Akio Matsuoka is a Japanese voice actor known for his work in anime during the 1990s and early 2000s. His career in voice acting began in 1992 when he contributed to the Studio Ghibli film Red Pig. He is most recognized for his portrayal of the character Gau Ban across multiple adaptations of the Shadow Skill franchise. His filmography is closely tied to this series, with credits including the 1995 original video animation Shadow Skill, the 1996 OVA Shadow Skill 2, the 1998 television series Shadow Skill, and the 2003 OVA Shadow Skill: The Secret of Kurudan Style. His vocal performance as Gau Ban is noted for its steady timbre and distinctive quality. His work on the various Shadow Skill productions led to repeated collaborations with a consistent group of fellow voice actors, including Megumi Hayashibara, Yuri Amano, Yuko Mizutani, and Takehito Koyasu. While Gau Ban remains his most prominent and documented role, his career is noted to have spanned over three decades.