Funny News

Attack On Titan & Gintama Voice Actors Star As Talking Cats In Panasonic Homes’ New Ads, Earns Netizens’ Praise

Famous voice actors voicing cats in new ad


Seiyū (voice actors) are extremely popular in Japan and they even have devoted fan clubs. They are the ones who voice anime characters, video game characters, and commercials. In short, their presence is ubiquitous. Now, famous voice actors Tomokazu Sugita and Yuki Kaji have gone from voicing anime characters to voicing cats in Panasonic Homes’ short commercials.


Famous voice actors Tomokazu Sugita & Yuki Kaji


Tomokazu Sugita and Yuki Kaji are 2 of the most famous seiyū in Japan. Tomokazu is the voice behind Sakata Gintoki, the main character of Gintama, while Yuki Kaji voiced Eren Yeager in Attack On Titan.


Image adapted from: MyAnimeList and Hero Fandom

Tomokazu’s role as Sakata Gintoki topped the ranks and was the most popular male character at the 33rd Anime Grand Prix in 2009. That same year, he was awarded the Best Supporting Actor at the 3rd Seiyū Awards. Tomokazu has also voiced various supporting characters in other popular anime series, such as Bleach, One Piece, and Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma.


Image adapted from: @yuki.kaji and Attack on Titan Fandom

Yuki’s role as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan won him the Best Actor Award at the 8th Seiyū Awards in 2014. He has also voiced other notable characters like Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia, Kenma Kozume in Haikyuu!!, and Haruaki Yachi in C3.


Yuki Kaji posing with a cat soft toy
Image credit: @KAJI_OFFICIAL

Now, instead of voicing anime characters, these 2 famous seiyū are voicing a pair of cute cats having a casual conversation about earthquakes for the 3 latest Panasonic Homes ads.


Panasonic Homes’ 3 new ads



Image adapted from: Panasonic Homesチャンネル

The new ads are meant to promote Panasonic Homes’ earthquake rebuilding guarantee. The ads assure customers that homes built by Panasonic Homes won’t collapse even if there’s an earthquake. If the building collapses, Panasonic Homes will rebuild it for you, for free. This guarantee is only applicable to rental housing and detached houses.

 

These 3 new ads about the earthquake rebuilding guarantee come as a continuation to the 4 ads released in January this year. Those 4 ads promoted Panasonic Homes’ air-conditioning system.


Image credit: @oricon_anime

All 7 of the ads are 15-second clips featuring 2 adorable cats. The senpai (senior) cat on the right is voiced by Tomokazu Sugita while the kohai (junior) cat on the left is voiced by Yuki Kaji. The commercials are humorous and cute a sure way to capture viewers’ attention.


Image adapted from: Oricon

Oricon’s video compilation of all the ads has already garnered 1.7 million views. One of the original clips posted by Panasonic Homes has reached 3.4 million views.


Image credit: Panasonic Homesチャンネル

There is also a version with English subtitles.


Talking cats steal the hearts of netizens


The short clips of the 2 cats quickly stole the hearts of netizens and many reacted positively to these ads.


Image adapted from: @DpO4X8PBjBqK2ZG

User @DpO4X8PBjBqK2ZG commented that the clips were cute and fun, and that she wanted to see more. 


Image adapted from: Oricon

On Youtube, user Dorinkū~ left a comment under Oricon’s video compilation and suggests that Youtube could take a leaf from Panasonic Homes’ book and make similar ads of their own.


Image adapted from: @rena_kaji0831


Image adapted from: @poedom

After Yuki Kaji tweeted about the new clips, users @rena_kaji0831 and @poedom replied that the ads – especially the pairing of Yuki’s voice and the kohai cat – were “healing” as it helped them to de-stress and lift their mood.


Image adapted from: @myan_cat38

User @myan_cat38 tweeted asking for the bank account numbers of everyone involved in the planning and production of these ads, saying that they will transfer the bonus over.


Image adapted from: Oricon

User Reddosaatin on YouTube commented that the producer should get a bonus. He received an exaggerated reply from user Seiyū Daisuki Ojisa, suggesting that the bonus should amount to ¥100,000,000 (~USD948,055).


Famous voice actors voicing cats


Judging by comments on both Twitter and Youtube, the ads were well-received by the Japanese public. It seems like famous voice actors Tomokazu and Yuki might now receive more opportunities to voice talking animals in addition to anime characters. Looking at the success of these ads, perhaps this series of talking cats might continue in the future.

Check out these articles for more interesting news:

Cover image adapted from: Panasonic Homesチャンネル

Ethel Chiang

Recent Posts

Rosa & Berry Tawada: Indulge Your Secret Garden Fantasies With Shaun The Sheep In This English Garden

Interact with farm animals, and experience life-sized recreations of sets and popular characters from Shaun…

May 9, 2023

Nabana no Sato: Visit A Sea Of Illumination In This Seasonal Theme Park With Flowers & Lights Galore

From seasonal blooms to millions of LED light on display, Nabana no Sato in Mie…

May 9, 2023

Shiroi Koibito Park: Chocolate Factory In Sapporo To Live Out Your Willy Wonka Dreams IRL

At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can take a peek at how the iconic Hokkaido souvenir…

May 9, 2023

Shinobi Zato: Step Into The World Of Naruto & Boruto, & Eat Ichiraku Ramen For Real

Flaunt your anime ninja moves and try Naruto's favourite ramen at Shinobi Zato, a Naruto…

May 9, 2023

Yufuin Floral Village: A Hidden Slice Of England With Multiple Petting Zoos & Artisan Stalls

With English cottage-style shops and adorable animals, Yufuin Floral Village is the place to be…

May 8, 2023

Farm Tomita: Lavender Plantation With Colourful Flower Fields To Calm Your Soul

One of Hokkaido's most iconic sightseeing spots, Farm Tomita comes alive in summer when rows…

May 8, 2023