The upcoming finale of My Hero Academia was the centerpiece of a memorable stage event at AnimeJapan 2025. Cast members Daiki Yamashita (Izuku Midoriya), Kenta Miyake (All Might), Akio Ōtsuka (All For One), Hiroshi Kamiya (young All For One), and Kōki Uchiyama (Tomura Shigaraki) gathered to share their experiences bringing these iconic characters to life. With the series’ grand conclusion set for October 2025, the actors reminisced about their time in the recording booth, exchanged stories, and discussed the impact of their roles.
Created by Kōhei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia premiered in 2016, quickly capturing audiences with its superhero narrative infused with emotional storytelling. The anime follows Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. After inheriting the legendary quirk “One For All” from the renowned All Might, Midoriya begins his journey at U.A. High School, where aspiring heroes train to protect society. Over seven successful seasons, the show has explored themes of legacy, perseverance, and the ever-growing clash between heroes and villains. The upcoming eighth and final season promises a climactic showdown, concluding one of the most celebrated modern anime series.
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A Special Gathering at AnimeJapan 2025: The Cast Of My Hero Academia Share Their Experience
Midoriya and All Might: A Shared Journey
Yamashita and Miyake kicked off the event by reflecting on Midoriya’s growth. Yamashita spoke about how Deku has grown closer to All Might, not just as a mentor but as a symbol of hope. Miyake agreed, acknowledging how All Might’s admiration for Midoriya has grown in return.
It was a sweet moment, until Ōtsuka chimed in to remind everyone that Midoriya loved All Might enough to consume All Might’s hair. The audience couldn’t help but laugh at that, and Yamashita, visibly surprised that Ōtsuka remembered the scene, laughed and thanked him for reminding them.
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The All For One Legacy: From Voice to Voice
A notable highlight was the conversation between Akio Ōtsuka, Hiroshi Kamiya, and Kōki Uchiyama about their portrayals of All For One. Uchiyama reflected on the previous season’s emotionally intense scenes, particularly when Shigaraki’s body was overtaken by All For One. With both he and Ōtsuka delivering the same lines at times, Uchiyama explained that the experience made him reevaluate Shigaraki’s identity. The challenge of conveying a fractured psyche added another layer to his performance.
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Kamiya also recalled how he felt when he was first offered the role of young All For One. He joked about his doubts, pointing out how Ōtsuka’s voice was already iconic and suggested that he voice a younger version of All For One as well.
[Ōtsuka] has had that voice since elementary school. So he should do the young voice as well.
— Hiroshi Kamiya (young All For One) about Akio Ōtsuka (All For One)
But despite his apprehension, Kamiya embraced the opportunity, working hard to capture the villain’s calculating nature in a younger form.
Otsuka, however, had nothing but praise for his fellow actors. He described Kamiya’s growth as a voice actor, noting that while many could imitate his voice, Kamiya truly captured the core of both his performance and the character itself.
It’s like a tiger grew wings.
— Akio Ōtsuka (All For One) about Hiroshi Kamiya (young All For One)
The veteran actor even recalled how staff members told him that it was a shame that a talented actor like Uchiyama must mimic Ōtsuka, but Uchiyama was quick to defend him, saying that it was a great learning opportunity, as it allowed him to absorb a different acting style. Ōtsuka smiled at that.
I’m glad I was your teacher.
— Akio Ōtsuka (All For One) to Kōki Uchiyama (Tomura Shigaraki)
Humor and Banter Behind the Scenes
The camaraderie among the cast was on full display when Kamiya discussed the challenges of recording intense scenes. He revealed how All For One’s voice booth was separated from the rest of the cast, and Ōtsuka added that it made him lonely to record there, to the point that he would often tease other cast members in retaliation. Yamashita laughed, explaining how every now and then, they would be mentally assaulted by Ōtsuka’s voice through the headphones.
After we’d say something like ‘We’ll win!’ during the recording sessions, we would hear ‘We’ll see about that’ in our headphones. And it was the worst.
Miyake also entertained the crowd by recalling the physically demanding nature of voicing All Might’s intense battles. During one memorable session, he admitted to nearly collapsing from exhaustion while mimicking the hero’s struggles. Ōtsuka, joining in on the joke, quipped, “We’re both older men. Fighting like that isn’t easy.”
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Watching the cast of My Hero Academia come together on stage was definitely a treat. From playful banter to heartfelt moments, the chemistry between the actors was undeniable. Events like this make it clear that not only do these actors bring their characters to life with so much passion, they also genuinely enjoy working with each other and reminiscing about their time in the recording booth.
How to Watch the MHA Stage Show at AnimeJapan 2025 Event
Fans who missed the live event can catch the entire My Hero Academia stage show on the TOHO animation YouTube channel. The recording captures all the heartfelt moments, laughter, and reflections from the cast, making it a must-watch for dedicated viewers eager to celebrate the series’ legacy.
The Road to the Finale: My Hero Academia Is Nearing Its End
MHA Season 8 & MHA: Vigilantes To Premier Back-To-Back
With the final season of My Hero Academia premiering in October 2025, fans can expect a high-stakes conclusion to the epic conflict between Midoriya and Shigaraki. Studio Bones has already teased a visually stunning and emotionally powerful climax, setting the stage for a legacy-defining ending.
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For those eager for more My Hero Academia content, the spin-off anime My Hero Academia: Vigilantes debuts on April 7, 2025. Following the lives of underground heroes, this adaptation of the popular manga offers a darker, street-level perspective on hero society.
Fans can catch both the final season and Vigilantes on Crunchyroll:
- My Hero Academia Season 8: October 2025, simulcast with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
- My Hero Academia: Vigilantes: April 7, 2025, available for streaming with subtitles.
The countdown to the finale has begun, and AnimeJapan 2025 has only heightened the anticipation. From heartwarming reflections to humorous exchanges, the event reminded fans of the immense dedication and passion behind the scenes. As the story reaches its climax, viewers are in for an unforgettable journey.
Source: AnimeNewsNetwork