JAPANESE VOICE ACTOR: Junko Iwao
Hikari Horaki, the class representative of Class 2-A and one of Shinji Ikari’s closest classmates in Neon Genesis Evangelion, is voiced by Junko Iwao in the original Japanese version. Her performance helped define Hikari as a disciplined yet caring character whose emotional maturity stands out among the series’ younger cast.
Date of Birth
February 18, 1970.
About Junko
Junko Iwao is a Japanese voice actress and singer known for portraying gentle, intelligent, and emotionally nuanced characters. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she became a recognizable presence in anime, games, and radio dramas. Her portrayal of Hikari Horaki remains one of her most beloved performances among Evangelion fans.
Hometown
Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Career Highlights
- Hikari Horaki — Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Tomoyo Daidouji — Cardcaptor Sakura
- Mint Aizawa — Tokyo Mew Mew
- Ceres — Ayashi no Ceres
- Ruri Hoshino — Martian Successor Nadesico
- Pai Chan — Virtua Fighter anime adaptations
Full Current Filmography
The following reflects notable documented credits and may not be exhaustive.
Television Anime
- Neon Genesis Evangelion — Hikari Horaki
- Cardcaptor Sakura — Tomoyo Daidouji
- Tokyo Mew Mew — Mint Aizawa
- Martian Successor Nadesico — Ruri Hoshino
- Ayashi no Ceres — Ceres
- Virtua Fighter — Pai Chan
- Sakura Wars — Ayame Fujieda
Anime Films
- The End of Evangelion — Hikari Horaki
- Evangelion: Death & Rebirth — Hikari Horaki
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone — Hikari Horaki
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance — Hikari Horaki
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time — Hikari Horaki
Video Games
- Neon Genesis Evangelion game adaptations — Hikari Horaki
- Sakura Wars franchise — Ayame Fujieda
- Virtua Fighter projects — Pai Chan
Critical Reception
Junko Iwao’s portrayal is frequently praised for giving Hikari warmth, sincerity, and emotional realism. One of the most discussed moments involving her performance comes during Evangelion’s later episodes, where Hikari’s concern for Toji Suzuhara adds emotional weight to the series’ darker storylines. Reports surrounding the production noted that Iwao became emotional while recording one of Hikari’s most significant scenes.
Our Sources
- Behind The Voice Actors — Hikari Horaki Voice Cast (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion/Hikari-Horaki/)
- Evangelion Wiki — Hikari Horaki (https://evangelion.fandom.com/wiki/Hikari_Horaki)
- EvaGeeks Wiki — Hikari Horaki (https://wiki.evageeks.org/Hikari_Horaki)
ENGLISH VOICE ACTOR: Carol Amerson
In the original ADV Films English dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Hikari Horaki is voiced by Carol Amerson. Her performance introduced the character to English-speaking audiences and became closely associated with Hikari during Evangelion’s earliest international releases. Later versions featured actresses such as Kimberly Yates and Abby Trott, but Carol Amerson remains the actress most commonly connected to Hikari’s original English television portrayal.
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented.
About Carol
Carol Amerson is an American voice actress best known for her anime dubbing work during the ADV Films era. Although she maintained a relatively small public profile compared to some Evangelion cast members, her portrayal of Hikari Horaki became a memorable part of the franchise’s original English-language release.
Hometown
Not publicly documented.
Career Highlights
- Hikari Horaki — Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Additional ADV Films dubbing roles during the late 1990s anime boom
Full Current Filmography
The following reflects publicly documented credits and may not be exhaustive.
Anime Series
- Neon Genesis Evangelion — Hikari Horaki
Anime Films
Later Evangelion film releases featured other English actresses for Hikari, including Kimberly Yates and Abby Trott.
Critical Reception
Among longtime Evangelion fans, Carol Amerson’s portrayal is remembered for capturing Hikari’s responsible personality and caring nature. Her performance helped establish the character for English-speaking audiences during the series’ original North American run.
Our Sources
- Behind The Voice Actors — Hikari Horaki Voice Cast (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion/Hikari-Horaki/)
- Behind The Voice Actors — Neon Genesis Evangelion Cast (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion/)
- Behind The Voice Actors — Hikari Horaki Voices (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Evangelion/Hikari-Horaki/)
Social Media
No verified official public social media profiles were consistently documented from available sources.
