Almost none of the streets in Japan have names, and even when they do, civil planners are pretty haphazard about putting up signs to let you know what they are. As a result, it’s hard to get anywhere in a car without a GPS system guiding you.
But after enough time behind the wheel, you might find yourself getting bored of the default voice chirping out you to “make a right turn in 30 meters.” So if you’re feeling a little burned out on your navigation system, or nabi as it’s known in Japan, now might be the time to update it with the voice of Evangelion’s Asuka, Attack on Titan’s Arumin, or one of dozens of other available anime characters.
On its website, GPS provider Maplus promises “More fun, more pleasure on your navigation life.” We’re not sure we’d call our connection to digital maps a “navigation life,” but there’s no denying the playful spirit behind its Voice Actor Navi series.
Compatible with the company’s Maplus for Smartphone app, Voice Actor Navi currently has a roster of 34 voice actors, ranging from industry veterans to up-and-coming talent. On September 22, Yuko Minaguchi, the voice of Sailor Saturn, fashionable judo girl Yawara, and Nene Anegasaki from smash hit dating simulator LovePlus joined the crew.
This isn’t a way for fading stars to milk a few last bits of revenue out of their dying careers, either. The voices behind some of the industry’s most popular characters are involved, such as Aoi Yuki (Madoka Magica’s Madoka), Ayako Kawasumi (Fate’s Saber), Yuko Miyamura (Evangelion’s Asuka), and Marina Inoue (Attack on Titan’s Armin).
▼ And just look at how happy Madoka and Asuka are! We’re sure no tragedy would ever strike with them tagging along on our outings.
If you’d prefer a masculine voice telling you which way to go, you can choose from Shuichi Ikeda (Gundam’s Char), Tomokazu Sugita (Gintama’s Gintoki), Hikaru Midorikawa (Fushigi Yuugi’s Tamahome), and Tomokazu Seki (G Gundam’s Domon).
▼ “Do you seriously think you’ve got what it takes to keep up with my directions?”
Samples for all of them, plus cast members from Azumanga Daioh, Ranma 1/2, High School of the Dead, and Cardcaptor Sakura can be listened to here on the Voice Actor Navigation website.
Prices range from 315 to 1,000 yen (US$2.90-$9.30), depending on how extensive of a package you want. Let’s be honest, though. If you’re the kind of fan who wants your favorite character’s voice keeping you company on long drives, this isn’t the time you’re going to be worrying about saving a few bucks.
Sources: Response, Hachima Kikou, Maplus
Insert images: Aikotoba, Comic Vine, Maplus




Mother’s Day challenge: Can you name every anime mom in this awesome group illustration?
Want to know who voices that one character in the anime you’re watching? There’s an app for that
New system in Japan lets you pay for shopping with anime character keychains【Photos】
Japanese smart mirror with sexy anime voice will feed women compliments, read their moods【Video】
This Japanese train station has a Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus and lets you ride Eva art trains
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Visiting Japan’s muscular mascot character dog at his free museum near Kansai International Airport
Best burger in Tokyo? JB’s serves up a cheap craft burger that not a lot of people know about
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
New anime AI program animates your art for you when you add a voice clip【Videos】
New game lets you save the world with your vacuum and toaster…who are also beautiful anime girls!