Light Yagami in Death Note is voiced by Mamoru Miyano in the original Japanese version and Brad Swaile in the English dub. Miyano’s performance is widely acclaimed for capturing Light’s transformation from a brilliant student into a complex and chilling antihero.
Mamoru Miyano (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
June 8, 1983
About Mamoru
Mamoru Miyano is one of Japan’s most prominent voice actors and performers, known for his dynamic range, theatrical delivery, and strong presence in both anime and music. He has built a reputation for portraying intelligent, charismatic, and psychologically complex characters. His role as Light Yagami is considered a career-defining performance, showcasing his ability to shift seamlessly between calm intellect and intense, unhinged ambition.
Hometown
Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
- Light Yagami – Death Note (2006–2007)
- Rintarō Okabe – Steins;Gate
- Osamu Dazai – Bungou Stray Dogs
- Death the Kid – Soul Eater
- Tamaki Suoh – Ouran High School Host Club
Miyano is also a successful singer and stage actor, further expanding his influence beyond voice acting.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from reputable anime databases and official agency listings; it may not be exhaustive.
Anime (Selected, Chronological Highlights)
- 2006–2007 – Death Note – Light Yagami
- 2006 – Ouran High School Host Club – Tamaki Suoh
- 2008 – Soul Eater – Death the Kid
- 2011–present – Steins;Gate – Rintarō Okabe
- 2016–present – Bungou Stray Dogs – Osamu Dazai
- 2018–present – Free! – Rin Matsuoka
- 2019–present – Demon Slayer – (various minor roles depending on credits)
- 2020s – Continued leading roles across major anime productions
Video Games (Selected)
- Steins;Gate series – Rintarō Okabe
- Kingdom Hearts series – Riku
- Various anime tie-in games – reprising major roles
Music & Stage
- Successful solo music career with multiple albums and live performances
- Stage acting roles in theatrical productions and musicals
Critical Reception
Mamoru Miyano’s portrayal of Light Yagami is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in anime history. Critics consistently praise his ability to convey Light’s descent into moral corruption while maintaining a charismatic presence.
- Anime News Network review coverage highlights Miyano’s performance as a key factor in Death Note’s success (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com)
- MyAnimeList discussions frequently describe his Light as “iconic” and “chillingly perfect” (https://myanimelist.net/character/80/Light_Yagami)
Social Media
X: @miyanomamoru_PR (https://x.com/miyanomamoru_PR)
Instagram: @miyano_mamoru.official (https://www.instagram.com/miyano_mamoru.official/)
Brad Swaile (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
December 24, 1976
About Brad
Brad Swaile is a Canadian voice actor known for his extensive work in anime dubbing and Western animation. He is particularly recognized for voicing intelligent, emotionally complex protagonists. His portrayal of Light Yagami in Death Note is one of his most celebrated roles, noted for its smooth transition from calm rationality to intense, obsessive conviction.
Hometown
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Career Highlights
- Light Yagami – Death Note
- Rock – Black Lagoon
- Quatre Raberba Winner – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
- Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner) – X-Men: Evolution
- Lan Hikari – MegaMan NT Warrior
Swaile has become a staple voice in English anime dubs, often cast in lead roles that require both intelligence and emotional depth.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from anime databases and production records; it may not be exhaustive.
Anime (Voice Acting)
- 1995–1996 (English dub later releases) – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing – Quatre Raberba Winner
- 2002–2005 – MegaMan NT Warrior – Lan Hikari
- 2006–2007 – Death Note – Light Yagami
- 2006 – Black Lagoon – Rock (Rokuro Okajima)
- 2000s–2010s – Roles in Inuyasha, Bleach, and other anime (supporting/guest roles vary by production)
Western Animation
- 2000–2003 – X-Men: Evolution – Nightcrawler (Kurt Wagner)
- Additional roles in animated series and films produced in North America
Video Games (Selected)
- MegaMan NT Warrior series – Lan Hikari
- Various anime-related game adaptations and voiceover roles
Other Work
- Active in voiceover across animation, commercials, and narration within the Canadian entertainment industry
Critical Reception
Brad Swaile’s performance as Light Yagami is widely praised among English-speaking audiences. Critics and fans often highlight his ability to mirror Light’s psychological descent while maintaining a charismatic and controlled tone.
- Anime News Network’s Death Note coverage frequently notes the strength of the English dub cast (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com)
- MyAnimeList discussions commonly describe his performance as “captivating” and “faithful to the original intensity” (https://myanimelist.net/anime/1535/Death_Note)
Social Media
No verified official social media accounts with publicly documented handles and direct URLs were found.
