Joshua Waters has carved out a significant niche in the contemporary entertainment landscape, particularly within the competitive realms of anime dubbing and independent animation. As of mid-2026, their portfolio has expanded to include some of the most anticipated projects of the decade, showcasing a vocal range that shifts seamlessly from gentle introspection to intense, high-stakes drama. Whether you are tracking their early breakout performances or looking for the latest 2026 releases, the body of work attributed to Joshua Waters reflects a versatile artist who has become a staple in modern English-language adaptations.

The Defining Role: Yoshikazu Miyano in Sasaki and Miyano

When discussing the television shows that defined the career of Joshua Waters, the conversation often begins with Sasaki and Miyano. Premiering in 2022 and continuing its influence through the 2023 movie Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation, this series represents a cornerstone of their filmography. Waters provides the English voice for Yoshikazu Miyano, a character whose complexity lies in his initial denial of his own feelings and his deep obsession with BL (Boys' Love) manga.

The performance in this series is often cited for its nuance. Waters manages to capture the rapid-fire internal monologues and the high-pitched social anxiety of the character without losing the grounded, emotional core. The success of the TV series led directly to the OVA A Little Story Before I Realized I Was in Love and the theatrical release, making it one of the most comprehensive projects in their resume. The chemistry established in the dub has remained a high-water mark for modern romance anime adaptations.

Cinematic Achievements: Inu-Oh and Beyond

In the world of feature films, Joshua Waters' involvement in Masaaki Yuasa's Inu-Oh (2021) marked a significant artistic milestone. Voicing the titular lead, Inu-Oh, required a performance that was as much about rhythmic expression as it was about traditional acting. The film, a stylized musical retelling of a 14th-century Japanese performer, demanded a voice that could convey transformation—both physical and spiritual.

Waters' work in Inu-Oh demonstrated an ability to handle avant-garde material, contributing to the film's critical acclaim in the English-speaking world. This cinematic presence continued with the 2024 film My Hero Academia: You're Next, where they provided additional voices, further solidifying their relationship with major theatrical anime releases. These roles show a trajectory from lead performances in niche artistic films to supporting roles in global blockbusters.

Leading the 2025-2026 Television Season

The current 2026 season and the preceding year have been particularly prolific for Joshua Waters. One of the most talked-about transitions in their career has been the move into Donghua (Chinese animation) dubbing, specifically the lead role in Lord of Mysteries (2025). As Klein Moretti, Waters takes on a monumental task, voicing a protagonist in a sprawling Victorian-inspired steampunk world filled with eldritch horrors and complex power systems. The role of Klein requires a balance of strategic intelligence and the weary resilience of a man trapped in a world he doesn't understand, and the 2025 run of the show has been widely praised for its high production values and vocal depth.

As we move through April 2026, several new TV shows featuring Waters have hit the airwaves:

  • Hana-Kimi (2026): In this new adaptation of the classic series, Waters voices Minami Nanba. The role allows for a more charismatic, energetic performance compared to their previous quiet roles, showcasing a shift toward the "charming leader" archetype.
  • Sentenced to be a Hero (2026): Voicing Luzulas Dotta, Waters participates in a grittier, darker fantasy narrative. This show, which began its run earlier this year, highlights their ability to fit into the "anti-hero" ensemble cast that has become popular in recent seasonal lineups.
  • In the Clear Moonlit Dusk (2026): Taking on the role of Kohaku Ichimura, Waters returns to the shoujo/romance genre, providing a voice for a character that demands a balance of "cool" exterior and emotional vulnerability.

Sports Anime and High-Energy Roles

Joshua Waters has also established a strong presence in the sports genre, which requires a specific type of vocal stamina. Their work in Blue Lock (specifically the second season and the U-20 Japan arc) as Shuto Sendo brought them into one of the most popular franchises in current animation. Sendo, a striker with a distinct personality, allows Waters to lean into the competitive, often aggressive vocalizations necessary for high-intensity sports sequences.

Furthermore, their long-standing involvement with The Prince of Tennis II as Kuranosuke Shiraishi remains a fan favorite. Spanning multiple TV series and the U-17 World Cup Semifinal (2024), Shiraishi is a character defined by the "Perfect Quality" mantra. Waters' performance reflects this precision, maintaining a consistent character voice over several years of the franchise's English dub history.

Breaking New Ground in Video Games and Indie Projects

The scope of Joshua Waters' "movies and TV shows" search query often leads fans to their significant work in video games, which frequently cross over into cinematic storytelling. Their contribution to Honkai: Star Rail as Phai Non and Velite, as well as roles in Genshin Impact (Aarav, Fujing), showcases their versatility within the HoYoverse—a massive part of modern digital entertainment.

In the realm of independent animation, the project Ramshackle has become a viral sensation. Waters voices Stone, a character in a gritty, uniquely designed world that originated as a pilot and expanded due to immense fan support. The Ramshackle pilot and subsequent episodes (including the 2024 releases) represent a different side of their career—one rooted in indie creative freedom and stylized, often dark humor. This project, alongside the web series Inanimate Insanity (where they voice Steve Cobs and other characters), illustrates a career that isn't confined to traditional studio systems.

Diverse Roles in Recent Anime Dubs

To understand the full extent of Joshua Waters' filmography, one must look at the diverse array of supporting and lead roles across various genres in the last few years:

  1. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (2024): As Hikaru Kiyomiya, Waters brings a steady presence to this school-life comedy.
  2. Twilight Out of Focus (2024): Voicing Hisashi Otomo, they returned to the BL genre, delivering a performance that explores the intersections of film club life and personal romance.
  3. Nina the Starry Bride (2024): As Bidoh, Waters participated in a fantasy romance that required a more regal, perhaps slightly mischievous tone.
  4. Tribe Nine (2022): In a feat of vocal flexibility, Waters voiced the quadruplets (Ichiro, Jiro, Saburo, and Shiro), giving each a slight distinction while maintaining the thematic link between the brothers.
  5. Given (2019/2024): Their role as Shizu Sumi Yagi in the Given series and the subsequent Given: The Movie remains a touchstone for fans of emotional, music-driven narratives.

The Evolution of a Vocal Presence

Analyzing the movies and TV shows of Joshua Waters reveals a clear evolution. In the early 2020s, their roles were often characterized by a certain softness or youthfulness—exemplified by Miyano. However, as of 2026, the roles have become increasingly complex. The transition to characters like Klein Moretti in Lord of Mysteries suggests an actor capable of carrying massive, plot-heavy narratives that require a sophisticated level of emotional control.

Their career is also notable for its inclusivity and representation. As a non-binary actor, Waters has often spoken (in various industry contexts) about the importance of authentic casting and the ability of voice acting to transcend traditional gender roles. This is reflected in the wide variety of characters they portray, from the hyper-masculine sports stars to the more delicate and introspective leads in romance titles.

Looking Forward: The 2026-2027 Outlook

With several shows still in production and others currently airing their spring seasons, Joshua Waters' schedule shows no signs of slowing down. Projects like Gachiakuta and the ongoing expansions of the Prince of Tennis universe ensure that their voice will remain a constant in the ears of anime fans. The 2026 landscape for Waters is defined by a mix of high-profile sequels and the debut of new, experimental titles that challenge the boundaries of traditional dubbing.

For those following their work, the sheer volume of credits—spanning over 40 distinct titles in less than a decade—is a testament to their work ethic and the demand for their specific vocal quality. Whether it is the quiet rustle of a library in Sasaki and Miyano or the explosive energy of a Beyblade X match (where they voice Tsubasa Takaya), Joshua Waters continues to shape the way English-speaking audiences experience international animation.

As the industry moves toward more diverse and globalized content, the role of the voice actor has never been more vital. Waters' filmography is a perfect example of how a dedicated artist can bridge the gap between different cultures and media, providing a human heart to animated characters that resonate with millions of viewers worldwide. From the small screen of web shorts to the grand stage of international film festivals, the journey of Joshua Waters remains one of the most compelling narratives in the modern voice-over industry.