Yes, there is a Chinese dub of To Be Hero. The series, produced by Chinese animation studio Haoliners Animation League and Japanese studio EMT Squared, was released with a Mandarin Chinese dub alongside its original Japanese version. However, the availability of that dub varies by streaming platform and region, and most international viewers encounter the Japanese audio with subtitles.
Background of To Be Hero
To Be Hero is a 2016 Chinese-Japanese co-produced animated series that blends comedy, action, and absurdist humor. The story follows a middle-aged single father named Wang Yao (or Yūsuke in the Japanese version), a toilet designer who accidentally becomes a superhero after being licked by a mysterious alien princess. His power is tied to his popularity: the more people admire him, the stronger he becomes, but he transforms into a grotesque, muscular form that repels his own daughter. The series is known for its crude humor, satirical take on superhero tropes, and surprisingly emotional father-daughter relationship. A sequel, To Be Heroine, was released in 2018.
Who Produced the Chinese Dub
The Chinese dub was produced by Haoliners Animation League, the Shanghai-based studio that co-created the series. Haoliners is known for works like Spiritpact and The Silver Guardian, and they frequently produce Mandarin dubs for their co-productions. The Chinese voice cast includes actors who are active in the Shanghai dubbing scene, though specific cast names are not widely documented in English-language sources. The dub was released in China on platforms like Bilibili and iQiyi, where it was the default audio track for domestic viewers.
Where to Watch the Chinese Dub
Finding the Chinese dub outside of China is challenging. The series is available on several international streaming services, but most offer only the Japanese audio with English subtitles. Here are the main options:
- Crunchyroll: Streams To Be Hero with Japanese audio and English subtitles. No Chinese dub is offered.
- Funimation: Also carries the Japanese version with English subtitles and an English dub (produced later).
- Netflix: In some regions, Netflix has the series, but again only with Japanese audio and various subtitle options.
- Bilibili: The Chinese streaming platform has the Mandarin dub, but access is geo-restricted and requires a Chinese account or VPN.
- YouTube: Occasionally, official or fan uploads of the Chinese dub appear, but these are unofficial and often removed.
If you specifically want the Chinese dub, your best bet is to access Bilibili with a Chinese IP address or purchase the Chinese Blu-ray/DVD release, which includes the Mandarin track.
Differences Between the Chinese and Japanese Dubs
As with many co-productions, the Chinese and Japanese versions have subtle differences beyond the language. The character names differ: the protagonist is Wang Yao in the Chinese version and Yūsuke in the Japanese version. His daughter is called Xiaolu in Chinese and Mina in Japanese. The alien princess is named Pai Pai in both, but her speech patterns are adapted to each language’s comedic style. The Chinese dub also adjusts some jokes and puns to make sense in Mandarin, which means certain lines are not direct translations but localized equivalents. The plot and overall structure are identical, so you are not missing any story content by choosing one dub over the other.
How to Choose Between Dubs
If you are deciding which version to watch, consider your language preference and the tone of the humor. The Japanese dub is the one most international fans have seen, and it features a more exaggerated, anime-style performance. The Chinese dub, on the other hand, has a more grounded, sitcom-like delivery that some viewers find fits the series’ satirical edge. If you are learning Mandarin, the Chinese dub is excellent practice, as the dialogue is colloquial and fast-paced. If you simply want to enjoy the story without reading subtitles, the English dub (available on Funimation) is a solid alternative, though it changes some cultural references.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that To Be Hero is a purely Japanese anime. In reality, it is a co-production, and the Chinese involvement is significant—Haoliners handled the animation direction and writing, while EMT Squared assisted with production. Another issue is that the Chinese dub is often missing from international databases, leading some to believe it does not exist. It does exist, but it was never licensed for distribution outside China. Also, some viewers confuse To Be Hero with To Be Heroine, which is a separate sequel series with a different protagonist (a girl named Miao). The sequel also has a Chinese dub, but again, it is not widely available internationally.
Costs and Legal Access
Watching the Chinese dub legally requires either a Bilibili membership (which is inexpensive, around 25 RMB per month, roughly $3.50) or purchasing the physical media. The Chinese Blu-ray set, released by Haoliners, includes both Chinese and Japanese audio tracks and is available through Chinese online retailers, though international shipping can be costly. Streaming the series on Crunchyroll or Funimation is free with ads or via a subscription (around $8–$10 per month). If you use a VPN to access Bilibili from outside China, note that this may violate the platform’s terms of service, and the free tier may not include the series. Always support official releases when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chinese dub of To Be Hero on Crunchyroll?
No, Crunchyroll only offers the Japanese audio with English subtitles. The Chinese dub is not available on any major international streaming service.
Can I watch the Chinese dub with English subtitles?
Officially, no. The Chinese dub on Bilibili has Chinese subtitles only. Fan-made subtitles for the Chinese dub are rare and not reliable.
Is the Chinese dub better than the Japanese dub?
That is subjective. The Japanese dub is more energetic and aligns with typical anime voice acting, while the Chinese dub feels more naturalistic. Both are well-acted, so it comes down to personal preference.
Why is the Chinese dub so hard to find?
Because the international distribution rights for To Be Hero were sold to companies that only licensed the Japanese version. The Chinese dub was never part of those deals, so it remains a regional exclusive.
Does the Chinese dub change the story?
No, the story is identical. Only names, puns, and some comedic timing are localized for a Chinese audience.
Is there a Cantonese dub?
There is no known Cantonese dub. The series was dubbed in Mandarin and Japanese only.
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