Minami Takayama is a highly respected Japanese voice actress and singer, born on May 5, 1964, in Tokyo, Japan. She is affiliated with the talent agency 81 Produce. Takayama is also widely recognized as the lead vocalist and composer for the popular J-pop duo TWO-MIX.

Takayama's path to becoming a voice actor began after a brief period working as an office lady. Encouraged by compliments on her distinctive voice, she decided at the age of 22 to pursue her initial interest in voice work, which had been sparked by a high school radio contest. She joined 81 Produce and made her debut in 1987. Early in her career, she struggled to land heroine roles and was advised by sound directors to sound more feminine. After consulting with her manager, she shifted her focus to auditioning for boy roles, a decision that would define her career. This new direction led to her first starring role as Yōichi Ajiyoshi in Mister Ajikko later that same year.

A significant early milestone was being personally chosen by director Hayao Miyazaki to voice both Kiki and Ursula in the 1989 Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service. This role brought her widespread recognition. The early 1990s saw her establish herself as a leading voice for young male characters, with prominent roles like the title character in Moomin, Honmaru Edojō in Magical Taruruto-kun, and Yaiba Kurogane in Kenyu Densetsu Yaiba. Her work on Yaiba brought her to the attention of manga artist Gosho Aoyama.

In 1993, she began her long-running role as the lead character Rantarō Inadera in Nintama Rantarō. However, her most iconic and enduring role began in 1996 when she was cast as the protagonist Conan Edogawa in the anime adaptation of Gosho Aoyama's Detective Conan. Her performance, which masterfully switches between the childish voice of Conan and the sharp intellect of his older self, Shinichi Kudo, has become legendary. This role has continued for decades, encompassing the long-running television series and numerous theatrical films.

Beyond her voice acting, Takayama has enjoyed a significant career in music. In 1995, she formed the musical unit TWO-MIX with lyricist Shiina Nagano, for which she provided vocals, composition, and arrangement. The duo achieved great success with theme songs for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, such as "Just Communication" and "Rhythm Emotion". In a notable meta moment, Takayama and Nagano appeared as themselves in episodes 81 and 82 of Detective Conan, with their characters becoming involved in a case.

Takayama's filmography is extensive and diverse, showcasing her versatility. She has taken on a wide array of roles, from the cold and calculating Nabiki Tendo in Ranma ½ to the villainous Envy in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. She has voiced major characters in long-running series such as Kitarō in GeGeGe no Kikitarō and the mother of Suneo in the 2005 reboot of Doraemon. In more recent years, her notable roles include Hajime Hinata and Izuru Kamukura in the Danganronpa series, Child Emperor in One Punch Man, Hao Asakura in the 2021 Shaman King adaptation, and Fu Hua in the game Honkai Impact 3rd. Her talent and enduring popularity have been recognized with the Synergy Award at the 5th Seiyu Awards in 2011.