There aren't many anime characters that are as popular and recognizable worldwide as Pikachu. While the cute little Electric-type didn't seem like anything special in the original games, its role in the anime cemented it as a pop culture icon. Not only is Pikachu a great mascot character for the Pokemon franchise, but it's also the most recognizable character the series has produced.

You all know the character, but do you know the woman behind the voice? Ikue Otani is a veteran voice actor who's been in the industry since 1986. While most might only think they know her from Pokemon, Otani has had tons of voice acting roles, some of which might surprise you.

Morgana - Persona 5 The Animation

Like Pokemon, the Persona franchise is incredibly successful, with multiple mainline games, spin-offs, and adaptations. The latest mainline addition to the series, Persona 5, introduced Morgana, a strange cat who serves as a party member while also being the game's mascot character.

Otani gets to flex her voice acting muscles much more as Morgana, with this game's mascot character able to fully articulate itself, unlike Pikachu. While intelligent and often looking to do the right thing, Morgana is also incredibly prideful and insecure. Otani does a good job of fleshing Morgana out, and while he can be a little annoying at times, the energy Otani brings to the role makes him a memorable addition to the series.

Mitch Tsuburaya - Detective Conan

While Pokemon might be the most prominent franchise Otani has lent her voice talents to, it's not the only big-time series she's worked on. Anime fans might recognize her as the voice of Mitch Tsuburaya the next time they watch Detective Conan.

Mitch is a smart and well-rounded character, but is a little more reserved than other characters Otani is known for voicing. Mitch might not steal the show, but Otani always does a good job of making him stand out.

Tony Tony Chopper - One Piece

Who would've guessed that the Straw Hat Crew's medic would share a voice with Ash's oldest traveling companion? Chopper definitely has more to say than Pikachu does in a given episode, but you can hear that it's the same voice actor behind both characters, especially when he gets excited, and his voice is raised.

Otani has been voicing Chopper almost as long as she has been voicing Pikachu, with her first appearance as the character coming four years after the first episode of the Pokemon anime aired. Most voice actors would love to have one iconic character to voice throughout their careers. Otani has been doing an amazing job with both Chopper and Pikachu for decades.

Konohamaru Sarutobi - Naruto

Not only has Otani had prominent roles in Pokemon and One Piece, but she's also voiced one of the most popular supporting characters in Naruto: Konohamaru Sarutobi.

Konohamaru falls right into Otani's niche of cutesy or childish characters. She has such an iconic voice that it's hard to miss, but she does enough with Konohamaru's voice that you might miss it if you don't already know.

Sachiko Shinozaki - Corpse Party Series

Every character on this list so far has pretty much been in line with what you'd expect from Pikachu's voice actor. But there's one character Otani voices that fans probably wouldn't expect her to. Though most of her well-known roles are for more tame series, some anime and gaming fans might know her as the voice of the demented Sachiko Shinozaki in the Corpse Party franchise.

A sinister and twisted killer, Sachiko is a vengeful spirit who lures innocent victims into an almost inescapable otherworldly dimension where she and other ghosts pick them off. Not exactly the kind of role you'd associate Otani's iconic voice with. While Sachiko doesn't talk too much throughout the games and OVAs, you can get some hints of Pikachu when she does. You might never see the cheerful little mascot character the same way again once you make the connection.

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