Akira Ishida (石田 彰, Ishida Akira, born November 2, 1967) is a Japanese actor and voice actor. For his portrayal of Saki Abdusha in You're Under Arrest, Makoto Kurumizawa in BOYS BE, Setsuna Aoki in Sakura Wars, and Athrun Zala in Gundam SEED & Gundam Seed Destiny, he was chosen as the most popular voice actor in the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 2004, and won the Best Supporting Character (male) award at the 1st Seiyu Awards in 2007. He is best known for his roles as Cho Hakkai in Saiyuki, Katsura Kotarou in Gin Tama and Gaara in Naruto.