Important Highlights
- Kazuki Yao has announced his retirement as the voice of Franky, citing health challenges, concluding a remarkable chapter in his career.
- Following his announcement, fans expressed their love and support for Yao on Instagram, showing deep concern for his well-being.
- The upcoming Jump Festa event is set to unveil who will succeed Yao as Franky’s voice and may also reveal details about the Wit Studio’s remake of One Piece.
In an unexpected turn of events, the official X account for One Piece shared that Kazuki Yao, the beloved voice actor behind Franky, is stepping away from the role due to health problems. This decision marks the conclusion of a distinguished era. Yao has not only brought Franky to life but has also voiced other notable characters such as Bon Clay and Django.
Upon announcing his retirement, Kazuki Yao addressed his fans on Instagram to reassure them about his health. He expressed gratitude for their overwhelming support and admiration for his character, Franky. Yao also mentioned that he has launched an Instagram account for fans who wish to stay updated on his life moving forward.
Health Challenges Faced by Kazuki Yao
Earlier in the year, Yao had already stepped down from his role as Django’s voice actor, leaving fans surprised yet hopeful for his recovery. However, his health has necessitated a complete withdrawal from voice acting, prompting a search by Eiichiro Oda and his team for a suitable replacement.
A message from Franky’s retired voice actor Kazuki Yao: ‘Seeing all your warm messages, I’m seriously so touched! 🥹 Can’t believe how much y’all love Franky… that idiot!! I ain’t dead yet! 😂 Nope, not crying, okay?! Anyway, I’m Kazuki Yao, actor and entertainer 🤣 Just… pic.twitter.com/sqIBAI3uy1 — Pew (@pewpiece) December 10, 2024
Reports indicate that a successor for Kazuki Yao has already been identified and will be announced during the upcoming Jump Festa. The new voice actor will need to embody the unique charisma and energy that Kazuki Yao brought to Franky.
Exciting News Expected at Jump Festa
- The Jump Festa promises a plethora of announcements for One Piece.
- Other renowned series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer will also share exciting updates.
One Piece is poised to take center stage at the upcoming Jump Festa, where fans anticipate the revelation of the new voice actor for Franky. Additionally, the event may shed light on new developments regarding the Wit Studio remake. This ambitious project aims to refresh the One Piece anime, enhancing it with improved pacing, vibrant visuals, and updated sound effects.
Attendees at Jump Festa could be treated to a trailer showcasing the enhancements and reimagined format that Wit Studio is working on. Speculations also abound regarding potential announcements of new projects within the One Piece franchise.
Alongside One Piece, the Jump Festa will feature presentations from other major series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer. MAPPA has confirmed that they are adapting the highly anticipated Culling Game arc, though a release date is still pending.
Demon Slayer is also scheduled to announce details for the upcoming film that will adapt the Infinity Castle arc, set for a 2025 release. However, fans await more information regarding the other two films in the franchise.
For those looking to catch all the excitement, you can stream One Piece on Crunchyroll.
Source: Instagram
Leave a Reply