Overview
- Kazuki Yao, the voice behind Franky in One Piece, has announced his retirement due to ongoing health challenges after a decade of bringing the iconic character to life.
- During Jump Festa, Yao delivered an emotional farewell message to fans, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
- Subaru Kimura, recognized for his roles in various anime, will step in as the new voice of Franky.
Table of Contents
Jump Festa remains a highly anticipated event for anime enthusiasts, often showcasing exciting news and upcoming projects. This year, One Piece fans were introduced to a significant change – the retirement of Kazuki Yao, Franky’s beloved voice actor. While not many new initiatives were launched this year, the announcement of Yao’s successor sparked considerable interest and sentiment among the audience.
Alongside the unveiling of Franky’s new voice actor, Yao took the opportunity to share a touching farewell message, marking an emotional chapter for his fans. Below, we delve into the reasons for his departure and the heartfelt sentiments expressed at the festival.
What Led to Franky’s Voice Actor Retiring?
Kazuki Yao, who has voiced several characters including Bon Clay and Jango, has stepped away from his roles due to deteriorating health concerns. After dedicating over ten years to voicing Franky, he decided it was time to prioritize his well-being. This transition leaves fans eager to see how the new voice actor will interpret this essential Straw Hat character, known for his quirky personality and distinctive vocal style.
Changing the voice of a character isn’t always met with resistance; however, Franky’s character is special. His voice has become synonymous with his personality, making this transition both critical and challenging. Yao’s distinctive vocal performance contributed significantly to Franky’s identity, which will be missed by the show’s loyal followers.
Kazuki Yao’s Heartfelt Farewell at Jump Festa
During the festivities at Jump Festa, Kazuki Yao shared a poignant message with his audience:
I want to thank everyone, as well as the staff at Shueisha, including Eiichiro Oda. Lastly, I’d like to express my gratitude to my beloved dogs, and most importantly, my dear wife, waiting for me at home. Thank you so much! – Kazuki Yao
In the midst of these changes, Subaru Kimura has been announced as the new voice for Franky. Kimura is no stranger to the anime world, having garnered recognition for his portrayals of characters like Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen, Tendo in Haikyuu!!, and Saguraki in The First Slam Dunk. Fans are eager to see how he will bring Franky to life as the iconic series continues to unfold.
Source: Jump Festa
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