Cars 2 Japanese Dub -
Japanese script adapters didn’t just translate—they localized:
📌 Some jokes are completely rewritten. That’s a plus if you’ve seen the English version too many times.
One major criticism of Cars 2 in the West was the confusing plot involving alternative fuel (Allinol) and eco-terrorism. The Japanese dub cleverly side-steps these political nuances.
The standout feature of the Japanese dub is undoubtedly the casting of Gorō Kishitani as Finn McMissile.
In the English version, Michael Caine plays the role straight—a classic, gravelly-voiced British spy. It is a perfect fit. However, Kishitani brings a different flavor to the character. In Japan, Kishitani is the official Japanese dubbing voice for Daniel Craig’s James Bond. By casting him as McMissile, Pixar created a direct, meta-textual link to the 007 franchise. cars 2 japanese dub
When Kishitani speaks, Japanese audiences immediately hear "Bond." This adds a layer of authenticity and coolness to the spy thriller elements of the film that is distinct from the English version. Kishitani’s voice is smoother and slightly more youthful than Caine’s, making the character feel like a dynamic action hero rather than just a veteran mentor.
“Forget the haters – Cars 2 in Japanese is a whole new movie. Mater voiced by a legendary anime actor. Tokyo race that finally feels authentic. And yes, it’s better than the English dub in some scenes. 🇯🇵🚗💥 #Cars2 #Pixar #JapaneseDub #AnimeVoiceActing”
The Japanese dub of (released as カーズ 2) is a notable example of Pixar's commitment to cultural localization, particularly because a significant portion of the film's first act takes place in Tokyo. The Japanese Voice Cast
The dubbing was handled by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation and features a cast of prominent Japanese voice actors (Seiyuu) and celebrities. Lightning McQueen: Voiced by Hiroshi Tsuchida , who replaced Miki Shinichiro from the first film. Mater: Voiced by Tomomitsu Yamaguchi 📌 Some jokes are completely rewritten
, a comedian and actor who brings a distinct Japanese comedic flair to the character. Finn McMissile: Voiced by Hochu Otsuka , a veteran actor known for his deep, authoritative voice. Holley Shiftwell: Voiced by
, a famous actress frequently cast in high-profile anime and dubbed roles. Cultural Localization and "Carification"
Pixar’s localization team went beyond simple translation to ensure the film felt authentic to a Japanese audience.
Visual Adaptations: The production team designed hundreds of custom signs for the Tokyo scenes, translating them into Japanese and often "carifying" them (e.g., adding car parts like air filters to building architecture). One major criticism of Cars 2 in the
Audio Details: Common sound effects were localized; for instance, "honk" and "beep" were replaced with the Japanese equivalents "poo" and "peep".
Musical Inclusion: The Japanese pop group Perfume contributed the song "Polyrhythm" to the soundtrack, which plays during the World Grand Prix welcome party in Tokyo. Regional Character Variations
While many international versions of Cars 2 replaced the character Jeff Gorvette with a regional racing celebrity, the Japanese theatrical release surprisingly kept Jeff Gorvette in the Tokyo party scene. However, the Japanese-inspired racer Shu Todoroki (inspired by the Mazda 787B) is a major character in the World Grand Prix, though he notably does not have a speaking role in the film itself. Reception in Japan
The film was released in Japanese cinemas on July 30, 2011. While the visuals of Tokyo—including references to capsule hotels, vending machines, and high-tech toilets—were praised for their detail, some Japanese critics felt the spy-centric plot was overly complex for a children's film. Shu Todoroki | Pixar Cars Wiki | Fandom