Gachiakuta’s Semiu Sets a New Standard: Fans Celebrate Authentic Black Representation in Anime Dub
Anime fans are buzzing this season, and it’s all thanks to the English dub of Gachiakuta. The show recently introduced Semiu, a Black character voiced by Kenneisha Thompson, and viewers are loving how authentic and natural her performance feels. Not only is Semiu a standout in the story, but her casting and character design are getting a lot of praise for their attention to detail and representation.
- Why Semiu’s English dub performance is making waves
- How Gachiakuta’s anime adapts the manga’s beloved characters
- What fans and the voice actress are saying online
- Where and when to watch new episodes
Semiu’s Debut Impresses in Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta, one of this season’s most anticipated anime, has delivered a big surprise with its English dub. In episode 4, titled Cleaner HQ, viewers meet Semiu, voiced by Kenneisha Thompson. Semiu is the receptionist at Janitor Headquarters and a Sponsor Giver, responsible for evaluating new recruits. Her role is important—she’s efficient, confident, and always ready to get things done.
Unlike many anime, where dark-skinned characters are often portrayed as just tan or lack cultural authenticity, Semiu stands out. Her character is unmistakably Black, and Thompson’s voice acting brings out her unique personality. Fans are highlighting how the cadence and pronunciation in Thompson’s performance feel true to life. Plus, her voice matches the “sultry tones” fans were hoping for.
Fans and the Industry Respond
The reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive. One fan posted, “Just remember Gachiakuta has a canon lesbian who’s Black and she’s also the coolest character in the series,” sharing excitement about Semiu’s presence in the anime. Another wrote, “Kenneisha Thompson’s (@/KenneishaT) VA performance of Semiu in the Gachiakuta english dub is PHENOMENAL. She deserves all the flowers for both bringing the character to life, and making the line delivery feel so natural. I’m gonna have to watch this series in both dubs now…”
Even the small details, like coloring the inside of Semiu’s palms correctly, are getting noticed. “Anime rarely ever gets black/darker skinned characteristics right,” a third fan confirmed. “And a lot of the time end up doing pretty racist and annoying stereotypes. They’re also saying here that her design is good. Which it is, Semiu is the GOAT.”
Kenneisha Thompson herself joined the conversation, writing:
WOOOOWWW!! Y’all really know how to make a Sistah feel special. 🥹
Thanks for all of the love. 🫶🏽Enjoy the show Err’body!
GACHIAKUTA
Now Streaming on Crunchyroll pic.twitter.com/XzQCbcRntg— Kenneisha Thompson (@KenneishaT) August 5, 2025
She said, “WOOOOWWW!! Y’all really know how to make a Sistah feel special. Thanks for all of the love.” The buzz got so big that even Crunchyroll made a Semiu appreciation post.
About the Series and Where to Watch
Gachiakuta is adapted from the manga by Kei Urana, first serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in 2022. This anime adaptation comes from Bones Films, the same studio behind Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS. The season is still young, so it’s a perfect time to catch up and see what all the excitement is about.
New episodes of Gachiakuta are released every Sunday in both sub and dub on Crunchyroll.
