Dragon Ball Z voice actor Kozo Shioya has passed away at the age of 71.
His agency, Aoni Production, announced on Wednesday (January 28) that Shioya died the previous week on January 20 due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
Shioya is best known as the Japanese voice actor for the iconic Dragon Ball Z villain Majin Bunn, and also reprised the role for the franchise’s video games.
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture on August 18, 1955, Shioya began voice acting in 1982. In addition to being Majin Buu, he played a number of popular characters in both the worlds of anime and video game, such as Japanese language characters for Metal Gear Solid, Mobile Suit Gundam, Naruto, and Bleach.
After news of his death hit the internet, Ryo Horikawa, who plays Vegeta in the Dragon Ball series, posted a message on X reflecting on Shioya.
"I was shocked to hear of the passing of Mr. Shioya Kozo," he wrote. "Someone I've known since I started working as a voice actor. After the recording, we often all went out for drinks. I only have fond memories. We sincerely pray for the repose of your soul. Rest in peace."
Popular voice actor Noriko Hidaka also recalled working with Shioya, writing that she considered him like "an older brother."
