Erika Ishii Explained

Erika Ishii
Birth Date:7 March 1987
Occupation:Voice actor, host
Years Active:1992–present

Erika Ishii is an American voice actor and host. They are best known as the voice of video game characters such as Valkyrie in Apex Legends,[1] and for their appearances in actual play web series including L.A. by Night and Dimension 20.

Career

Ishii's work in acting started at a young age, with a guest appearance on Full House.[2] [3]

Voice acting

In an interview with Bungie, Ishii stated that playing The Last of Us (2013) inspired them to enter voice acting in video games. From the late 2010s, Ishii performed voice roles in numerous video games, and would contribute voice work to The Last of Us Part II in 2020. During their early career, Ishii was advised to conceal their sexuality and political views to avoid losing work. Later they became more open about their orientation and identity. Ishii indicated that doing so was a positive step, as it allowed them to be part of a community, and to take on relevant roles. "The industry is beginning to recognize the value of authenticity and inclusion. It makes for better art and it's what the majority of the world wants to see."[2] Ishii spoke positively about their role as the mixed-Japanese lesbian Valkyrie in Apex Legends, stating that "None of it was tokenism... She's one of the most real characters I've ever had the honour of portraying."[4] [5]

Ishii was a narrator for the audiobook Walk Among Us (2020),[6] [7] "an audio-first trio of horror novellas set in s World of Darkness".[8] In September 2021, Ishii was a featured artist on the acoustic version of the song "Can You Feel My Love" by the music group Juniper Vale.[9] [10]

In 2025, they will be the lead character Atsu in Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima.[11] [12]

Actual play

Ishii is known for their roles in actual play role-playing web shows such as L.A. by Night[13] and Dimension 20.[14] [15] In January 2023, it was announced that Ishii, with Brennan Lee Mulligan, Aabria Iyengar, and Lou Wilson, would star in the creator-owned actual play podcast Worlds Beyond Number; the show premiered in March 2023.[16] [17]

In December 2024, Ishii will guest star in the stage production of which combines actual play, improv, and immersive theater at Stage 42 in New York City.

Hosting

Ishii was a host and producer for Geek & Sundry.[18] [19] Ishii has also hosted other events[20] such as the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards[21] [22] and the 2021 Acceleration Japan showcase.[23]

Personal life

Ishii openly identifies as queer, bisexual, or pansexual with no preference between labels, and genderfluid.[24] [2] [25] They have been vocal in their opposition to transphobia, and have raised funds for LGBTQ supporting charities such as The Trevor Project.[26] [2]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRole(s)NotesSource
2018Mobile Suit Gundam NarrativeMichelle LuioVoice [27]
2021And ThenManaShort film [28]
2023DragonflyMiyokoVoice, short film
2024Justice League: Crisis on Infinite EarthsKimiyo Hoshi / Doctor Light, Helena Wayne / Huntress of Earth-TwoVoice; direct-to-video[29]

Television

YearTitleRole(s)NotesSource
1992Full House"Pocahontas"Season 6, episode 8: "The Play's the Thing"
2021–22Young JusticeChild, Mary Bromfield / Sergeant MarvelSeason 4[30]
2022The Mighty OnesLindsay10 episodes
2022OddballsJenna / Liv
2023Strange PlanetNew Friend / Hottie #2 / CustomerSeason 1, episode 7: "Adolescent Limbshake"
2024Moon Girl and Devil DinosaurMichiko Musashi / TurboSeason 2, episode 14: "Family Matters"[31]
2024HarelySeason 1, episode 6: "Youngins & Dragons"

Video games

YearTitleVoice role(s)NotesSource
2017Crypt of the NecroDancer

Amplified

Master X Mastersix characters
Amanda
Fire Emblem HeroesLoki[32]
2018Sprint VectorKai
Monster PromValerie
Shining Resonance RefrainBeatriceEnglish version
Maple Story 2Additional voicesEnglish version
Fallout 76Cindy Holloway, Chelsea
2019Vacation SimulatorVacation Bot
Shenmue IIIAdditional voices[33]
Shantae and the Seven SirensZapple
River City GirlsMartha[34]
Daemon X MachinaRigid
Code VeinFemale player character voice 1[35]
2020Final Fantasy VII RemakeAdditional voices
The Last of Us Part IIAdditional voices
Rogue CompanyRonin
Marvel's AvengersMaddy Cho, AIM PA
Destiny 2Ana Bray, KridisAdded in 2020 update
FortniteRadio DJ, Ghost Pistol, Mari
Domina Venomblade[36]
Kaori "Kitsune" Tanaka[37]
Cyberpunk 2077Ruth Dzeng, additional voices
2021Angel Cookie
The Big ConAli
Apex LegendsValkyrieAdded in 2021 update[38]
DeathloopDr. Wenjie Evans[39]
Halo InfiniteLUMU/Teardrop
2022Rune Factory 5MisasagiEnglish version
Yu Joon
2023Crash Team RumbleCatbat[40]
Hermes[41]
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIICaptain Amy FangZombies mode
2024Rook[42]
Mortal Kombat 1Sektor"Khaos Reigns" expansion[43]
2025Ghost of YōteiAtsu

Web series

YearTitleRole(s)NotesSource
2015Extra Life D&D with Saving Throw ShowPenelope LightfootA charity-fueled liveplay produced by Saving Throw Show.[44]
2016Natural 20GarmungusRPG web series produced by Transplant Films[45] [46]
2016–2019Game EngineHostGaming web series by Geek & Sundry[47]
2017Sagas of Sundry: MadnessSelina TsukiyamaCast member; RPG web limited series by Geek & Sundry[48]
Starcade MarathonHostWeb special by Geek & Sundry[49]
VastKraya Yikjaal GorumonRPG web series by Geek & Sundry; Episode: "The Great Experiment - Part 1 & 2"[50]
2017–2018ForeverVerseRPG web series by Geek & Sundry[51] [52] [53]
2018A Magic Moment with Joseph Gordon-LevittHostWeb special by Geek & Sundry[54] [55] [56]
The Neon NoirShirley KentAudio drama podcast created by Jack Delaney[57]
2018–2021L.A. by NightAnnabelleCast member; RPG web series based on
2019Dimension 20

Escape from the Bloodkeep

LilithCast member; RPG web limited series based on Dungeons & Dragons[58]
Into Carnival RowMoonshadow FoxgloveCast member; RPG web limited series by Nerdist based on Carnival Row[59] [60]
Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Crystal PalaceHanako HayashiRPG web special by Critical Role Productions based on Call of Cthulhu[61] [62]
Pub DrawThemselfWeb series by Critical Role Productions; Episode: "Drawing Hana with Erika Ishii"[63]
2020Cinderbrush: A Monsterhearts StorySasha MurasakiRPG web special by Critical Role Productions based on Monsterhearts[64]
The CalyxWinter SolsticeRPG web series by Good Time Society; Episode: "Saturnine Chalice - Part 1 & 2"[65]
2021Dimension 20: Misfits and MagicDream (Karen Keiko Tanaka)Cast member; RPG web limited series based on the Kids on Brooms role-playing system[66]
Dimension 20: The SevenDanielle BarkstockCast member; RPG web limited series based on Dungeons & Dragons[67]
The Auction with Becca ScottRPG web special by Good Time Society based on Call of Cthulhu[68]
Battle for BeyondLeilaCast member; RPG web limited series by D&D Beyond based on Dungeons & Dragons[69] [70]
2022Critical Role (campaign 3)Yu SuffiadRPG web series by Critical Role Productions; 6 episodes[71]
Dimension 20: Coffin RunMay WongCast member; RPG web limited series based on Dungeons & Dragons
The Adventure Zone

Dust

Louise “Lulu” KagiyamaRPG web series by The McElroy Family, season 2 only.[72]
2022—presentGame ChangerThemselfComedy game show by Dropout; 5 episodes[73] [74]
Dirty LaundryThemselfComedy game show by Dropout; 2 episodes
Make Some NoiseThemselfEpisode: "The Wicked Switch of the West"
2023Worlds Beyond NumberAmeCast member; creator-owned actual play podcast
Dimension 20: Burrow's EndAvaCast member; 10 episodes[75] [76]
2024The Adventure Zone

Abnimals

JJ AugustEpisode: "Bunny Heist!"; RPG web series by The McElroy Family.[77]

Stage

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Character Conversations: Charlet Chung and Erika Ishii Are Levelling Up the Diversity in Games. Florence. Lo. June 24, 2021.
  2. Web site: Queer Genderfluid Actor Erika Ishii's Gamer's Guide to LA. May 27, 2021. www.outtraveler.com.
  3. Erika. Ishii. erikaishii. 644222214355599360.
    1. WayBackWednesday to when I was a tiny sass machine on Full House... [Link]
    . September 16, 2015. April 4, 2022.
    Jared. Carew. BluelineEditing. 644213067488718848. "I never liked that song." @SamuraiErika #FullHouse #YankeeDoodleDandy]. September 16, 2015. April 4, 2022.
  4. Web site: Apex Legends designer wants Respawn to add trans character. Pink News. 30 June 2021.
  5. Web site: 'Apex Legends' Doesn't Hide the Rough Edges on Its Queer Asian Hero. www.vice.com. 2 June 2021 .
  6. Web site: 2020-07-06. Bloodlines 2: Three Things We Learned in Walk Among Us. 2021-11-11. CBR. en-US.
  7. Web site: Sheehan. Gavin. 2020-03-18. "Vampire: The Masquerade" Will Be Getting An Audio Book Series. 2021-11-12. Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. en.
  8. Web site: March 18, 2020. Harper Voyager US and The World of Darkness to Publish Audio First Production Vampire: The Masquerade: Walk Among Us. HarperCollins. Press release.
  9. Web site: 2021-11-03. Talking action, acting, and awareness with Erika Ishii. 2021-11-12. Happy Mag. en-US.
  10. Erika. Ishii. erikaishii. 1441474980047310854. September 24, 2021. MY MUSICAL DEBUT I'm featured with @VianIzak on @thejunipervale's beautiful new single! Their music has inspired my characters and also been there for me in the darkest times. This song in particular has a special place in my heart. Listen: [Link]. November 11, 2021.
  11. Sucker Punch Productions. suckerpunchprod. 1838715791228964978. September 24, 2024. We are thrilled that Atsu is played by the amazing Erika Ishii! #GhostOfYotei. September 25, 2024.
  12. Web site: Caldwell . Brendan . September 25, 2024 . Ghost Of Yotei announced as a samurai sequel to Ghost Of Tsushima . September 25, 2024 . Rock Paper Shotgun.
  13. Web site: 2021-08-31. Vampire: The Masquerade Play Show L.A By Night Announces S5 Premiere. 2021-11-11. CBR. en-US.
  14. Web site: DIMENSION 20's New Season Will Include Matt Mercer as a Player. GeekTyrant. 25 April 2019 .
  15. Web site: The Black creatives of Dimension 20's 'Misfits and Magic' are redefining inclusivity in tabletop gaming. The Daily Dot. July 2021.
  16. Web site: January 1, 2023 . TTRPG Alums Form New Tabletop Podcast Venture Worlds Beyond Number . January 1, 2023 . Gizmodo . en.
  17. Web site: January 1, 2023 . Worlds Beyond Number, New All-Star TTRPG Podcast, Announced . January 1, 2023 . ComicBook.com . en.
  18. Web site: Erika ISHII - Anime News Network. 2021-11-12. www.animenewsnetwork.com.
  19. Burns. Kam. Live Dungeons & Dragons Shows Are Inviting More Players to the Table. en-US. Wired. 2021-11-12. 1059-1028. Erika Ishii is an actor, host, and performer on shows like Critical Role, Dimension 20, and L.A. by Night. Ishii jokes that their characters dated women before they did. “I think that play and storytelling is a fantastic way for you to try on identities in a safe environment with friends,” they say..
  20. Web site: Armstrong. Vanessa. 2021-08-18. Simu Liu on Playing Shang-Chi. 2021-11-12. SlashFilm.com. en-US.
  21. Web site: February 14, 2018. Meet Your Hosts for the Anime Awards: Anthony Carboni and Erika Ishii!. 2021-11-12. Crunchyroll. en-us.
  22. Web site: February 25, 2018. Made in Abyss, My Hero Academia Win Big at Crunchyroll's Anime Awards. 2021-11-12. Anime News Network. en.
  23. Web site: Grater. Tom. 2021-07-01. Japanese IP Showcase From Amuse Group USA To Highlight Six Hot Properties At Virtual Event On July 8. 2021-11-12. Deadline. en-US. Amuse Group USA, the American wing of one of Japan’s leading entertainment companies, is launching a new event that will put a selection of hot Japanese properties in front of U.S. content creators. [...] The event will be hosted by rising Japanese American talent Erika Ishii..
  24. Web site: Erika Ishii Q&A > News. Bungie.net.
  25. Web site: erikaishii.com.
  26. Web site: Apex Legends actor condemns transphobia with full-throated roar on Harry Potter show. Pink News. 8 July 2021.
  27. Web site: Erika ISHII Resume. August 2, 2024.
  28. Web site: And Then. Outfest. March 18, 2024.
  29. Web site: Vejvoda . Jim . 2023-12-04 . Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One: Exclusive Clip and Voice Cast Reveal . IGN.
  30. Erika Ishii . erikaishii . 1466517061471858690 . December 2, 2021 . Wondercon 2013, I attended an unofficial meetup for Young Justice. Creator Greg Weisman was there! I was too shy to say hi. 2021 I've joined #YoungJusticePhantoms as a Big Bad villain, Child. AND as Mary Bromfield aka Sergeant. I've been waiting so long to say this: ⚡️SHAZAM⚡️!!! [Images] . March 28, 2022.
  31. Family Matters. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Li, Annie J. (director); Halima Lucas (writer). Disney Channel. February 3, 2024. 13. 2.
  32. Web site: Erika Ishii (visual voices guide) . Behind The Voice Actors . 23 October 2021. . A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information..
  33. Web site: Apex Legends Legacy – Who is Erika Ishii Voice of Valkyrie?. 21 April 2021 .
  34. . River City Girls . . Ending credits, 4:32 in, VOICE ACTORS . 2019.
  35. erikaishii . Erika . Ishii . 1178005838755061761. I'm an ANIME VAMPIRE!!! But enough about my life. In #CodeVein I'm the 1st option for the female Protagonist voice type! If you've ever wanted your vampire OC to sound like me, here's your chance! ♥️ . September 28, 2019 . April 4, 2022 .
  36. Web site: E3 2021 Reveals a Celebrity Roster. R. J.. Pierce. June 2, 2021. Tech Times.
  37. Akemi Look . AkemiLook . 1423060063841779715 . August 4, 2021 . Honored to be the new operator in @CallofDuty season 5!! Tag me in your Kitsune dubs! #callofduty #blackops #blackopscoldwar VO: #erikaishii https://t.co/ZwhQwqe3CF . en . October 17, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210924153421/https://twitter.com/AkemiLook/status/1423060063841779715 . September 24, 2021 . live.
  38. Web site: Valkyrie's Sexuality in Apex Legends is Public Knowledge. dbltap.com. 4 June 2021 .
  39. Web site: 2021-10-24. Deathloop: The Nine Visionaries' Voice Actors (& What Else They've Been In). 2021-11-12. CBR. en-US. This genius scientist is behind some of the most intrinsic discoveries at AEON, and was voiced by the actor and performer Erika Ishii. Ishii is a voice actor known for playing Valkyrie in Apex Legends, as well as appearances in Destiny 2, Halo Infinite, and Fortnite. Fans of the Monster Prom games will recognize him as the voice of Valerie. They are also well known as a performer on numerous stories on D&D shows including Critical Role and Dimension 20..
  40. Web site: Meet Catbat, The Crash Bandicoot Series' First Non-Binary Character. Kenneth. Shepard. 7 June 2023.
  41. Web site: Aussie-Made Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Is Hitting The Stage In August. Zach. Jackson. 13 April 2023.
  42. Web site: July 22, 2024 . The Dragon Age Team . Journal #2: The Voices of the Veilguard . July 22, 2024 . Electronic Arts Inc. . en . Press release.
  43. IGN. Voice actor Erika Ishii reveals Sektor is a human, not a robot, in Mortal Kombat 1. #SDCC. 1816945773894074398. July 26, 2024.
  44. Web site: Saving Throw - YouTube. 2024-08-02. YouTube.
  45. Web site: 2018-12-12. The Neon Noir: An interview with the show creator, Jack Delaney ⋆ Podcast Brunch Club. 2021-11-12. Podcast Brunch Club. en-US.
  46. Web site: Natural 20 - YouTube. 2021-11-12. YouTube.
  47. Web site: Game Engine Geek and Sundry. https://web.archive.org/web/20171026213711/https://geekandsundry.com/shows/game-engine/. dead. October 26, 2017. 2017-10-26. geekandsundry.com.
  48. Web site: 2017-10-11. Meet the Cast of Our Next Horror RPG – Sagas Of Sundry: Madness. https://web.archive.org/web/20191214070952/https://geekandsundry.com/sagas-of-sundry-madness-meet-the-characters-alpha/. dead. December 14, 2019. 2020-11-12. Geek and Sundry. en.
  49. Web site: Sheehan. Gavin. 2017-08-16. Twitch To Run Classic Game Show 'Starcade' For Next Marathon. 2021-11-12. Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. en.
  50. Erika Ishii . erikaishii . 897108474613465088 . August 14, 2017 . I might've made a playlist about my @VastRPG character Kraya. I really hope you enjoy it, #VASTronauts! #Vast [Link][Image] . March 28, 2022.
  51. Web site: 2017-09-14. ForeverVerse: Episode 28 – The Witch is Dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200812202331/https://geekandsundry.com/foreververse-episode-27-the-witch-is-dead/. dead. August 12, 2020. 2021-11-11. Geek and Sundry. en.
  52. Web site: 2017-10-12. ForeverVerse: Episode 32 – Welcome to Puppetland. https://web.archive.org/web/20200813202444/https://geekandsundry.com/foreververse-episode-31-welcome-to-puppetland/. dead. August 13, 2020. 2021-11-11. Geek and Sundry. en.
  53. Web site: 2017-11-30. ForeverVerse: Episode 38 – Big Mutherf***in' Crab Truckers. https://web.archive.org/web/20201024070202/https://geekandsundry.com/foreververse-episode-39-big-mutherfin-crab-truckers/. dead. October 24, 2020. 2021-11-11. Geek and Sundry. en.
  54. News: 2018-11-14. Join Joseph Gordon-Levitt for a MAGIC: THE GATHERING geek out. en-US. The Beat. 2021-11-12.
  55. Web site: 2018-11-09. Joseph Gordon-Levitt Geeking Out About Magic: The Gathering Is Nothing Short Of Delightful. 2021-11-12. Gizmodo Australia. en-AU.
  56. Web site: November 12, 2018. A Magic Moment with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. 2021-11-12. Nerdist. en-US.
  57. Web site: TEAM. 2021-11-12. The Neon Noir. en.
  58. Web site: May 2, 2019. CollegeHumor's Dimension 20 Prepares For New Season of 'Dungeons & Dragons' Madness. 2021-06-24. ComicBook.com. en.
  59. Web site: August 29, 2019. Dive INTO CARNIVAL ROW and Meet the Fae. 2021-11-12. Nerdist. en-US.
  60. Web site: Liptak. Andrew. 2019-09-13. Explore Carnival Row With This Official RPG While You Wait For Season 2. 2021-11-12. Tor.com. en-US.
  61. Web site: Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Crystal Palace. 2021-11-11. Critical Role. en-US.
  62. Web site: 2020-03-31. Bingeworthy: 'Critical Role' Productions Edition. 2021-11-11. Nerds & Beyond. en-US.
  63. Web site: Pub Draw: Drawing Hana with Erika Ishii. 2021-11-11. Critical Role. en-US.
  64. Web site: Cinderbrush: A Monsterhearts Story (A Critical Role One-Shot). 2021-11-11. Critical Role. en-US.
  65. September 16, 2020 . The Calyx - "Saturnine Chalice" Part 1/2 - Cthulhu RPG - Erika Ishii, Aabria Iyengar, Paula Deming . YouTube. March 28, 2022 . Good Time Society.
  66. Web site: June 2021. DIMENSION 20 Brings Aabria Iyengar in to GM MISFITS AND MAGIC Releasing This Month. 2021-07-01. GeekTyrant. en-US.
  67. Web site: Good. Owen S.. 2021-07-28. Dimension 20 goes back to school with a new season this August. 2021-07-28. Polygon. en.
  68. Web site: July 11, 2021. Now on YouTube: Becca Scott and an all-star cast plays 'The Auction', one of the scenarios from the Call of Cthulhu Classic Kickstarter. 2021-11-12. Chaosium Inc.. en.
  69. Web site: Diaz. Ana. 2021-11-05. D&D Battle for Beyond is a star-studded new actual play series. 2021-11-12. Polygon. en-US.
  70. News: Galvis. Michael. November 1, 2021. Join the Battle for Beyond, a 6-Part Dungeons & Dragons Campaign Coming Nov. 12!. 2021-11-12. D&D Beyond. en-us. Press release. Erika Ishii (@erikaishii) is known for their voiceover work in games and animation. You might recognize them as Valkyrie in Apex Legends, Ana Bray and Kridis in Destiny 2, and as Lumu in the upcoming Halo Infinite. They have also performed with and produced for media outlets, including Critical Role, Geek & Sundry, Nerdist, and CollegeHumor. Erika is playing Leila in Battle for Beyond..
  71. 1527527526607622144. CriticalRole. A fae-touched friend?? Welcome Dusk played by the wonderfully talented @erikaishii! #CriticalRoleSpoilers [Image]. Critical Role. Critical Role. May 20, 2022. May 21, 2022.
  72. Web site: Stewart . CK . The Adventure Zone guide: how to listen to the McElroy podcast franchise in chronological order . Popverse . en . 23 June 2023.
  73. Filmed Before A Live Studio Audience. 2022-01-10. 2023-05-25. Game Changer. Dropout. en-US.
  74. Name A Number. 2022-12-26. 2023-05-25. Game Changer. Dropout. en-US.
  75. Web site: Carter . Chase . September 20, 2023 . Dimension 20 evokes Watership Down in new D&D actual play season featuring a family of stoats . September 20, 2023 . Dicebreaker . en.
  76. Web site: Marshall . Cass . 2023-09-20 . Dimension 20 returns with an adventure starring a family of stoats . 2023-09-20 . Polygon . en-US.
  77. Web site: The Adventure Zone: Abnimals Ep. 1: Bunny Heist! . Maximum Fun . 26 September 2024.
  78. Web site: Radulovic . Petrana . September 5, 2024 . The Twenty-Sided Tavern invites special guests to join the party . September 7, 2024 . . en-US.
  79. 1834246407282176087 . DnDTST . Alert the realms! Three of the most dynamic voices in tabletop gaming are taking to @DnDTST stage for select weeks! See @FeliciaDay (Sept 19-24), Aabria Iyengar (Sept 26-Oct 7), and @erikaishii (Dec 5-17) in this must-see theatrical event. ️: [Link][Promotional images including one which lists Ishii as the Warrior] . Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern . September 12, 2024 . October 6, 2024.

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