In 2010, Disney released a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel, in the form of the animated film Tangled. The movie's success was not limited to its English-speaking audience, as it was soon dubbed into numerous languages, including Japanese. The Japanese dub of Tangled, also known as "Tangled: Yūgen no Susume" or "Tangled: The Entangled Thread," offers a fascinating case study on the challenges and opportunities of dubbing a beloved animated film for a new cultural context.
, though Nakagawa eventually sang the Rapunzel parts in later Disney projects and live performances. Voiced by Hiroshi Hatano . Mother Gothel: Voiced by 剣幸 (Koh Tsurugi)
/ "I See the Light"), ensuring the difficult high notes and operatic elements met the standard of Disney’s musical legacy. Supporting Cast and Character Nuance
eventually took over both the speaking and singing roles, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
The Japanese dub of Disney's (known in Japan as Rapunzel on the Tower Tō no ue no Rapunzeru
Have you watched the Tangled Japanese dub? Do you prefer Rapunzel’s English "fight song" or her Japanese "lullaby"? Let us know in the comments below.
Yoshio Inoue , a veteran of the Takarazuka Revue (an all-female musical theater troupe), voices Flynn Rider/Eugene. His background in theater shines through. He plays the character with a suave, almost Shakespearean confidence that contrasts beautifully with Kutsuna’s innocence. The chemistry between the two is palpable, particularly in the romantic scenes, which feel slightly more mature and poignant in Japanese.
Flynn Rider (Eugene) is a massive challenge to dub. His humor relies heavily on 2000s American sarcasm. Enter .