I’ve come to realize something about myself over the years: I don’t just watch anime for the story. I watch it for the voices. Certain voices, specifically. There’s something deeply satisfying about a calm, controlled delivery that makes my brain light up, and once I latch onto one, I’ll happily keep watching a series just to hear it again.

For a lot of romance anime fans, that voice is Tomoe from Kamisama Kiss. If you know, you know. And if you’ve ever caught yourself recognizing a voice in a completely different anime and suddenly paying closer attention, you’re probably wired the same way I am. This list exists for that exact reason.

Before we dive in, one quick note: this article is English dub–focused and centered on J. Michael Tatum’s voice work. This isn’t a ranking of his “best” performances or a full filmography. It’s a comfort-first, voice-appreciation watchlist for anyone who enjoys anime through sound as much as story.

Meet the Voice Behind Tomoe: J. Michael Tatum

If you’ve watched a lot of English-dubbed anime, you’ve almost definitely heard J. Michael Tatum before, even if you didn’t immediately realize it. His voice has a very particular quality to it: calm, composed, slightly intimate, and instantly recognizable once your brain locks onto it.

Tatum has been working in anime for years, with hundreds of credits across series, films, and games. He often lands roles that are intelligent, emotionally restrained, authoritative, or quietly intense, which explains why so many of his characters hit the same auditory sweet spot. He’s also worked behind the scenes as an ADR director and script writer, and that experience really shows in how natural and intentional his performances feel.

I also love knowing little human details about the people behind the voices. J. Michael Tatum is married to fellow voice actor Brandon McInnis, which honestly just makes my anime-loving heart happy. There’s something comforting about knowing the voice you keep chasing belongs to someone who’s genuinely part of the community he works in.

So if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, why does this character sound familiar… and why do I like it so much? there’s a good chance J. Michael Tatum is the answer. And Tomoe is only the beginning.

Tomoe — Kamisama Kiss

Tomoe is the blueprint. His voice is calm, sharp, and emotionally restrained in a way that feels intimate without trying too hard. There’s a slight edge of smugness, a lot of quiet confidence, and just enough softness underneath to make every line land. For many romance anime fans, this is the role that flips the switch from casually watching anime to actively chasing a voice.

Kamisama Kiss is a supernatural romance about a human girl who accidentally becomes a land god and ends up bound to a centuries-old fox familiar. The series blends humor, mythology, slow-burn romance, and emotional payoff in a way that makes it endlessly rewatchable. Genres: Romance, Supernatural, Comedy, Shoujo

Sebastian Michaelis — Black Butler

If Tomoe is composed fox-demon energy, Sebastian is that same lane turned darker and more dangerous. His voice is smooth, unshakable, and omnipresent throughout a long-running series, which means you get to absolutely drown in it. A lot of people who simp for Tomoe end up here next, and that pipeline makes perfect sense.

Black Butler follows a young noble and his demon butler as they navigate murder mysteries, contracts, and supernatural chaos in Victorian England. It balances gothic aesthetics with dark humor and long-form storytelling. Genres: Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural, Drama

Arsène Lupin — Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~

Lupin feels like Tomoe if he leaned fully into romance. His voice is warm, teasing, and reassuring, very intentionally crafted to be attractive. If you love Tomoe’s protective side, this scratches that itch beautifully.

Code: Realize is adapted from an otome game and follows a cursed girl navigating romance, politics, and adventure alongside famous literary figures. It’s character-driven and very voice-forward. Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Steampunk

Dire Crowley — Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation

Dire Crowley isn’t a romantic lead, but his voice is everywhere. It’s theatrical, eccentric, and unmistakable, making him a constant presence throughout the series. This one is more about enjoying the sound than simping.

Twisted-Wonderland follows a human transported into a magical academy inspired by Disney villains, blending mystery, magic, and character drama. Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural, Drama

Erwin Smith — Attack on Titan

Erwin’s voice doesn’t soothe like Tomoe’s, but it commands attention. It’s authoritative, steady, and emotionally heavy, especially during speeches. You’re here for performance appreciation, not romance.

Attack on Titan is a brutal, high-stakes story about humanity fighting for survival against monstrous Titans while unraveling political and moral truths. Genres: Action, Dark Fantasy, Drama, Military

Kyoya Ootori — Ouran High School Host Club

Kyoya’s voice is cool, controlled, and quietly intimidating. He’s a main character, so you hear him constantly, even when he’s not center stage. Not as universally loved as Tomoe, but very listenable if you like restraint.

Ouran is a romantic comedy that parodies shoujo tropes through a wealthy high school host club. It’s light, self-aware, and character-focused. Genres: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life, Shoujo

Rikichi — Samurai 7

This role shows a more emotional, vulnerable side of Tatum’s voice. Rikichi is desperate and human, which makes the delivery raw rather than soothing.

Samurai 7 is a sci-fi reimagining of the classic Seven Samurai story, blending feudal themes with futuristic elements. Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Historical, Drama

France (Francis Bonnefoy) — Hetalia: Axis Powers

France is flirty, exaggerated, and openly suggestive for comedy. This is the voice turned playful and unserious, very different from Tomoe’s restraint.

Hetalia personifies world history as chaotic anime characters representing countries. It’s absurd and intentionally unserious. Genres: Comedy, Satire, Historical Parody

Okabe Rintaro — Steins;Gate

You hear this voice constantly, but it’s chaotic and emotionally intense. This is not a comfort listen, it’s a performance showcase.

Steins;Gate is a sci-fi thriller about time travel, consequences, and unraveling timelines that spiral into emotional devastation. Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama

Eneru (Enel) — One Piece

Eneru’s voice is smug, arrogant, and theatrical, dominating every scene he’s in. It scratches the superior edge Tomoe sometimes carries, just villain-flavored.

One Piece is a massive adventure series about pirates chasing freedom and dreams, with the Skypiea arc leaning heavily into mythology. Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Comedy

Rei Ryugazaki — Free! / Free! Eternal Summer

Rei is soft-spoken, polite, and consistent. His voice is gentle and calming, making this one of the closest Tomoe-adjacent comfort listens.

Free! follows competitive swimmers navigating friendship, rivalry, and personal growth in a character-driven sports anime. Genres: Sports, Slice of Life, Drama

Kyouhei Kannazuki — Date A Live

Kannazuki is a recurring supporting character, so the voice pops up often even if he’s not central. Familiar rather than intimate.

Date A Live blends sci-fi, harem comedy, and action as dating becomes the key to preventing disasters. Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Harem, Romance

Tsukasa Jinguuji — Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout

Tsukasa is loud, dramatic, and hilarious, giving you constant exposure to Tatum’s comedic range. This is voice indulgence through chaos.

The anime is a gender-bender isekai comedy about two adult friends reincarnated into a fantasy world under absurd circumstances. Genres: Comedy, Isekai, Fantasy, Romance Parody

Fuegoleon Vermillion — Black Clover

Fuegoleon’s voice is steady, noble, and reassuring. Not constant, but authoritative when present.

Black Clover follows magic knights growing stronger in a world driven by mana and hierarchy. Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen

Childman Powderfield — Sorcerous Stabber Orphen / Battle of Kimluck

Childman’s voice is serious, controlled, and mentor-coded, leaning philosophical rather than romantic.

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen is a fantasy series centered on magic, betrayal, and the cost of power. Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama

Haruki Aritomi — A Certain Scientific Railgun S

Haruki appears during the Sisters Arc as a calculating antagonist. Limited time, sharp impact.

Railgun S is set in Academy City, focusing on esper abilities and ethical experimentation. Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Supernatural

Katsuya Honda — Fruits Basket (2019) / Fruits Basket: Prelude

Katsuya’s voice is gentle and emotionally heavy despite limited appearances. It’s about impact, not volume.

Fruits Basket explores trauma, healing, and family bonds through a supernatural lens. Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Slice of Life

Willibald — Vinland Saga

Willibald’s voice is slow, thoughtful, and philosophical. Calm, but not frequent.

Vinland Saga is a historical epic about war, revenge, and the search for a peaceful life. Genres: Historical, Drama, Action

At the end of the day, there’s no “wrong” way to enjoy anime. Some people chase plot twists, some chase animation styles, and some of us chase voices. If you’ve ever found yourself watching a show just to hear a character speak again, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not weird.

J. Michael Tatum’s voice has a way of sticking with people, whether it’s through romance, authority, comedy, or quiet reflection. Tomoe may be the gateway, but as this list shows, there are plenty of places to go once you realize what you’re listening for.

And the best part? This list isn’t finite. As of 2025, IMDb lists over 400 acting credits for J. Michael Tatum, so yes, you can absolutely keep swimming around in this voice for a long time.

If you try any of these and find a new favorite “comfort voice” character, I’m begging you: tell me who it is. I love collecting these like little auditory treasures.