Banana Fish English Fandub

Project Overview

Hello and welcome everyone! I have decided to produce an English Fandub for the anime Banana Fish! This series is one of the highlights of the anime that premiered in 2018 and has greatly impacted so many people including myself, and yet STILL NO OFFICIAL ENGLISH DUB has been released to this day. That is why I decided to take matters into my own hands and dedicate myself to producing it for this gem of a series!


This will be a big project that will extend over the next few months. It will be demanding but also extremely rewarding as we create something incredible!  

For this project, I do not intend to dub full length episodes, but rather to dub various scenes throughout the series ranging from episodes 1-24 and post them on YouTube. This may change depending on how well the project goes and if we receive enough support.


Plot Summary:  Cursed by his captivating beauty, Ash Lynx has attracted attention from the wrong crowd for most of his life. When he was still a boy he was taken in by “Papa” Dino of the New York Mafia and forced to live a horrid life. By age 17, he becomes a gang leader and attempts to survive in the crazy streets of downtown New York.  One day the secret that drove Ash’s older brother mad in Vietnam fell into the hands of “Papa” Dino, at the worst possible time when Eiji Okumura, a kind Japanese boy, has a fated encounter with the notorious Ash Lynx. The main plot follows Ash and his friends as they try to figure out what is going on with this mysterious substance. 


The Banana Fish manga written by Akemi Yoshida originally ran from 1985-1994 and is notably one of the most impactful manga of its time and genre. It’s essentially a crossover between shounen and shoujo, giving it a very unique and interesting feel. The story originally took place during the 80s, but the anime adaptation was modernized to the 2010s to give it a more current and hip vibe that resonated better with the newer audience.  

Tags: Action-thriller, adventure, psychological


Warning: This series contains many references to mature themes and topics such as human trafficking, trauma, rape, child pornagraphy, and gang violence. There will also be some use of strong language. If you are interested in being a part of this project, you will need to be comfortable with this type of content. 


Important note: There are a few misconceptions that I would like to take this time to clarify. This series is not a BL or yaoi as you may hear about in various places on the webs. Banana Fish is an action thriller that includes some lgbt themes. In no way does this series glorify the mature topics that it touches upon nor does it fetishize m/m relationships. The themes are represented in a serious manner as the overall tone of this series is mature.


Rules:

Must be 16+ to audition


Have decent mic (preferably XLR mic, Blue Yeti etc)


Be ready to commit to project


Have Discord. We will use this to keep in contact and up to date with the project.

Be able to deal with mature, dark scenes (most scenes will be lighter though).

Refrain from starting petty arguments and drama. If you have any issues please discuss it with me before starting drama.


Final notes: If you are interested in being a part of this project and you haven’t already seen Banana Fish I strongly recommend that you watch it. It is such a tragically beautiful story, and it will definitely leave you pondering about this crazy world that we live in. One of my main motivations for starting this project is to help it reach to wider audiences, as it is such a well-crafted work. I hope that it will become something meaningful to others as well. 


If you have any questions at all please contact me either here or on my personal Twitter. 


For more updates about the production, follow @bf_fandub on Twitter!


Also I would like to ask those with interest to please help share this page around so that we can build up some excitement and find some really great voice actors for these lovely characters!!


Thank you and good luck with the auditions!


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Latest Updates

  • Final results

    Thank you so much to everyone who auditioned and showed interest in this project! We will be posting the results/final casting in just a few more days! Thank you for your patience and can't wait to get started :)
  • Deadline is pushed back two more weeks

    There has been quite a great response to the casting call thus far, thank you to all who have submitted auditions! Unfortunately, we still haven't received enough auditions for our lead role Eiji Okumura. Finding someone who can pull off his Japanese accent has proven more difficult then I had anticipated. As such, we will be extending the deadline for just two more weeks to hopefully find someone who can play as Eiji. In regards to the other roles, we have received enough auditions to make a promising casting choice. However, we will hold off on announcing the final cast members until after two weeks. Thank you and good luck everyone!!
  • Deadline has been extended to Oct 16

    Unfortunately we have not yet received enough auditions to cast parts for all of the roles, so we will be extending the auditions an additional month! To those who have already submitted auditions we really appreciate your interest in the project! Thank you so much for your patience!
Director
Director
Assistant director
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

I would like to have someone who can assist with leading the project and doing various tasks such as interacting/engaging with the group, making sure that lines are turned in, encouraging members, word documents for schedule and scripts, help run possible group rehearsals etc.

I'll probably pick around two people!

If you are interested please send me a message on here or through Twitter!

  • Say something you think would fit

Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
Mixer
open
Unpaid

For this project, I will be handling the majority of the mixing, (sfx and vocals and bgms). However, I'm still learning and as it is my goal to produce decent audio quality throughout the project I am seeking assistance. For this reason, I am opening up this form in hopes of finding someone who has a decent amount of experience with mixing voices to help with the project. I would mostly like you to give critique/feedback during the mixing process as to how we can improve overall quality. And it would also be great if you can help do the final mix (mastering of audio).

If you are interested please send me an email at karida.yume @gmail.com  or message me on Twitter @LidaYume including the following information:

Name, country or region, main mixing program used, amount of experience, possible links to previous projects, and what you are comfortable helping with.

If you have any questions, feel free to include those as well!

Thanks!

  • Say something you think would fit

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Ash Lynx
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

Age: 17

Nationality: American (His dad was Irish immigrant, so he has a faint Irish accent)

Voice sample: Here (contains mild spoilers but nothing major, includes some audition lines)


Cursed by his captivating beauty and light green eyes, many people are drawn to him and have taken advantage of him for most of his life. He was taken in by Golzine of the New York Mafia when he was young and forced to live a horrid life. By age 17, he became a gang leader of downtown NYC.

He is perceived as a ruthless cold killer, his charismatic nature and natural beauty captivate those around him and makes him a constant target.

Ash’s true nature, however, is his kind-heartedness and deep love and consideration for his gang members and friends. He will do anything to protect those closest to him, this is especially true for Eiji, who’s the first person to treat Ash as a normal person and care for him. Eiji’s innocent and caring nature allows Ash to open up and be the young teenage boy that he could never be growing up in the dark streets. 

Traits: Intelligent, cunning, resourceful, loyal, brave, strong-willed, stubborn, reckless at times


Accent: He should have a Mid-Western and New York accent hybrid. The New York accent is noticeable but not too thick.

Voice: Smooth, clear, charming. He usually has a distant coldness to his voice when speaking to strangers and adults, especially Dino. He addresses his friends with a more playful, relaxed tone. Take special note of the tone he uses when he is speaking to Eiji. He uses a familiar and gentle tone, one that reflects his fondness of Eiji and how much he cares about him.

For an idea of his vocal range please check this video with the actor River Phoenix: Here 




  • (Talking to his gang and giving them orders firmly.)  

    You guys gather as much info as you can. The number of men, their races. Who the bosses are, their hideouts. But be careful. Remember that you’re in danger, too. Stay alert! 

  • (To a prisoner that previously assaulted him, there are two others on the sidelines. Ash has the upper hand) (see voice sample link 0:09-0:46) 

    I told you that it was just that once. [Holds fork to his neck] You strangling me, or me stabbing your throat. Who do you think is quicker? 

  • (This next scene shows Ash’s more innocent and vulnerable side that he only shows to Eiji.)

    This stinks too. Do Japanese people only eat stinky food? I’m in the middle of my growth spurt. Not like some old geezer. What’s wrong, “big bro”? You’d have to go back 15 years if you want to beat me up.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Eiji Okumura
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: KoreHan

Age: 19

Nationality: Japanese (he has strong accent when speaking English)

Voice sample: Here

 

Born and raised in Japan. He is a former pole vault athlete. Due to a few setbacks in college, Ibe decided to bring Eiji with him to America as his photography assistant so that he could get away and have some fresh, new experiences.

Eiji is a sweet, cheerful boy who cares deeply for his friends, and looks out for the people around him more often than he does for himself. He and Ash develop a strong friendship, and although faced with constant danger and having no prior exposure to gang violence, Eiji is not afraid to be a part of Ash’s dark world.

Traits: Honest, warm-hearted, caring, child-like at times, selfless, loyal, strong-willed, stubborn

 

Accent: This character mostly speaks with a thick Japanese accent and a few of the lines will be in Japanese when he speaks to Ibe. Would be great if the actor speaks or knows some Japanese. When he says Ash’s name he pronounces it like “Asshu” 

 

Voice: Overall, his voice should be calming and soft. His presence is comforting to those around him. He expresses his emotions very openly and is bad at lying. He hardly ever raises his voice or gets angry, and if he does it’s because he’s defending his friends or being stubborn. 


  • [To Ash] Is that real gun? ....[thoughts] Of course it's real, man I feel stupid. [Aloud] In Japan only model guns are legal. Can I see it for a moment? [holding the gun] Wow, it's so heavy! Ehh~~ Thank you, I appreciate it. [returns gun] Can I ask you something? ….Have you ever...killed anyone?

  • [Very intense moment, Eiji shows his determination] Then are we just going to die here?! If I'm going to die anyway, at least I will die trying! 

  • [Gently comforting Ash] Ash. It's okay...My words might not mean anything now, but just remember one thing. Even if the world turns on you, I’ll always be on your side. I’ll stay by your side. That is, if you don’t mind.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Shorter Wong
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: chrisw

Age: around 21

Nationality: Chinese-American

Voice sample: Here

 

He is gang leader of Chinatown, and best friends with Ash Lynx. He provides support to both his and Ash’s gang whenever he can. He’s a brave, fun-loving, goofy guy with a big heart and is loyal to his friends and those closest to him. He likes showing off his culinary skills whatever chance he gets.

Traits: loyal, jokes a lot, passionate, brave.

 

Accent/Voice: He has a New York accent that is fairly thick. He likes to joke a lot but his serious moments are very heavy and emotional. I would like the actor playing him to be fairly comfortable with this mood switch.



  • Haven't lost your touch, eh? Great to have you back, Ash

  • The hell I will! How the hell are you gonna do anything on your own?  

    Dumbass, it's my problem too! So many of my guys have been killed by Arthur already. If you go alone, you'll just be killed. You'll die for nothing!

  • [To Ash who commented on his not so great cooking skills] Aww, give me a break man. I'm actually the next owner of the great Chang Dai, y'know.

    [upset, serious] I used to respect you guys. My parents said all the time that it's all thanks to the Lees that we can survive in this foreign land. So no matter what bad rumors I heard about the Lees, I never doubted you. [increase intensity] But now...Not anymore. You're the same as him and his guys. You're all maggots sucking the living blood of others! 

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Lee Yut-Lung
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: MedleyOfVoices

Age: 16

Nationality: Chinese 

Voice sample: Here


Youngest son of the distinguished Lee family. Similar to Ash he grew up in a pretty dark environment. He is filled with sorrow and hate because of how his mother was killed when he was young. He hates the world and everyone in it. He sees Ash as his rival because of their seemingly similar nature.

Traits: Conceited, cunning, immature, deceitful, intelligent


Voice: His voice is very smooth and his speech is elegant. He has almost as much charm as Ash. His charm is more so "upper class, looks down on others arrogant" type. Please include this in your interpretation.



  • (evil laugh) You will follow my orders from now on. Consider my words to be my brother's words.

  • The blood shed in the shadow of prosperity is darkness behind the light. I was destined to rule that darkness. Which is why I was given the "moon" for my name.

  • A friend? What a joke. You think so highly of yourself compared to that peerless Ash Lynx? He has no need for friends. Ash is a wild beast. A beautiful beast, free and uncontrollable.  All he needs are those that idolize him and those like Arthur who defy him. He doesn't need anyone else.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Max Lobo
open
Unpaid

Age 32

Nationality: American 

Voice sample: Here


He’s a former column writer, and served some time in the military, he is Ash’s brother’s best friend (they went to war together). He cares about seeking the truth and will go to any lengths to make that happen even if he has to go against the mafia. He is one of Ash’s greatest allies. As the story progresses he grows to become a father figure to Ash and cares for him as a son.

Traits: loyal, caring, strong-willed, outgoing, hard-worker, brave. 


Accent/Voice: He has a Midwestern accent. As for his voice I'll leave it open to your interpretation.


  • Wassup Shunichi! Long time no see man! ...What’s with the long face, Charlie?

  • Eiji is a strange boy. He’s pretty darn plain, if you know what I mean. He's a really nice boy, but that’s it. For better or for worse, he lacks personality, unlike Ash. He has a strange power though. He comforts the people around him. He’s the exact opposite of Ash.

  • [angry] Wait! Touch them and I’ll put a bullet through your brain! 

    ________________________________________


    [To Ash, teasing] That supercomputer brain of yours runs a little slow when it comes to Eiji? Algorithms awry? Not quite the same kind of "stuff" as unraveling political conspiracies, eh?

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Shunichi Ibe
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: deleted307240

Age: 27

Nationality: Japanese

Voice sample: Here


He is a photographer who brings Eiji with him to America for work. He is super protective of Eiji and treats him like a kid. He thinks highly of Eiji, who saved his college career with the "fly boy" photo of Eiji during his pole vaulting days.

Traits: Caring, worrywart, innocent


Accent/Voice: This character mostly speaks with a thick Japanese accent and a few of the lines will be in Japanese when he speaks to Eiji. Would be great if the actor speaks or knows some Japanese. 


  • Uh, I’m photographer from Japan. I want to ask about your gang for magazine article. // Before that, may I take your picture?

  • ちっちょっと、やばいよえいちゃん! (Ch-chotto, yabai yo Ei-chan!) (Eng: You shouldn't say that, Ei-chan)

  • (to Max) They really had fun time when we were at Cape Cod. They’d look like boys just having fun if it weren’t for the gun. It was comforting to watch.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Charlie Dickinson
open
Unpaid

Age: Mid-30s~

Nationality: American

Voice sample: Here


He is a cop in the NYPD.  He is that one friendly cop that seems to always be on the good side. He is friends with Ibe and Max and has their back whenever they need it. He also has a neutral relationship with Ash and sometimes tries to help him when he’s in trouble. 


Accent/Voice: He has a Midwestern accent. For his voice, I'll leave it open to your interpretation.


  • It must be tough having such a troublesome younger brother.

    It's not like we don't do anything because we don't want to. But we don't have proof

  • (To Eiji) Because he saved you. He tried to save you even if it meant risking his and Skip's life. He might lend an ear to what you have to say 


  • Ash, listen I have to say this. Stay calm and listen.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Sing Soo-Ling
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Noriyaki_Kekyoin

Age: 14

Nationality: Chinese American

Voice sample: Here


One of the youngest bosses in Chinatown. He is very protective of his gang, he would do anything to keep them safe. He can also be extremely reckless at times, charging at fights without thinking about his own life. He is very rash and lashes out at anyone who he thinks could be a danger to him and his gang. Though he may seem cold and calculated to strangers, he is extremely loyal to friends and family. Especially to Shorter, who is his cousin. He is feisty but reliable when it counts.

Traits: protective, aggressive, loyal, fun-loving


Voice: I'll leave it open to your interpretation


  • I’m Sing Soo-Ling, Despite how it looks, I’m the boss of Chinatown. 

  • (to Yut Lung) You know, I don’t hate you. But you did wrong this time, if you’re going to tag up with Golzine and be shady...then I might just side with Eiji.

  • Sorry, Lao. I’ve dragged you in too deep to turn back… [raises his voice, frustrated] Look Lao, he’s the only one who can keep downtown together! Without him, there will be another Arthur. Senseless killings all day. I’ve made up my mind, okay? If you disagree then leave.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Frederick Arthur
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: NickCance

Age: around 20-21

Nationality: American

Voice sample: Here


He is affiliated with gangs, specifically the one Ash is in charge of and Dino's. He is very spiteful and despises Ash and desperately wants to get his revenge against him for encounters they’ve had in the past. He is very cruel, controlling and will betray anyone in order to get what he wants. He wants to obtain power and rule over others.

Traits: Vengeful, Sly, Cunning, Resourceful, Stubborn 


Accent/Voice: Midwestern with slight NYC accent. His voice should sound rough and a little raspy.


  • He missed on purpose, you dumbass. Just close enough to nick their skin. He doesn’t look it, but you gotta play dirty if you want to beat him...Gotta pay him back for these fingers.

  • (afraid of Ash) Shut your brainless crap! He’s just a human. Just another goddamn punk. Don’t glorify him!


Voice Actor
Voice Actor
"Papa" Dino Golzine
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: BenGranger

Age: Senior

Nationality: American

Voice Sample: Here


He is the main antagonist and Mafia boss in NYC, he took Ash off the streets and turned him into his sex toy and protege.

He is a scummy old man, power and status hungry. He has a sick twisted love towards Ash and wants to tame and control him, but given Ash’s rebellious nature, he does not make it easy for him.

Traits: Scummy, obsessive, evil


Voice: I'll leave his voice open to your interpretation.


  • Morning Ash, I was just having breakfast. Care to join me? // Ash, I’ve told you time and time again to take your hands out of your pockets when you’re talking to me. You want my men to take it off for you?

  • Get him! Catch him alive and drag him back to me!

  • I found him. I polished and taught him. I created him. He's mine.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
"Blanca" Sergei Varishikov
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: OfficialHotBox

Age: 32

Nationality: Russian

Voice Sample: Here


He is an ex-KGB agent and one of the most proficient assassins in the world, someone that even Ash fears. He is morally ambiguous so it's hard to tell which side he is on. He was Ash's previous mentor by Golzine's request in the past, but currently it is unclear whether he is an ally or foe. 

Traits: Stealthy, mysterious 


  • (To Ash) This will be the last time I give you a word of advice. When I heard you turned against the monsieur, I was surprised. I thought you’d already gotten over your past animosity, you see. But I understood why when I saw that Japanese boy. But what you want just isn’t possible. A rabbit and a lynx can’t ever become friends.

  • (To Ash) Hello, little Kitten. You've grown.| Don't worry I'm enjoying my retirement. The Caribbean is great. The bright sun, and the chocolate colored girls.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Cain Blood
open
Unpaid

Age: N/A (probably 20s)

Nationality: African-American

Voice Sample: Here


Strong fearless guy with notable leadership skills. He hates being controlled or taking anyone else’s orders. He wants to be in charge and make his own rules. Cain is also a man who respects those who observe honor and who are not cowards. He and Ash are on good terms, as he respects his level of authority.

Traits: Fearless, honorable, reliable


Accent/Voice: Probably a little bit of New York accent? But you can audition without this accent, just go for what you think would suit him. His voice should be deep and sound relaxed.

  • (To Ash) You’re just like the rumors say. Like a pretty peacock in a dump. So what do you want?

    I’ll be straightforward, I don’t give a holy shit about your war. You better not drag me into it.

    (laugh) A smooth talker too. I like him.



Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Skipper
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: piratewarrior64

Age: pre-teen

Nationality: African-American

Voice sample: Here


Ash’s little buddy. He helps Ash take care of his sick brother. 

Trails: Bubbly, bright and adorable. Must be protected


  • (to Ash) Boss, you’re back early! Charlie called to say the Japanese guy is coming the day after tomorrow…. But now the cops will own you one. (wink)

  • Hey, Eiji. Let me buy you a drink.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Alex
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: ThatOneNerd102

Age: around 18-19

Nationality: American

Voice Sample: Here


Second in command in Ash’s gang. Ash puts a lot of trust in him.

Traits: Reliable, fun, serious when it counts


Voice: I'll leave it open to interpretation.


  • (To Ash) Now that you’re back, we won’t let Arthur have his way!

    Almost every one. Only 2 groups other than the Chinese are still somewhat neutral.

    They’re too afraid to do anything.

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Lao Yuen-tai
closed
Unpaid
cast offsite

Age: 18

Nationality: Chinese-American

Voice sample: Here


He’s the older half brother of Sing So-ling and he’s also a part of the Chinese gang. He hates Ash because of complications regarding the former Chinatown boss and constantly questions why Sing is so friendly with Ash and follows his orders. He wants Sing to take more charge and not follow Ash’s lead. These feelings of disdain and anger towards Ash keeps growing and growing over the course of the series. 


Accent/Voice: Midwestern with a little bit of New York accent. Reference voice sample to get a feel for the type of tone he uses. His voice should sound aggressive and a bit angry for most of his lines.

Traits: protective, aggressive, loyal



  • [To fellow gang members] Where the fuck's Willie and Yang? [Ash: They were caught.] What?! If you knew, why didn’t you help them?!

    [To Cain, angry] Since when were you in Ash’s shadow, Cain? Don’t act like you aren’t. You’re letting a white boy boss you around.

  • [To Sing, after an argument about Lao not following following Ash’s orders. Lao lets Sing have his way.]

    Fine. Have it your way. But I’ll never bow down to Ash Lynx. I’ll never acknowledge him, no matter what you say!

  • [To Yue Lung, about being commissioned to kill Eiji. Lao is hesitant.]

    I won’t do it anymore! Why do I have to kill that little amateur brat? I can’t kill a guy who hasn’t done anything. If you want me to kill Ash, fine, but...

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Jessica
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Catzilla

Age: N/A

Nationality: American

Voice sample: Here


She is bold and feisty and not afraid to get involved and take action. She works as a journalist. She is Max Lobo’s ex-wife, and they have a son named Max together.

She doesn't have many scenes so this will be a small part 


Accent/Voice: Very slight southern accent in her Midwestern accent. 


  • (To Max) You better thank Shunichi. If it wasn’t for him you’d be dead meat by now. You boys look pretty hot. Want to become a model for our magazine? 


    You made a living out of taking shots of girl's cooches, what's wrong with me doing the same?!


Voice Actor
Voice Actor
"The Fly" weapons dealer
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: KhalilJarrettVO

Age: N/A (maybe late 20s?)

Nationality: Afterican-American

Voice sample: Here


Dealer of weapons and various other things. He’s cool and has a chipper personality.

He doesn’t show up often so this will be a very small part.


Voice: I will leave it open to your interpretation.


  • Hey, my man. It’s me. Don’t put a hole in me now.

    Yo! I brought the goods you asked for! See? Just the way you like it. 

    You still like that old-fashioned revolver?

Voice Actor
Voice Actor
Nadia Wong
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to: Isabel Ye

Age: Early to mid-twenties

Nationality: Chinese-American

Voice sample: Here

 

She is Shorter's older sister. She works at their family restaurant Chang Dai. Supportive and always looking out for her brother.

Traits: Calm and collected.

She will only have a few lines so this will be a small role 


Accent/Voice: Midwestern accent with a bit of NYC.


  • He hasn’t come home for a while now. Some bad men are after him. But the cops don’t do anything. You let the street kids kill each other.


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