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy | Dark Schneider[31] |
| 2023 | Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy Part 2 | Dark Schneider[31] |
Video games and other media
Taniyama has provided voice acting for numerous video games, often portraying energetic or complex male characters in action-oriented titles. His contributions span mobile gacha games, RPGs, and console adaptations, showcasing his versatility in delivering dynamic performances during interactive scenarios. Notable examples include his role as Aoi "Santa" Kurashiki in the puzzle-adventure Zero Escape: The Nonary Games (2017), where he voiced a key participant in the game's tense escape sequences.[4] In the mobile RPG Granblue Fantasy (2014–ongoing), he lent his voice to multiple characters, including the bard Aoidos and the knight Benjamin, contributing to the game's expansive narrative and battle dialogues. Other significant roles encompass Piers, the brooding guitarist in Pokémon Masters EX (2019), and Ichiro Dazai, a central human ally in the post-apocalyptic Shin Megami Tensei V (2021).[32] He also voiced Utsushi, a hunter in the action RPG Monster Hunter Rise (2021), enhancing the cooperative multiplayer experience with expressive combat lines.[33]| Game Title | Character | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Escape: The Nonary Games | Aoi "Santa" Kurashiki | 2017 | Puzzle-adventure; Japanese voice.[4] |
| Granblue Fantasy | Aoidos, Benjamin | 2014–ongoing | Mobile RPG; multiple characters. |
| Pokémon Masters EX | Piers | 2019 | Mobile; guitarist trainer.[34] |
| Shin Megami Tensei V | Ichiro Dazai | 2021 | RPG; human protagonist ally.[35] |
| Monster Hunter Rise | Utsushi | 2021 | Action RPG; hunter role.[33] |
| Fate/Grand Order | Berserker/Mori Nagayoshi | 2015–ongoing | Mobile; historical servant.[36] |
| Catherine: Full Body | Toby Nebbins | 2019 | Puzzle; supporting friend.[37] |
Discography
Solo releases
Taniyama's solo musical output began in the mid-2000s with singles primarily serving as theme songs for anime series, marking his early independent endeavors outside group projects. These releases often featured his songwriting contributions and showcased a blend of rock and ballad elements reflective of his vocal style. Following a period focused on band activities, he resumed solo work with a full-length album in 2024, emphasizing introspective themes through diverse collaborations.Solo Singles
His solo singles include:- Daydreamin' (February 23, 2005): The ending theme for the anime Suki na Mono wa Suki Dakara Suki!!, with lyrics by Taniyama, music and arrangement by Masaki Iizuka, and B-side "Fly Away." Released by Lantis.[41]
- Warrior (August 24, 2005): The opening theme for Kin'iro no Corda
Primo Passo, with lyrics by mavie, music and arrangement by Masaki Suzuki, and B-side "Hyakunen no Kodoku." Released by Lantis.[42]
Solo Albums
- Shinya Reiji (July 24, 2024): Taniyama's first full solo album under the moniker KISHOW, comprising 11 tracks including introspective ballads like "Every Single Night" and "let me dream of you," alongside rock-oriented pieces such as "Midnight Circus" (lyrics by Gorō Matsui, composed by Masanori Takumi) and "Flower Tambourine Dance" (music by Hisashi Imai of BUCK-TICK). The album debuted at No. 7 on the Oricon weekly chart and features collaborations with various songwriters, marking a return to solo artistry after nearly two decades. Released by GLEAN.[22]
Granrodeo releases
Granrodeo, formed in 2005 by vocalist Kishō Taniyama (Kishow) and guitarist e-ZUKA (Masaaki Iizuka), has built a prolific discography centered on hard rock and visual kei influences, with releases primarily through Lantis and the independent label GloryHeaven. The band's output includes ten studio albums, mini-albums, compilation albums, and over 35 singles, many of which feature as theme songs for popular anime series, contributing to their prominence in the anisong scene.[45][46]Studio Albums
The band's studio albums showcase evolving musical styles, from high-energy rock anthems in their early work to more introspective and experimental tracks in later releases. Key albums often tie into anime promotions but emphasize original songwriting by Kishow.| No. | Title | Release Date | Label/Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RIDE ON THE EDGE | July 25, 2007 | Lantis (LACA-5670) |
| 2 | Instinct | September 26, 2008 | Lantis (LACA-5810) |
| 3 | BRUSH the SCAR LEMON | October 28, 2009 | GloryHeaven (GHCD-1023) |
| 4 | SUPERNOVA | April 6, 2011 | GloryHeaven (LASA-5094) |
| 5 | CRACK STAR FLASH | October 10, 2012 | Lantis (LACA-15217) |
| 6 | カルマとラビリンス (Karma to Labyrinth) | September 24, 2014 | Lantis (LACA-15475) |
| 7 | Pierrot Dancin' | February 22, 2017 | Lantis (LACA-23498) |
| 8 | FAB LOVE | February 27, 2019 | Lantis (LACA-23807) |
| 9 | 僕たちの群像 (Bokutachi no Gunzō) | February 24, 2021 | Lantis (LACA-4941) |
| 10 | Question | March 9, 2022 | Lantis (LACA-4989) |
Mini-Albums and Compilations
In addition to full-length studio efforts, Granrodeo released the mini-album M・S COWBOYの逆襲 on August 26, 2015 (Lantis, LACA-15591), featuring aggressive rock tracks with a Western motif. Compilation releases include the greatest hits album GRANRODEO GREATEST HITS ～GIFT REGISTRY～ (December 25, 2013, Lantis, LACA-15380), marking their 10th anniversary with selected singles and fan favorites; DECADE OF GR (December 16, 2015, Lantis, LACA-15607), a best-of collection; and the 20th anniversary best album DOUBLE DECADES OF GR (February 19, 2025, Lantis), compiling 40 tracks across two discs. A tribute album, RODEO FREAK (August 24, 2022, Lantis, LACA-5008), features covers by other artists honoring Granrodeo's catalog. Live session albums like Rodeo Note vol.1 (2020) and vol.2 (2023) capture intimate performances of select songs.[45][46]Singles
Granrodeo's singles, numbering over 35, are predominantly maxi-singles tied to anime openings and endings, blending rock intensity with thematic lyrics that enhance narrative impact. Representative examples include:- Go For It! (November 23, 2005, Lantis, LACM-4230), their debut single and opening theme for IGPX.
- ROSE HIP-BULLET (January 27, 2010, GloryHeaven, LASM-34078), opening for Togainu no Chi.
- Can Do (June 27, 2012, Lantis, LACM-4734), first opening for Kuroko's Basketball, peaking at No. 12 on Oricon.
- TRASH CANDY (April 27, 2016, Lantis, LACM-4770), opening for Bungo Stray Dogs, noted for its punk-rock edge.
- 鉄の檻 (Tetsu no Ori) (January 11, 2023, Lantis, LACM-4903), opening for Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5, featuring a music video with intense visuals.
- GR STORY (September 25, 2024, Lantis), a recent single highlighting their matured sound.[45][47]