Spirited Away and Haku belong to Studio Ghibli and associated parties. This website was made by Chihaya for entertainment, not profit. Please do not appropriate its contents without permission.
Spirited Away and Haku belong to Studio Ghibli and associated parties. This website was made by Chihaya for entertainment, not profit. Please do not appropriate its contents without permission.
Haku's seiyuu is Miyu Irino, who looks like… Haku? Well, he did in 2003. That's him below, from a clip in the making.
When I made Ryuu no Shounen (in 2003), he wasn't all that well-known. He's only had, like, one other role aside from Haku and that's Niwa-kun from D.N.Angel. It is now 2008 and, wow, has he racked up some great roles: Sora from Kingdom Hearts, Syaoran from Tsubasa Chronicle and Revelations, plus minor roles in D.Gray-man and Darker than BLACK (two of my favorite series). Way to go!
Miyu Irino!
with Rumi Hiiragi
Sora (Same Sky)
Niwa-kun (Lelola)
As for his role as Haku: perfect! Soft-spoken, respectful yet subtly mischievous. Couldn't be a better fit for the young ryuu. His voice is still boyishly high yet vibrant with a confidence that adds strength and vitality to his character. Also, perhaps one of its most endearing characteristics is that it is so far from being bratty. Listening to him, we can perceive Haku as a mature entity—which is key to the storyline, as Chihiro is supposed to reach his level (or close to it) towards the end.
Miyu Irino breathes life into Haku. The depth and sincerity of feeling he brings into his dialogues complete the character. Seiyuu are known for pouring their soul into it and really acting… unlike someone else I must discuss now.
Down with dubs!! I mean, Haku's English-speaking alter ego is Jason Marsden, who was, I regret, less than great for this part.
I've read his interpretation of Haku and it sounds like he totally misunderstood his role. In his opinion, "We don't really know what side Haku is on. He's sort of helping [Chihiro] but you don't know what his motives are … He's very monotone, very down, very stern" (Filmbug). Monotone? Maybe to the tone deaf. Miyu Irino's Haku isn't monotone by any measure, nor are his motives that cryptic. We're uncertain initially, but it quickly becomes clear that Haku is a positive character. Elevators make everyone crabby! Plus, serving Yubaba does not automatically taint his motives—evil bosses are common. It's kind of like: Yubaba is his 9-to-5 and Chihiro is his freelance job. He manages both fine. It's no dilemma.
Unable to discern Haku's true disposition, Jason Marsden thought it would be appropriate to make Haku sound like a rude punk. It sort of ruins the mood. Even though English isn't equipped with honorifics, he could have still softened his tone with a hint of respect. Injecting arrogance into Haku's identity just doesn't work. Bah, I'll just say this: those of you with a sensitive ear will enjoy the subtitled version better.
)
)
)
)