Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO is set to hit cinemas in Japan on June 11! To help build the hype, we sat down for an interview with Hiroshi Kamiya, the Japanese voice of new character Gamma 1.
This role marks Mr. Kamiya's return to the Dragon Ball franchise following the end of the Dragon Ball GT anime television series. Mr. Kamiya was kind enough to tell us his thoughts on his new role and also shared some juicy details about his previous work in the Dragon Ball universe!

Gamma 1 is a new, fiercely loyal Android character sporting a snappy scarlet cape who's set to debut in the upcoming film. He also possesses a calm and collected personality which shines through all the more thanks to Mr. Kamiya's cool, understated vocal performance of the character.

Powering Up by Watching Dragon Ball

——When did you first become aware of Dragon Ball in general?

Kamiya: I first learned about Dragon Ball when it began its run in Weekly Shonen Jump. I was in elementary school when the original Dragon Ball anime television series began airing on TV, and I guess that Dragon Ball Z must have started when I was in middle school. You could say that I was part of the generation that Dragon Ball influenced the most. I had to go to cram school when the anime was being broadcast on TV, so I was only able to watch the first half of each episode before I had to head off to my classes. It was really annoying to miss out on the action in the second half of each episode due to cram school, but being able to watch even just the first half of each episode made me feel stronger somehow.

——I know exactly what you mean!

Kamiya: I really think all the kids that watched Dragon Ball back then felt the same way. I remember feeling invincible while I pedaled on my bike to cram school.

——Mr. Kamiya, has your mindset changed since you worked on the Dragon Ball GT anime series?

Kamiya: At the time I was still new to voice acting, and then suddenly I was surrounded by the veteran voice actors I'd known since I was a kid, so I remember being very nervous. Looking back though, I do have one Dragon Ball GT memory that was pretty funny.

Kamiya: There's a scene in GT with Mr. Satan where everybody in the crowd is cheering him on by chanting, "Sa-tan! Sa-tan!" Mako-san (Masako Nozawa) also joined in, and everybody stood up while performing their lines. Everybody except the voice of the narrator and Kaio, Joji Yanami.

Kamiya: While I was still thinking, "I wonder why Mr. Yanami isn't standing up?" the cheering scene began, and Mr. Yanami, still seated, called out, "Satan? Who's that? He strong or something?" (laughs) He was sitting too far away to be picked up by the microphone, but I and everyone doing the cheering scene heard it. After we finished the scene, Mako-san exclaimed, "Cut it out! You're making me crack up!" (laughs) At the time I was too nervous to enjoy the moment, but looking back it was a fun environment to work in.

The Ultimate Combo!

——What was your reaction upon learning that Mamoru Miyano would be voicing your partner in the film, Gamma 2?

Kamiya: I'm a big fan of Mamo-chan (Mamoru Miyano), so I was ecstatic! I thought, "With me as Gamma 1 and Mamo-chan as Gamma 2, we'll be the ultimate combo!".
Not to mention, Miyu Irino is voicing their creator, Dr. Hedo. I've had the chance to work together with Mamo-chan and Miyu on many different projects, so we get a long quite well.

——In the trailer for the film, Gamma 1 is shown fighting Gohan. Is there a particular character that you would like to fight as Gamma 1?

Kamiya: Oh, wow... Well, I'm a pacifist, so I don't want to fight anyone if I can help it. (laughs)

——(Laughs)

Kamiya: But I am curious who would win in a battle between Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. I think they're basically at the same level of strength, but they have very different personalities, you know? It would be interesting to see how the personality of each Android would affect the outcome of a battle between the two.

A Crazy Turn of Events

——Mr. Kamiya, please tell us your favorite scene in Dragon Ball.

Kamiya: I really like the scene where Kamesennin first introduces us to the Kamehameha. To put out the fire on Fry-pan Mountain, Goku and Chichi go all the way to Kamesennin's island to get the Bashosen, only to find out that the legendary fan had been thrown away after being used as a potholder. That's a crazy turn of events, isn't it? (laughs) Just when you're wondering how they'll solve the problem, the normally lecherous and tottering old Kamesennin gets super buff and puts out the fire with a Kamehameha! I really thought that was an incredible twist. I also love the scene right after that where Goku copies Kamesennin and manages to fire off a Kamehameha of his own.

——For the final question, what message would you like to share with fans all around the world who are eagerly awaiting the release of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO?

Kamiya: I'm sure that all the Dragon Ball fans reading this article are looking forward to the movie even more than I am, so there's not much I can say that they don't already know. I do, however, believe that this film will exceed all of your expectations, so please look forward to the release in theaters!

——Thank you so much for your time!


With a stoic exterior and a heroic spirit burning within, Gamma 1 is soon to make his debut on the silver screen! Don't miss out on witnessing his superhero escapades firsthand!