Meet the voices bringing one of the anime world's most intense combatants to life. In Yuto Suzuki's action-packed manga adaptation, the character Gaku stands out as a core powerhouse tied to Slur's faction. Bringing such a lethal yet strangely casual gamer personality to the screen requires exceptional vocal range. Fans looking into the production want to know who steps into the recording booth for both Japanese and English versions.
The Japanese voice of Gaku is performed by seasoned industry veteran Kōki Uchiyama. For international audiences, the English dub features actor Jacob Bertrand, widely recognized for his live-action roles. Both performers capture the distinct blend of casual demeanor and terrifying combat efficiency that defines the character.
Who is Gaku in Sakamoto Days?
Before exploring the voice cast, it helps to understand the role itself. Gaku serves as a primary member of X, also known as Slur's group. Sporting a signature VR headset and a relaxed posture, he masks a terrifying capability for violence. Unlike standard henchmen, Gaku treats major battles like high-stakes video games, analyzing enemy patterns with cold tactical precision.
His physical prowess matches his intimidating presence. Armed with heavy custom weapons and brutal martial arts skills, he pushes main characters to their absolute limits. Because his personality shifts rapidly from carefree gamer to merciless executioner, the voice actor needs to handle extreme emotional and tonal shifts seamlessly.
Kōki Uchiyama: The Japanese Voice Behind Gaku
The original Japanese voice work for Gaku is handled by Kōki Uchiyama, a powerhouse seiyuu represented by Himawari Theatre Group. Uchiyama is no stranger to playing complex, intense, or morally ambiguous characters in major anime series.
Anime fans will instantly recognize his distinct vocal tone from several iconic roles. He voiced Tomura Shigaraki in My Hero Academia, Meruem in Hunter x Hunter, and Kei Tsukishima in Haikyu!!. His ability to portray detached indifference mixed with sudden, sharp intensity makes him a natural fit for Gaku.
Vocal Approach and Performance Style
Uchiyama relies on a smooth, slightly raspy register that projects effortless cool. When Gaku speaks casually, Uchiyama keeps his delivery light and dismissive. When the battle escalates, his tone drops into sharp, aggressive cadences that highlight the character's terrifying threat level. This contrast grounds Gaku's gamer persona without making him sound cartoonish.
Jacob Bertrand: Bringing Gaku to English Audiences
For the English dub version of the series, the production cast actor Jacob Bertrand. Bertrand is best known for his live-action television work, most notably playing Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. Transitioning into voice acting for a major Shonen franchise marks a major milestone in his career.
Bertrand brings a natural youthful energy to Gaku. Given his extensive background playing complex martial arts characters on screen, his transition into voicing an elite assassin feels completely organic.
Capturing the Intensity in the Booth
Dubbing an action-heavy character requires immense physical exertion in the recording studio. Bertrand channels his live-action stunt and combat experience into his vocal delivery. He balances the cocky, trash-talking dialogue of a gamer with the breathless, guttural sounds required during heavy combat sequences.
Comparing Both Performances
Watching or listening to both versions reveals distinct artistic choices by the respective directors and actors.
- The Japanese Track: Uchiyama leans heavily into a nonchalant, eerie calmness. Gaku sounds bored by most opponents, which elevates his menace.
- The English Track: Bertrand emphasizes a more kinetic, punchy delivery. His performance feels slightly more conversational, fitting the modern action style of the dub.
Both actors manage to respect the source material while stamping their unique identities onto the role.
Behind-the-Scenes Production Context
Casting for Sakamoto Days drew immense industry attention as TMS Entertainment brought the hit Shueisha manga to the screen. Bringing in recognized talent for key antagonist roles like Gaku ensures the adaptation matches the high expectations of manga readers.
Voice directors worked closely with both Uchiyama and Bertrand to nail the specific pacing of Gaku's dialogue. Because the character often transitions mid-sentence from playful banter to lethal threats, timing is everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who voices Gaku in Sakamoto Days?
Kōki Uchiyama voices Gaku in the Japanese audio track, while Jacob Bertrand provides the English dub voice.
What anime series is Gaku from?
Gaku is a major antagonist and member of Slur's group in the action-comedy manga and anime series Sakamoto Days, created by Yuto Suzuki.
Is Jacob Bertrand new to voice acting?
While Bertrand is primarily known for live-action roles like Cobra Kai, he brings extensive physical performance experience to his voice acting debut in major anime dubs.
Why does Gaku wear a headset?
Within the story, Gaku's signature virtual reality headset reflects his obsession with gaming aesthetics and tactical awareness, tying into how he processes combat scenarios.
