The Japanese dub is included as an alternate audio track on most and Japanese regional DVDs . Additionally, if you use a VPN to access streaming services like Netflix Japan or Amazon Prime Video Japan , you can toggle the audio to experience this unique version of Po's journey.
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. was recorded for this film.
The film itself was a commercial success in Japan, grossing over 1.3 billion yen at the box office. The success of the film can be attributed in part to the popularity of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, as well as the talented voice cast.
While Kung Fu Panda 2 was a global success, the Japanese dub holds a special place in the hearts of many local fans, and for good reason. kung fu panda 2 japanese dub
The Japanese version often utilizes specific honorifics and speech patterns that deepen the master-student relationships. For instance, the use of for Shifu instead of just "Master" emphasizes the Chinese origin of the martial arts setting, a detail that resonates well with Japanese audiences familiar with wuxia tropes.
Bringing a mix of comedic energy and vulnerability, Yamaguchi’s performance is essential for the film's shift toward Po's traumatic backstory.
DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) is widely considered a masterclass in animated sequel storytelling. It deepens the first film’s lighthearted kung fu fantasy by introducing a heavy, surprisingly mature theme: the quest for inner peace in the face of a traumatic past. While the original English voice cast, led by Jack Black, delivers a perfect blend of comedy and pathos, the film’s Japanese dub offers a fascinating case study in cultural and performative translation. By re-contextualizing the film’s humour, elevating its dramatic stakes, and leveraging Japan’s own rich history of warrior philosophy, the Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 does not simply translate the film—it transforms it into a meditation that resonates specifically with Japanese cultural values of mono no aware (the bittersweet transience of things) and gaman (endurance). The Japanese dub is included as an alternate
The Japanese dub of Kung Fu Panda 2 was produced by Oriental Light & Magic, a renowned anime studio. The dub was directed by Ken'ichi Maejima, who is known for his work on various anime series and films. The script was written by Kumi Tamai, a veteran scriptwriter who has worked on numerous anime series.
Voiced by Tatsuya Yamaguchi (山口 達也) . Yamaguchi, a former member of the idol group TOKIO, brings a youthful, energetic, and slightly goofy charm to Po that mirrors Jack Black’s performance while feeling distinctively "shonen" in its delivery.
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 was recorded for this film
For international fans of the franchise, revisiting Kung Fu Panda 2 in Japanese offers a fresh perspective on a familiar story.
| Character (Original Voice) | Japanese Voice Actor | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Jack Black) | Tatsuya Yamaguchi (of TOKIO) | Yamaguchi reprises his role from the first film, bringing his signature energetic and slightly goofy charm to the role. | | Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) | Takashi Sasano | A seasoned actor, Sasano's portrayal captures Shifu's wisdom, gruff exterior, and underlying warmth perfectly. | | Tigress (Angelina Jolie) | Yoshino Kimura | Kimura returns as the fierce yet honorable Tigress, her performance balancing strength with subtle emotional depth. | | Master Viper (Lucy Liu) | MEGUMI | Model and actress MEGUMI voices the sweet and elegant Viper, adding a gentle, cool tone to the character. | | Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) | Keiji Fujiwara | The late, great Keiji Fujiwara provides the voice for the film's villain. His performance is chillingly regal and menacing, a perfect foil for Po. | | The Soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh) | Tomoko Shiota | Shiota's performance brings a sense of ancient wisdom and melancholy to this crucial supporting role. | | Master Monkey (Jackie Chan) | Hiroya Ishimaru | A veteran voice actor, Ishimaru has voiced Monkey throughout the series, capturing his agile and mischievous nature. | | Master Mantis (Seth Rogen) | Mitsuaki Madono | Madono's comedic timing is perfect for Mantis, matching Seth Rogen's original performance's deadpan humor. | | Master Crane (David Cross) | Takuya Kirimoto | Kirimoto voices the often-sarcastic Crane, bringing a dry wit and sense of calm to the Five. | | Mr. Ping (James Hong) | Naoki Tatsuta | A legendary voice actor, Tatsuta voices Po's adoptive goose father, bringing warmth and comedic flair to the role. | | Wolf Boss (Danny McBride) | Toshiyuki Morikawa | A highly respected voice actor, Morikawa gives the Wolf Boss a suitably gruff and intimidating voice. | | Master Thundering Rhino (Victor Garber) | Fumihiko Tachiki | Known for his powerful voice, Tachiki is a perfect fit for the mighty, booming Rhino. | | Master Storming Ox (Dennis Haysbert) | Tessho Genda | Genda's deep, authoritative voice lends the Ox a sense of noble strength and leadership. | | Master Croc (Jean-Claude Van Damme) | Masafumi Kimura | A small but fun cameo, with Kimura voicing the action-star's crocodile character. |
Kung Fu Panda 2 Japanese Dub: A Unique Take on a Beloved Sequel