A Letter to Momo: A Heartfelt Dive into the English Dub Directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, the 2011 animated masterpiece A Letter to Momo (ももへの手紙) stands as a touching exploration of grief, family, and the supernatural. While originally released in Japanese, the film received a highly praised English dub that has helped it reach a wider global audience. Whether you are a newcomer to the film or a seasoned fan, the English dub offers a unique way to experience Momo’s journey on the remote island of Shio. The Plot: A Journey of Healing
The story follows 11-year-old Momo Miyaura, who moves from the bustling city of Tokyo to her mother’s childhood home on a small, sleepy island following the sudden death of her father. Momo is haunted by an unfinished letter her father left behind, which contains only the words "Dear Momo".
Struggling to adjust to her new surroundings and the weight of her grief, Momo's life takes a supernatural turn when she discovers three mischievous yokai (goblins)—Iwa, Kawa, and Mame—living in her attic. These spirits, while initially a nuisance, eventually help Momo confront her feelings and uncover the message her father never got to finish. The English Dub Cast
The English dub for A Letter to Momo was produced by GKIDS and is often cited as one of the most definitive dubs in recent anime history, frequently compared to the high-quality work seen in Studio Ghibli films.
The English dub of A Letter to Momo (2011) was produced by and features a cast of established American voice actors. The film, directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, is a supernatural drama about an 11-year-old girl named Momo who moves to a remote island after the death of her father and encounters three mischievous yokai (goblins). GKIDS Films English Dub Cast A Letter to Momo -Dub-
The dub cast includes several notable voices known for their work in major animation and video games: Momo Miyaura : Voiced by Amanda Pace Ikuko Miyaura (Momo's Mom) : Voiced by Stephanie Sheh Iwa (The Large Yokai) : Voiced by Fred Tatasciore Kawa (The Tall Yokai) : Voiced by Dana Snyder Mame (The Small Yokai) : Voiced by Bob Bergen Where to Watch
You can find the English dub on various platforms as of April 2026:
VIDEO: "A Letter To Momo" English Dub Trailer - Crunchyroll News 24 Jul 2014 —
The casting director did not rely on the usual "LA voice actor pool." Instead, they cast actors who understand cinematic subtlety. A Letter to Momo: A Heartfelt Dive into
A Letter to Momo is a visual feast. The background art is hyper-detailed, focusing on the deep greens of the island forests and the endless blue of the ocean. The animation of the three goblins is fluid and rubbery, a stark contrast to the grounded, realistic movements of the human characters.
Watching it dubbed allows you to look at these paintings. When you don't have to read subtitles, you catch the tiny details: the way water ripples over a fallen fruit, the way light filters through the stained glass of the island’s chapel, or the frantic expressions of Mame (the little gremlin voiced by Stephanie Sheh) as he tries to command his giant friends.
The soundtrack, composed by Mina Kubota, is an emotional powerhouse. The main theme, "Momo no Uta," is a melancholic piano piece. The dub doesn’t interrupt this score; it sits perfectly on top of it.
In the vast landscape of animated cinema, certain films transcend their medium to become timeless emotional experiences. A Letter to Momo (Momo e no Tegami) is one such gem. Directed by Hiroyuki Okiura (known for Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade) and produced by Production I.G, this 2011 masterpiece often gets overshadowed by the louder, faster-paced output of major studios like Ghibli or Shinkai. However, for those who have taken the plunge, it remains a profoundly moving story about grief, acceptance, and the chaotic noise of family. Momo (voiced by Amanda Pace): Pace delivers a
But for English-speaking audiences, a crucial question arises: Do you watch the subtitled version or the dubbed version?
If you are searching for the definitive viewing experience, the "A Letter to Momo -Dub-" is not just a competent translation; it is a masterclass in localization. Here is why the English dub breathes new life into this watery, spiritual journey.
Many purists argue that anime should only be watched in Japanese with subtitles. However, the A Letter to Momo English dub (produced by NYAV Post and released by GKIDS) is a rare exception that rivals—and some argue improves upon—the original. Here is why.