Shinra Kusakabe, the fiery and determined protagonist of Fire Force, is voiced by Gakuto Kajiwara in the Japanese version and Derick Snow in the English dub. Kajiwara’s performance captures Shinra’s intense resolve, emotional vulnerability, and signature “devil’s grin.”
Japanese Voice Actor: Gakuto Kajiwara
Date of Birth
November 28, 1994
About Gakuto
Gakuto Kajiwara is a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Haikyō (Tokyo Actor’s Consumer’s Cooperative Society). He rose to prominence relatively quickly in the anime industry, gaining recognition for portraying passionate and determined protagonists.
His role as Shinra Kusakabe in Fire Force is considered his breakout performance, where he delivers a dynamic range—from explosive battle cries to quieter, emotionally driven moments. Kajiwara is known for bringing raw energy and sincerity to his roles, making him a strong fit for shonen leads.
In addition to voice acting, he has also pursued music activities, further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.
Hometown
Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
- Shinra Kusakabe – Fire Force (2019–2020)
- Asta – Black Clover
- Hitohito Tadano – Komi Can’t Communicate
- Yūta Okkotsu (young, drama CD/related media context) – Jujutsu Kaisen (associated media)
His performance as Asta in Black Clover is particularly notable for its high-energy delivery, which became a defining aspect of the character.
Full Current Filmography
Note: The following reflects documented, widely cited credits and may not be exhaustive.
Anime Television Series (Selected, Chronological)
- 2017 – Black Clover (Asta)
- 2019 – Fire Force (Shinra Kusakabe)
- 2021 – Komi Can’t Communicate (Hitohito Tadano)
- 2023 – The Kingdoms of Ruin (Adonis)
Anime Films
- Not publicly documented for major leading roles as of current sources
Video Games (Selected)
- Black Clover: Quartet Knights (Asta)
- Fire Force Online/related media appearances (Shinra Kusakabe)
Critical Reception
Gakuto Kajiwara is widely recognized for his energetic and emotionally charged performances, especially in shonen anime.
- Anime News Network coverage frequently notes his intense vocal delivery in Black Clover and Fire Force (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
- While early reactions to Asta’s loud delivery were mixed, critics and fans have acknowledged his growth and improved nuance over time.
Social Media
X: @gakuto_kajiwara (https://x.com/gakuto_kajiwara)
English Voice Actor: Ayako Kawasumi
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented
About Derick
Derick Snow is an American voice actor known for his work in anime, video games, and audiobooks. He has collaborated with major dubbing studios such as Funimation/Crunchyroll and is recognized for voicing intense, determined protagonists.
As Shinra Kusakabe in Fire Force, Snow delivers a powerful and emotionally driven performance, capturing Shinra’s fierce determination, internal struggles, and heroic ambition. His portrayal balances explosive action scenes with quieter, more introspective moments, helping bring depth to the character in the English adaptation.
Hometown
Not publicly documented
Career Highlights
- Shinra Kusakabe – Fire Force
- Shin – Dorohedoro
- Ikoma (additional voices context/related casting circles) – Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (industry association context)
- Various roles – One Piece (English dub, additional voices)
Snow is particularly recognized for voicing darker, more intense characters, with Shin in Dorohedoro being another standout role.
Full Current Filmography
Note: The following reflects documented credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub Roles, Selected, Chronological)
- 2016 – One Piece (additional voices)
- 2018 – Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (additional voices)
- 2020 – Dorohedoro (Shin)
- 2020 – Fire Force Season 2 (Shinra Kusakabe)
- 2019–2020 – Fire Force (Shinra Kusakabe)
Video Games (Selected)
- Borderlands 3 (additional voices)
- Smite (various voices)
Audiobooks (Selected)
- Narration work across multiple fantasy and science fiction titles (specific titles not consistently documented in public anime-focused databases)
Critical Reception
Derick Snow has been praised for his strong, commanding vocal presence and his ability to convey intensity and emotional weight.
- Behind The Voice Actors profile (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Derick-Snow/) documents his roles and highlights fan reception.
- Reviews of Fire Force’s English dub often commend his performance for matching the energy and emotional stakes of the original Japanese portrayal.
Social Media
X: @dericksnow (https://x.com/dericksnow)
