Dragon Ball's Majin Buu Voice Actor Kōzō Shioya Dies at 71

A Beloved Voice Actor Passes Away
Kōzō Shioya, a veteran voice actor known for his iconic roles in numerous anime series, has passed away at the age of 71. His talent agency, Aoni Production, announced that he died on January 20 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. The funeral service was held privately with his immediate family.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture on August 18, 1955, Shioya was the older brother of fellow voice actor Yoku Shioya. His career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the anime industry. He brought life to a wide range of characters, endearing himself to fans around the world.
Iconic Roles in Dragon Ball
Shioya is perhaps best known for his role as Majin Buu in the Dragon Ball franchise. His portrayal of the character, with its unique blend of power and unpredictability, became a fan favorite. He also voiced Totapo in the Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku special, further solidifying his connection to the series.
Contributions to GeGeGe no Kitarō
Shioya also made significant contributions to the GeGeGe no Kitarō franchise. He voiced Abura Sumashi in the 1988 series and later took on the role of Konaki Jijii in the 1996 series. He also voiced Konaki Jijii in three films based on the series.
Other Notable Roles
In addition to his work on Dragon Ball and GeGeGe no Kitarō, Shioya voiced Dr. Sewashi in the 2017 Mazinger Z: Infinity film. He also lent his voice to the One Piece franchise as Genzo, another memorable character in his extensive filmography.
Recent Projects
Even in recent years, Shioya remained active in the voice acting world. He voiced Motokichi Kinuta in the second and third seasons of World Trigger. He also played Temruogtaf in Ragna Crimson, and Hammond Pleide in both seasons of As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill.
A Lasting Legacy
Kōzō Shioya's passing is a significant loss to the anime community. His talent and dedication brought joy to countless viewers. His characters will continue to be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come. His contribution to the industry remains invaluable.
Remembering Kōzō Shioya
The anime community mourns the loss of a talented voice actor. Shioya's legacy will live on through his extensive body of work. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions to some of the most beloved anime series of all time. His voice will continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
Aoni Production's Announcement
Aoni Production shared the news of Shioya's passing with deep sadness. They expressed gratitude for his contributions to the agency and the industry as a whole. They also requested privacy for his family during this difficult time.
An End of An Era
The death of Kōzō Shioya marks the end of an era for many anime fans. His voice was a familiar and comforting presence in countless homes. His talent and passion will be greatly missed. His work will continue to inspire future generations of voice actors.