Tsubaki Sawabe, Kousei Arima’s childhood friend in Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso), is voiced by Ayane Sakura in the original Japanese version and Erica Mendez in the English dub. Sakura brings a natural warmth and emotional realism to Tsubaki, perfectly capturing her tomboyish energy and inner vulnerability.
Ayane Sakura (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
January 29, 1994
About Ayane
Ayane Sakura is a prominent Japanese voice actress known for her versatility and expressive performances across a wide range of anime genres. She has gained recognition for portraying energetic, strong-willed heroines as well as emotionally nuanced supporting characters. Her role as Tsubaki Sawabe highlights her ability to balance humor, frustration, and heartfelt emotion, making the character feel grounded and relatable.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
Ayane Sakura has built an extensive and highly respected career with numerous standout roles:
- Tsubaki Sawabe in Your Lie in April
- Ochaco Uraraka in My Hero Academia
- Yotsuba Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets
- Iroha Isshiki in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Gabi Braun in Attack on Titan: The Final Season
Her performance as Tsubaki is widely appreciated for its authenticity, especially in portraying unspoken feelings and emotional conflict.
Full Current Filmography
The following is a structured list of documented voice acting credits based on widely available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Television Anime
- 2012 – Psycho-Pass (Student – minor role)
- 2013 – Love Lab (Nonoka Maki)
- 2014 – Your Lie in April (Tsubaki Sawabe)
- 2015 – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO! (Iroha Isshiki)
- 2016 – My Hero Academia (Ochaco Uraraka)
- 2018 – Cells at Work! (AE3803 – Red Blood Cell)
- 2019 – The Quintessential Quintuplets (Yotsuba Nakano)
- 2020 – Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Gabi Braun)
- 2022 – Spy x Family (Fiona Frost / Nightfall)
- 2023 – The Dangers in My Heart (Anna Yamada)
Anime Films
- 2019 – My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (Ochaco Uraraka)
- 2022 – The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie (Yotsuba Nakano)
Video Games
- Granblue Fantasy (Various characters)
- Azur Lane (Various characters)
- My Hero Academia game adaptations (Ochaco Uraraka)
Critical Reception
Ayane Sakura’s portrayal of Tsubaki Sawabe has been praised for its naturalistic delivery and emotional depth. Critics often highlight how her performance enhances Tsubaki’s role as a grounded, human counterbalance to the more dramatic arcs of other characters.
- Anime News Network review discussing character performances:
Anime News Network Review (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/your-lie-in-april/.80777) - MyAnimeList discussions reflecting audience reception:
MyAnimeList Page (https://myanimelist.net/anime/23273/Shigatsu_wa_Kimi_no_Uso)
Her broader career further cements her as one of the leading voice actresses of her generation.
Social Media
X: @AyaneSakura (https://x.com/AyaneSakura)
Erica Mendez (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented
About Erica
Erica Mendez is an American voice actress known for her wide vocal range and ability to portray both energetic and emotionally complex characters. She has become a prominent figure in English-dubbed anime, as well as video games and Western animation. Her performance as Tsubaki Sawabe highlights her talent for delivering natural, grounded dialogue while conveying subtle emotional tension, especially in scenes involving unspoken feelings and personal conflict.
Hometown
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Career Highlights
Erica Mendez has voiced a variety of well-known characters across major franchises:
- Tsubaki Sawabe in Your Lie in April
- Ryuko Matoi in Kill la Kill
- Gon Freecss (English dub) in Hunter x Hunter (2011)
- Megumin in KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
- Raphtalia (young) in The Rising of the Shield Hero
Her portrayal of Tsubaki is appreciated for its realism and emotional sincerity, complementing the character’s grounded personality.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented voice acting credits from widely available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2014 – Kill la Kill (Ryuko Matoi)
- 2014–2015 – Your Lie in April (Tsubaki Sawabe)
- 2016 – Hunter x Hunter (2011) (Gon Freecss – later episodes/dub continuation)
- 2017 – KonoSuba (Megumin)
- 2019 – The Rising of the Shield Hero (Young Raphtalia)
- 2021 – Edens Zero (Homura Kōgetsu)
Video Games
- 2019 – Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Bernadetta von Varley)
- 2020 – Genshin Impact (Additional Voices)
- 2023 – Fire Emblem Engage (Additional Voices)
Animation & Other Media
- OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes (Various voices)
- Lego Friends (Various voices)
Critical Reception
Erica Mendez is widely praised for her energetic performances and emotional versatility. Her breakout role as Ryuko Matoi in Kill la Kill earned significant acclaim for its intensity and charisma.
- Behind The Voice Actors profile and credits:
Behind The Voice Actors (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Erica-Mendez/) - Critical and fan reception of Kill la Kill performances:
Anime News Network Review (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kill-la-kill)
Her role as Tsubaki Sawabe is often appreciated for its subtlety, offering a grounded emotional anchor within the series.
Social Media
X: @tsunderica (https://x.com/tsunderica)
