Nobuaki Kakuda is a Japanese martial artist, kickboxer, and referee who has also worked as a voice actor and singer. He was born on April 11, 1961, in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture. His primary career and public identity are rooted in his extensive achievements in martial arts, most notably as a competitor and later an executive producer, referee, and ringside judge for the K-1 fighting organization. His fighting style was rooted in Seidokaikan karate, and he held black belts in multiple disciplines.

Kakuda's entry into voice acting and other entertainment fields began around 2001, building on his fame as a martial artist. His deep, authoritative voice and imposing persona naturally lent themselves to roles that required strength and gravitas. One of his earliest voice roles was as the narrator for the 2001 film Kinnikuman Nisei. He also provided the voice for the Gym Leader Chuck, known as Shijima in the original Japanese version, in the long-running anime series Pokémon.

Kakuda has a notable connection to the Fist of the North Star franchise, which extends beyond his voice work. He voiced the character Akashachi in the 2007 film Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Raoh-den Gekitō no Shō, the second film in the series that focuses on the character Raoh. He also provided a voice for the related series Fist of the Blue Sky (Souten no Ken) as Hōsaku Ōkawa. His deep appreciation for the series is further evidenced by his naming his son Kenshiro and daughter Yuria, after the main protagonist and heroine of the original Fist of the North Star manga and anime.

Other notable voice roles include Mois' Father in the anime series Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunso). In addition to voice acting, Kakuda has contributed to anime as a singer and lyricist. He performed theme songs for pachinko-slot games based on the manga Hana no Keiji and was involved in the music for the Kinnikuman Nisei franchise, including writing lyrics and performing.

Kakuda is also known for his work as an on-screen actor in live-action films, with appearances in movies such as The Wolverine and Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. He is a licensed high school teacher and is proficient in several languages, including English and French. His career is a unique blend of athletic discipline and creative expression, with his identity as a martial artist often informing his public and entertainment persona.