Akihiko Nirei, the intelligent and observant first-year student from Wind Breaker, is voiced by Shoya Chiba in Japanese and Bryson Baugus in the English dub. Both actors bring warmth, nervous energy, and emotional sincerity to Nirei’s role as one of Sakura’s closest allies in Bofurin. (behindthevoiceactors.com)
Japanese Voice Actor: Shoya Chiba
Shoya Chiba voices Akihiko Nirei in the Japanese version of Wind Breaker. His expressive and emotionally grounded performance perfectly captures Nirei’s anxious personality, intelligence, and strong admiration for his friends. (behindthevoiceactors.com)
Date of Birth
August 29, 1995
About Shoya
Shoya Chiba is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Toy’s Factory. Since rising to prominence in the late 2010s, he has become known for portraying emotionally sensitive protagonists, intelligent students, and socially awkward but sincere young characters.
His portrayal of Akihiko Nirei has been praised for balancing comedic nervousness with genuine emotional warmth. Chiba’s performance especially shines during scenes where Nirei supports Sakura emotionally despite lacking the physical strength of the other fighters in Bofurin.
He is also recognized for his versatility across romance, sports, and psychological anime.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
- Akihiko Nirei — Wind Breaker
- Kiyotaka Ayanokoji — Classroom of the Elite
- Shin — 86 Eighty-Six
- Kou Minamoto — Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
- Asahi Kashiwagi — More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers
- Makoto Kurume — Blue Orchestra
- Additional Roles — Blue Lock
- Supporting Roles — Horimiya
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented major anime voice roles from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Television Anime
- Wind Breaker — Akihiko Nirei
- Classroom of the Elite — Kiyotaka Ayanokoji
- 86 Eighty-Six — Shinei Nouzen’s supporting cast roles / Shin
- Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun — Kou Minamoto
- Blue Orchestra — Hajime Aono
- More than a Married Couple, but Not Lovers — Asahi Kashiwagi
- Horimiya — Supporting Roles
- Blue Lock — Additional Voices
- The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten — Additional Roles
- My Dress-Up Darling — Supporting Characters
Anime Films
- Wind Breaker promotional projects — Akihiko Nirei
- 86 related projects — Shin
Video Games
- Wind Breaker Game Projects — Akihiko Nirei
- Granblue Fantasy — Voice Roles
- Anime and multimedia mobile game collaborations
Critical Reception
Shoya Chiba is praised for emotionally natural performances and subtle character acting. Fans of Wind Breaker frequently highlight his portrayal of Akihiko Nirei for making the character feel relatable, emotionally supportive, and genuinely human within the series’ action-heavy world.
Our Sources
Behind The Voice Actors – Akihiko Nirei (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Wind-Breaker/Akihiko-Nirei/)
Anime News Network Encyclopedia – Shoya Chiba (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=125735)
Toy’s Factory Official Profile (https://www.toysfactory.co.jp/artist/shoyachiba)
Wind Breaker Official Anime Website (https://wb-anime.net/)
Social Media
X (Twitter): https://x.com/shoya_chiba
English Voice Actor: Bryson Baugus
Bryson Baugus voices Akihiko Nirei in the English dub of Wind Breaker. His expressive and emotionally sincere performance captures Nirei’s nervous personality, intelligence, loyalty, and emotional support role within Bofurin. (behindthevoiceactors.com)
Date of Birth
July 24, 1994
About Bryson
Bryson Baugus is an American voice actor and singer known for anime dubbing, video games, and musical performances. He frequently portrays kind-hearted protagonists, emotionally sensitive students, and energetic young heroes.
His portrayal of Akihiko Nirei has been praised for balancing comedic anxiety with emotional sincerity. Fans of the English dub often highlight how naturally Baugus conveys Nirei’s admiration for Sakura and his determination to contribute despite not being the strongest fighter in the group.
Outside anime, Baugus is also known for his singing work and convention performances.
Hometown
United States
Career Highlights
- Akihiko Nirei — Wind Breaker
- Bell Cranel — Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
- Shoyo Hinata — Haikyuu!! (certain media/projects)
- Pegasus Seiya — Saint Seiya
- Falco Grice — Attack on Titan
- Additional Roles — Blue Lock
- Additional Roles — My Hero Academia
- Voice and music performances for anime productions
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented major voice acting credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime
- Wind Breaker — Akihiko Nirei
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? — Bell Cranel
- Attack on Titan — Falco Grice
- Saint Seiya — Pegasus Seiya
- Blue Lock — Additional Voices
- My Hero Academia — Additional Roles
- Black Clover — Additional Voices
- One Piece — Additional Roles
- Dr. Stone — Additional Voices
Video Games
- Wind Breaker Game Projects — Akihiko Nirei
- Anime-related mobile games — Voice Roles
- Fantasy and action multimedia projects
Music & Other Media
- Anime song performances and convention concerts
- Streaming and multimedia voice projects
- Guest appearances at anime conventions and fan events
Critical Reception
Bryson Baugus is praised for emotionally expressive performances and natural comedic delivery. Fans of Wind Breaker frequently highlight his portrayal of Akihiko Nirei for preserving the character’s emotional warmth, nervous charm, and unwavering loyalty to his friends.
Our Sources
Behind The Voice Actors – Akihiko Nirei (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Wind-Breaker/Akihiko-Nirei/)
Behind The Voice Actors – Bryson Baugus (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Bryson-Baugus/)
Crunchyroll – Wind Breaker English Dub Information (https://www.crunchyroll.com/)
Wind Breaker Official Anime Website (https://wb-anime.net/)
Social Media
X (Twitter): https://x.com/BaugusBryson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baugusbryson/
