Near, the calm and analytical successor to L, is voiced by two accomplished actresses in Death Note. In the Japanese version, Near is voiced by Noriko Hidaka. In the English dub, the character is voiced by Cathy Weseluck.
Below is a complete profile of Noriko Hidaka, the original Japanese voice of Near.
Noriko Hidaka (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
May 31, 1962
About Noriko
Noriko Hidaka is a veteran Japanese voice actress and actress with a career spanning several decades. Known for her versatility, she has portrayed a wide range of characters—from energetic young boys to composed and intelligent figures. Her voice often brings a distinctive clarity and emotional subtlety, making her particularly well-suited for introspective or highly intellectual roles like Near.
She is considered one of the most respected figures in the anime industry, with a legacy that dates back to the 1980s.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
Noriko Hidaka’s portrayal of Near in Death Note is notable for its restrained and cerebral tone. Her performance emphasizes Near’s quiet confidence and sharp intellect, contrasting strongly with the more eccentric personality of L.
Other major roles include:
- Akane Tendo in Ranma ½
- Kikyo in Inuyasha
- Satsuki Kusakabe in My Neighbor Totoro
- Minami Asakura in Touch
- Noriko Takaya in Gunbuster
Her long-standing presence in both classic and modern anime has made her a highly influential voice actress.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime Television Series
- 1985–1987 – Touch (Minami Asakura)
- 1988–1992 – Ranma ½ (Akane Tendo)
- 2000–2010 – Inuyasha (Kikyo)
- 2006–2007 – Death Note (Near)
Anime Films
- 1988 – My Neighbor Totoro (Satsuki Kusakabe)
OVA / Other Anime
- 1988–1989 – Gunbuster (Noriko Takaya)
Video Games (Selected)
- Various adaptations of Ranma ½, Inuyasha, and other franchises (roles consistent with anime portrayals)
Critical Reception
Noriko Hidaka is widely praised for her ability to deliver nuanced performances across a broad emotional spectrum. Her role as Near is often highlighted for its subtlety—avoiding exaggeration while still conveying intelligence and quiet authority.
- Anime News Network profile: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=239
- Wikipedia overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noriko_Hidaka
Critics and fans alike commend her longevity in the industry and her continued relevance across generations of anime.
Cathy Weseluck (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
April 22, 1965
About Cathy
Cathy Weseluck is a Canadian voice actress, director, and singer with a long-standing career in animation and anime dubbing. She is widely recognized for voicing both energetic and emotionally grounded characters, often bringing warmth and subtlety to her roles.
As Near in Death Note, Weseluck delivers a calm, detached, and highly intelligent performance that mirrors the character’s analytical nature. Her portrayal emphasizes Near’s quiet confidence and childlike demeanor, while still conveying authority and precision in his deductions.
Hometown
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Career Highlights
Cathy Weseluck’s performance as Near is considered one of the standout elements of the Death Note English dub, particularly for how well she captures the character’s composed and methodical personality.
She is also widely known for:
- Spike in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
- Near in Death Note
- Shampoo (various dub versions) in Ranma ½
- Various roles in Inuyasha
- Supporting and recurring roles across numerous anime and Western animated series
Her ability to voice both young male characters and expressive supporting roles has made her a versatile and in-demand talent.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2006–2007 – Death Note (Near)
- 2000s – Inuyasha (various roles)
- 2000s – Ranma ½ (Shampoo – select dub versions)
Western Animation
- 2010–2019 – My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (Spike)
- Numerous additional roles in Canadian-produced animated series
Video Games (Selected)
- Various voice roles in localized anime-based and Western titles (credits vary by release)
Critical Reception
Cathy Weseluck’s portrayal of Near has been praised for its subtlety and faithfulness to the original Japanese performance. Fans often note how effectively she balances Near’s childlike tone with his intellectual dominance, making the character feel both approachable and formidable.
- Anime News Network profile: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=1722
- Behind The Voice Actors profile: https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Cathy-Weseluck/
Her broader body of work, particularly as Spike in My Little Pony, has also earned her widespread recognition for consistency and vocal range.
Social Media
Twitter/X: @cathyweseluck (https://x.com/cathyweseluck)
