Taiju Oki, Senku’s loyal and physically strong best friend in Dr. Stone, is voiced by Makoto Furukawa in the Japanese version and Ricco Fajardo in the English dub. Furukawa brings a powerful yet warm energy to Taiju, perfectly reflecting his passionate and straightforward personality.
Makoto Furukawa (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
September 29, 1989
About Makoto
Makoto Furukawa is a well-known Japanese voice actor recognized for his deep voice, strong delivery, and ability to portray both intense and comedic characters. Since his breakout in the mid-2010s, he has become a major presence in anime, frequently cast in leading roles.
His portrayal of Taiju Oki highlights his ability to convey sincerity and emotional intensity, especially in scenes driven by friendship and determination.
Hometown
Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
- Taiju Oki – Dr. Stone
- Saitama – One Punch Man (iconic lead role)
- Miyuki Shirogane – Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
- Benimaru Shinmon – Fire Force
- Rider of Red (Achilles) – Fate/Apocrypha
- Sylvain Jose Gautier – Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Furukawa is especially praised for balancing deadpan humor (as Saitama) with emotionally expressive roles like Taiju.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from reputable anime databases and official sources; it may not be exhaustive.
Anime Television
- 2015 – One Punch Man (Saitama)
- 2017 – Fate/Apocrypha (Achilles)
- 2019 – Dr. Stone (Taiju Oki)
- 2019–present – Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (Miyuki Shirogane)
- 2019–2020 – Fire Force (Benimaru Shinmon)
- 2022 – The Vampire Dies in No Time (additional roles)
Anime Films
- 2019 – One Punch Man Specials (Saitama)
- 2021 – Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Ultra Romantic (Miyuki Shirogane – continuation/film-format releases vary)
Video Games
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Sylvain Jose Gautier)
- Granblue Fantasy (multiple roles)
- Genshin Impact (additional Japanese voice roles)
Critical Reception
Makoto Furukawa’s performance as Taiju Oki has been praised for its emotional sincerity and energy. Critics often highlight how his loud, passionate delivery avoids becoming overwhelming by grounding Taiju’s character in genuine kindness.
- Anime News Network review of Dr. Stone:
Anime News Network (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/) - Crunchyroll feature on anime voice performances:
Crunchyroll article (https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature)
His portrayal is frequently described as “heartfelt” and “energetic,” helping emphasize the emotional core of Dr. Stone’s early story.
Social Media
X: @furukawa_makoto (https://x.com/furukawa_makoto)
Ricco Fajardo (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented
About Ricco
Ricco Fajardo is an American voice actor known for his energetic performances and strong presence in English-dubbed anime. He frequently voices passionate, determined, and sometimes hot-headed characters, making him a natural fit for roles like Taiju Oki.
In Dr. Stone, Fajardo captures Taiju’s unwavering optimism, emotional sincerity, and booming enthusiasm, bringing a lively and heartfelt performance to the English dub.
Hometown
Not publicly documented
Career Highlights
- Taiju Oki – Dr. Stone
- Mirio Togata – My Hero Academia
- Nozel Silva – Black Clover
- Benimaru – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
- Daryun – The Heroic Legend of Arslan
Fajardo is particularly recognized for roles that require both intensity and emotional depth, often portraying strong-willed characters with a sense of honor.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from official dubbing records and industry databases; it may not be exhaustive.
Anime Television
- 2015–2016 – The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Daryun)
- 2017–present – Black Clover (Nozel Silva)
- 2018–present – My Hero Academia (Mirio Togata)
- 2018–present – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Benimaru)
- 2019–present – Dr. Stone (Taiju Oki)
Anime Films
- 2022 – My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (Mirio Togata)
- 2023 – Dr. Stone: Ryusui (Taiju Oki – special/dub release)
Video Games
- My Hero One’s Justice series (Mirio Togata)
- Smite (voice roles)
- Various anime-based game adaptations (Black Clover, Slime, etc.)
Critical Reception
Ricco Fajardo’s performance as Taiju Oki has been praised for its high energy and emotional authenticity. Critics and fans often highlight how his delivery enhances Taiju’s role as the “heart” of the story.
- Anime News Network coverage of Dr. Stone dub:
Anime News Network (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/) - Crunchyroll features on English dub performances:
Crunchyroll article (https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature)
His portrayal is frequently described as “passionate” and “uplifting,” helping to balance the more analytical tone of Senku’s character.
