Kujira (real and former stage name Matsumoto Wakako (松本和香子)) was born April 1, 1961 in Tokyo, Japan. She is a voice actress (seiyuu) employed by 81 Produce. Veteran voice actor Chiba Shigeru, another member of 81 Produce, gave Kujira her nickname (meaning "whale"). Kujira's voice is described as hoarse and androgynous. Thus, many of her characters are middle-aged. Her best-known roles are Otose of Gintama and Orochimaru, an antagonist of Naruto.