Yoriichi Tsugikuni in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue in the Japanese version and Mick Lauer in the English dub. Inoue’s deep, authoritative voice lends Yoriichi an air of ancient gravitas befitting the greatest swordsman in Demon Slayer history, while Lauer brings a quiet intensity to the role that resonates strongly with the character’s stoic and tragic nature.
Kazuhiko Inoue (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
March 26, 1954
About Kazuhiko
Kazuhiko Inoue is one of Japan’s most celebrated and enduring voice actors, having made his debut in 1973. Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, he has built a career spanning over five decades, earning a reputation for his rich, commanding vocal presence. He serves as Chairman and CEO of B-Box, the talent agency he leads, further cementing his standing within the Japanese voice acting industry.
Inoue is perhaps best known internationally for his long-running portrayal of Kakashi Hatake in Naruto and its sequel series, a role that introduced him to an entirely new generation of anime fans worldwide. His ability to convey calm authority and understated emotion has made him a go-to casting choice for characters who carry great weight and history — qualities that translate perfectly to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the legendary progenitor of all Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer.
When Yoriichi was introduced during Season 2 of Demon Slayer, the announcement of Inoue’s casting was met with significant excitement from the fan community. His voice brings a timeless, almost mythological quality to the character, reinforcing the sense that Yoriichi exists on a different plane from ordinary swordsmen. The casting was widely regarded as inspired, with many fans noting that Inoue’s performance elevated every scene in which Yoriichi appeared.
Hometown
Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Kakashi Hatake – Naruto
- Kars – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Gildarts Clive – Fairy Tail
- Jerid Messa – Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
- Joe Shimamura / 009 – Cyborg 009
- Anthony Brown – Candy Candy
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (Selected, Chronological Highlights)
- (1974) Akira Yamamoto – Space Battleship Yamato
- (1976) Anthony Brown – Candy Candy
- (1979) Joe Shimamura / 009 – Cyborg 009
- (1985) Jerid Messa – Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
- (1986) Rom Stol – Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos
- (2002) Kakashi Hatake – Naruto
- (2002) Inspector Ninzaburo Shiratori – Detective Conan
- (2008) You Miyagi – Junjou Romantica 2
- (2008) Madara (Nyanko-sensei) – Natsume’s Book of Friends
- (2012) Kars – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- (2009) Willy Tybur – Attack on Titan
- (2019) Toichirou Suzuki – Mob Psycho 100
- (2021) Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- (2019) Gildarts Clive – Fairy Tail
Video Games (Selected)
- Angeal Hewley – Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2
- Neuras – Metaphor: ReFantazio
Critical Reception
Inoue’s casting as Yoriichi Tsugikuni was praised by fans and critics alike upon the character’s debut in Season 2 of Demon Slayer. His measured, resonant delivery was credited with giving Yoriichi an almost mythic presence on screen. Readers interested in broader community discussion of the performance can find ongoing coverage at MyAnimeList.
Social Media
Kazuhiko Inoue is active on X (formerly Twitter) at @inouekazuhiko.
Mick Lauer (English Voice Actor)
About Mick
Mick Lauer is an American voice actor who has built a steady presence in the English-language anime dubbing industry. He is recognized for taking on roles that demand a measured, composed vocal delivery — qualities that made him a natural fit for the role of Yoriichi Tsugikuni in the Funimation dub of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Lauer’s portrayal of Yoriichi drew positive attention from the English-speaking fanbase, with many viewers noting that his performance captured the character’s serene yet devastating nature. His ability to convey quiet power without overstatement aligns well with how Yoriichi is written and animated throughout the series.
Career Highlights
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (Voice Acting)
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Critical Reception
Mick Lauer’s English dub performance as Yoriichi Tsugikuni was well received within the Demon Slayer community. Fans on forums such as Reddit’s r/Animedubs highlighted his work in the role, with discussion threads noting his success in conveying the character’s legendary, otherworldly calm. His casting has been cited as a strong example of thoughtful English dub voice direction for the series.
