Street Fighter 6: Taiten Kusunoki Replaces Norio Wakamoto as M. Bison’s Japanese Voice Actor

Capcom recently revealed a major voice casting change that has resonated across the Street Fighter community.

Following the trailer premiere at Summer Games Fest on June 7, 2024, it was confirmed that M.

Bison, one of the most iconic characters in the franchise, will feature in the year 2 roster for Street Fighter 6.

However, character bios on the game's official Japanese website quietly disclosed a significant update: Norio Wakamoto, the legendary Japanese voice behind M.

Bison for over two decades, will not return for this role.

Instead, acclaimed voice actor Taiten Kusunoki is taking on the mantle. Norio Wakamoto first lent his powerful and memorable voice to M.

Bison in 2000’s SNK VS Capcom: The Match of the Millenium, stepping in after Tomomichi Nishimura.

Since then, Wakamoto has remained synonymous with the character across multiple Street Fighter titles, his performances lauded by fans and critics alike.

The transition to Kusunoki—recognized for voicing M.

Bison in the Japanese dub of Wreck-It Ralph—marks the end of an era for both the character and the franchise's voice acting legacy. Capcom has not officially commented on the reasons behind the casting change.

The only indication appeared in M.

Bison’s updated character biography, which now lists Taiten Kusunoki as the current Japanese voice actor.

No further explanation has been provided, leaving fans to reflect on Wakamoto’s impactful contributions to the series. Fan reactions have been mixed, with some community members speculating about Wakamoto’s career trajectory.

At 78 years old, questions about his possible retirement have surfaced—though no official statements regarding his retirement have been made.

Notably, Wakamoto recently lent his voice to Johnny in Guilty Gear Strive and is slated to appear in the upcoming RPG Reynatis, launching next month.

It remains unclear when these roles were recorded, making Wakamoto’s immediate plans uncertain. Meanwhile, Street Fighter 6 will continue to feature Gerald C.

Rivers as the voice of M.

Bison for the game's English-language audience, as confirmed by the English version of Capcom’s website.

Street Fighter 6 is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with the Year 2 roster further expanding its character lineup.

As Capcom forges ahead with new talent and beloved characters, the franchise remains at the forefront of fighting games worldwide, while fans honor the enduring legacy left by Norio Wakamoto.

Capcom Street Fighter 6 Street Fighter M. Bison Norio Wakamoto Taiten Kusunoki Nintendo Switch Gerald C. Rivers EventHubs Tomomichi Nishimura SNK VS Capcom Guilty Gear Strive Reynatis Summer Games Fest