Erwin Smith, the charismatic and strategic commander of the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), is voiced by Daisuke Ono in the Japanese version and J. Michael Tatum in the English dub. Ono’s commanding and composed performance perfectly embodies Erwin’s leadership, resolve, and underlying complexity.
Daisuke Ono (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
May 4, 1978
About Daisuke
Daisuke Ono is a highly respected Japanese voice actor and singer affiliated with Mausu Promotion. Known for his deep, smooth voice and authoritative delivery, he frequently portrays leaders, intellectuals, and composed characters with strong presence.
His portrayal of Erwin Smith is widely regarded as one of his most iconic roles. Ono captures Erwin’s calm confidence, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination, while also conveying the subtle emotional weight behind his decisions. His performance shines განსაკუთრებით during Erwin’s speeches, which have become some of the most memorable moments in Attack on Titan.
In addition to voice acting, Ono has a successful music career, releasing multiple singles and albums.
Hometown
Kōchi Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
Daisuke Ono has voiced numerous major characters in anime:
- Erwin Smith – Attack on Titan
- Sebastian Michaelis – Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)
- Jotaro Kujo – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Shizuo Heiwajima – Durarara!!
- Erwin Smith (films & specials) – Attack on Titan
- Sinbad – Magi: Adventure of Sinbad
- Silver Ash (JP voice) – Arknights
His roles often emphasize authority, charisma, and intensity.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented voice acting credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Television Anime
- 2008 – Black Butler (Sebastian Michaelis)
- 2010 – Durarara!! (Shizuo Heiwajima)
- 2012–2015 – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (Jotaro Kujo)
- 2013–2023 – Attack on Titan (Erwin Smith)
- 2016 – Magi: Adventure of Sinbad (Sinbad)
Anime Films
- 2014–2023 – Attack on Titan compilation films (Erwin Smith)
- 2013 – Black Butler: Book of Murder (Sebastian Michaelis)
Video Games
- JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure games (Jotaro Kujo)
- Attack on Titan game series (Erwin Smith)
- Arknights (SilverAsh – Japanese voice)
Critical Reception
Daisuke Ono is widely praised for his commanding voice and ability to deliver powerful, memorable performances.
- Anime News Network reviews frequently highlight Ono’s portrayal of Erwin as a defining element of Attack on Titan, particularly his delivery of inspirational speeches (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
- Fan and critic discussions on platforms like MyAnimeList often cite his performance as “legendary,” especially in pivotal scenes like Erwin’s final charge (https://myanimelist.net/)
His work as Erwin Smith is often considered one of the most iconic leadership portrayals in anime.
Social Media
X: @ono_kensho (https://x.com/ono_kensho)
Michael Tatum (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
May 25, 1976
About J. Michael
J. Michael Tatum is an American voice actor, ADR director, and scriptwriter known for his articulate delivery and commanding vocal presence. He is especially recognized for portraying intelligent, authoritative, and often morally complex characters in anime dubs.
As Erwin Smith in Attack on Titan, Tatum delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the character’s charisma, intelligence, and emotional burden. His delivery of Erwin’s speeches—particularly those rallying the Survey Corps—has been widely praised for its intensity and inspirational tone. Tatum brings a theatrical gravitas to the role, making Erwin’s leadership both believable and compelling.
Beyond voice acting, Tatum has contributed extensively to the anime industry as a script adapter and ADR director, shaping the quality of numerous English dubs.
Hometown
McKinney, Texas, USA
Career Highlights
J. Michael Tatum has voiced many notable characters:
- Erwin Smith – Attack on Titan
- Sebastian Michaelis – Black Butler
- Okabe Rintarou – Steins;Gate
- Scar – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Tenya Iida – My Hero Academia
- Kraft Lawrence – Spice and Wolf
- Nyx Ulric – Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
His roles frequently highlight his strength in portraying composed, intelligent, and authoritative figures.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented voice acting credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2008 – Spice and Wolf (Kraft Lawrence)
- 2009–2010 – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Scar)
- 2011 – Steins;Gate (Okabe Rintarou)
- 2013–2023 – Attack on Titan (Erwin Smith)
- 2014–present – Black Butler (Sebastian Michaelis)
- 2016–present – My Hero Academia (Tenya Iida)
Anime Films
- 2016 – Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (Nyx Ulric)
- 2014–2023 – Attack on Titan compilation films (Erwin Smith)
Video Games
- Final Fantasy XV (Nyx Ulric)
- Attack on Titan game series (Erwin Smith)
- Fire Emblem Heroes (various characters)
ADR Writing & Direction (Selected)
- ADR Scriptwriter – Steins;Gate
- ADR Director – Various Funimation/Crunchyroll productions (specific credits vary)
Critical Reception
J. Michael Tatum is widely respected for his eloquent delivery and strong character interpretation. His portrayal of Erwin Smith has been particularly praised for capturing the character’s commanding presence and emotional complexity.
- Anime News Network reviews frequently commend Tatum’s performance in Attack on Titan, especially his delivery of Erwin’s speeches (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
- Fan and critic discussions on platforms like MyAnimeList often highlight his role as Okabe Rintarou and Erwin Smith as standout performances in English dubbing (https://myanimelist.net/)
His work as Erwin is often regarded as one of the most memorable leadership performances in English anime dubs.
Social Media
X: @JMichaelTatum (https://x.com/JMichaelTatum)
