Junko Minagawa Voices Cyborg 001 in Cyborg 009: Nemesis Anime
Cyborg 009: Nemesis anime has added another star to its cast. According to Anime News Network, Junko Minagawa will voice Cyborg 001 (Ivan Whiskey), one of the series' iconic characters. Minagawa is known for roles such as Rozen Maiden's Souseiseki, Kuroshitsuji's Ciel Phantomhive—she is particularly noted for her success in portraying young and intelligent characters. The fact that Cyborg 001 is a baby strategist makes this casting even more meaningful.
So what exactly is Cyborg 009: Nemesis? Announced in 2025, this production is a brand-new adaptation of Shotaro Ishinomori's classic manga Cyborg 009. The original series began in 1964 and told the story of nine cyborg super soldiers. Nemesis brings a modern interpretation; in the story, the 00 Cyborgs face a new threat. Other announced cast members so far include Yasuyuki Kase as Cyborg 002 (Jet Link) and Aoi Yuki as Cyborg 003 (Françoise Arnoul). The studio and release date have not yet been finalized, but the project is expected to air in 2027.
The selection of Junko Minagawa is highly significant given the nature of the character. Cyborg 001, Ivan Whiskey, is merely a baby yet possesses extraordinary intelligence and serves as the team's strategic genius. Minagawa's high-pitched yet sharp voice tone is a talent that can perfectly reflect this contradiction. The voice actress, who previously voiced Barnaby Brooks Jr. in Tiger & Bunny, stands out especially for her success in portraying young but determined characters.
This news comes as a big surprise, especially for classic shonen fans and long-time followers of Cyborg 009. The series previously received anime adaptations in 1968, 1979, and 2001, but none garnered enough attention in the West. The Nemesis project aims to repopularize the series with its high-quality production and strong voice cast. All eyes are now on who will voice the other cyborgs and the release date. More details are expected in the coming months.
