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The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (released in Japan as Kanfu Panda 2 ) features a star-studded cast of veteran voice actors (

) and high-profile celebrities who bring a unique intensity to the film's darker, more emotional tone. The Dubbing Database Key Cast and Characters

The Japanese version is notable for its balance of comedic energy and dramatic weight, particularly in the dynamic between Po and the villainous Lord Shen. Po (ポー): Tatsuya Yamaguchi (山口達也)

. Known for his work in the entertainment group TOKIO, he reprised the role from the first film, capturing Po's mix of enthusiasm and vulnerability. Lord Shen (シェン大老): Keiji Fujiwara (藤原啓治) . A legendary (known for Fullmetal Alchemist

), Fujiwara provides a sinister and refined performance that matches Gary Oldman's original gravitas. Master Tigress (マスター・タイガー): Yoshino Kimura (木村佳乃)

. The famous actress returns to voice the stoic leader of the Furious Five. Master Shifu (シーフー老師): Takashi Sasano (笹野高史)

. A renowned stage and film actor, he brings a classic sense of wisdom and discipline to Po's mentor. The Furious Five: Master Monkey: Hiroya Ishimaru

(石丸博也), the definitive Japanese voice for Jackie Chan Master Viper: Master Crane: Mitsuaki Madono (真殿光昭) Master Mantis: Takuya Kirimoto (桐本拓哉) The Soothsayer (予言おばば): Tomoko Shiota (塩田朋子) Wolf Boss (ウルフ隊長): Toshiyuki Morikawa (森川智之) , a veteran actor known for his deep, authoritative roles. Dubbing Details Recording Studio: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation (TFC). Thematic Style:

Critics and fans often highlight that the Japanese dub enhances the "wuxia" (martial arts hero) feel of the film, making the action sequences feel even more at home in an Asian-inspired setting. The Dubbing Database Where to Watch

You can find the Japanese dub through several official platforms, though availability may depend on your region: Digital Stores: Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video (with Japanese audio options), Google Play Store Streaming Services: In Japan, the dub has been featured on services like and occasionally on the Disney Channel The Dubbing Database comparison

of specific scenes between the English and Japanese versions to see how the dialogue changes? Why Kung Fu Panda 2 is a Worthy Sequel

The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 (Japanese title: カンフー・パンダ2) features a mix of high-profile actors and seasoned voice artists. Produced by the Tohokushinsha Film Corporation , the dub was released in theaters across Japan on August 19, 2011 Japanese Voice Cast

The Japanese version features several celebrities alongside professional voice actors: Tatsuya Yamaguchi (of the band TOKIO) [11] Master Tigress: Yoshino Kimura Master Shifu: Akira Sasanuma Lord Shen: Akio Otsuka (known for voicing Solid Snake in Metal Gear Master Monkey: Hiroya Ishimaru Master Mantis: Takuya Kirimoto Master Viper: Megumi Hayashibara (famous for roles in Evangelion Cowboy Bebop Master Crane: Mitsuaki Madono Ryusei Nakao (known for voicing Frieza in Dragon Ball Availability and Platforms

You can find the Japanese dubbed version on several major digital and streaming platforms in Japan: Streaming: The film is available on Amazon Prime Video Digital Purchase: It is also accessible through the Google Play Store Japanese voice actors for specific supporting characters or other films in the Kung Fu Panda franchise?

How to Watch the Japanese Dub (Legally)

If this article has convinced you to experience the Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese dub, here is how to find it:

  1. Japanese Netflix / U-NEXT: If you have a VPN set to Japan, both streaming services offer the 吹替版 (Fukikae-ban / Dubbed version) alongside the subtitled original.
  2. Japanese Blu-Ray (Pony Canyon release): The domestic Japanese Blu-ray includes the English track and the Japanese 5.1 surround dub. Look for the "Pony Canyon" logo on the box.
  3. Disney+ (Japan only): Since Disney owns DreamWorks distribution rights in Japan, the Disney+ Japan catalog includes the high-quality dub. You will need a Japanese account.

A note to collectors: Avoid the international "Asian" Blu-ray releases; they often omit the Japanese track due to licensing rights held by Pony Canyon.

Theme Songs (Japanese Version)

Unlike the first film, Kung Fu Panda 2 kept the original English songs (“Kung Fu Fighting” by CeeLo Green, instrumental score by Hans Zimmer & John Powell) for the theatrical release.
No exclusive Japanese insert song was recorded for this film.

However, for the home video trailers, a Japanese cover of “Kung Fu Fighting” by Shōnan no Kaze (湘南乃風) was briefly used.

The Vocal Direction: Directing for Emotion, Not Lip-Flaps

One technical marvel of the Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese dub is the lip-sync. Japanese sentence structure is opposite to English (verb at the end). The voice director had to twist the script so that Sakurai’s lips hit the same frames as Black’s.

During the action sequences, the Japanese actors recorded together in the same booth—a rarity in modern dubbing (most record alone). This "ensemble recording" is why the fight dialogue feels so organic. When Tigress screams Po's name in the burning tower scene, Nagashima recorded that line while looking at Sakurai in the booth. You can hear the chemistry.