One Piece: 8 Famous Animes Featuring Franky’s Voice Actor

Overview of Kazuki Yao’s Iconic Voice Acting Career

Kazuki Yao, renowned for voicing Franky in One Piece, boasts a rich career filled with numerous memorable roles.
His portrayal of Judau Ashta in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ stands out as one of his most cherished characters.
The diversity of Yao’s talent is evident in his roles such as Majitani, Kaō, and Yoki, showcasing his remarkable vocal range.

Kazuki Yao has become a household name in anime, largely due to his vibrant portrayal of Franky, the flamboyant shipwright and cyborg of the Straw Hat Pirates in One Piece. His loud, raspy voice adds a unique flavor to the character. Interestingly, Yao’s versatility shines through as he has lent his voice to several iconic characters long before Franky appeared, including Jango and Bon Clay.

Recently, Yao announced his retirement from the role of Franky citing health issues. This news brings a sense of melancholy, particularly since Eiichiro Oda crafted Franky with Yao’s voice in mind. After nearly 40 years in the voice acting industry, Yao has built an impressive portfolio that truly illustrates his immense talent. Here, we highlight eight of his standout performances.

8 Judau-Ashta

From Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

Judau Ashta showcases his Newtype Powers.

Release Date: March 1, 1986
Genres: Mecha, Science Fiction
Studio: Nippon Sunrise
Available on: Crunchyroll

In his youth, Kazuki Yao breathed life into Judau Ashta, a youthful and heroic protagonist in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. At 27, his voice was notably different, reflecting the classic hero archetypes typical of the 80s and 90s anime. Yao’s portrayal contributed significantly to Ashta’s lasting popularity, as he reprised the role in later projects like the Super Robot Wars video game series.

7 Izunavi

From Hunter X Hunter (1999)

Another significant milestone in Yao’s career was his role as Izunavi, a powerful hunter who mentors Kurapika on using Nen in the original animated adaptation of Hunter x Hunter. Though more than a decade had passed since Gundam, Yao’s voice evolved to showcase a calm and wise demeanor, making Izunavi a memorable and beloved character, despite not returning in the 2011 adaptation.

6 Maytani

From Hunter X Hunter (2011)

Majtani reveals his full appearance to Kurapika.

In the 2011 remake of Hunter x Hunter, Yao voiced Majtani, an eccentric character who tries to manipulate Kurapika during the 287th Hunter Exam. This role resonates with Yao’s portrayal of Franky—a cyborg with a loud and humorous persona. The similarities not only highlight Yao’s consistent character traits but also his ability to breathe life into even the smallest roles, making them unforgettable.

5 No

From Inuyasha

Known for his boisterous roles, Yao surprised many when he took on the character of Kaō in Inuyasha. This powerful yokai is elegant and gentle, showcasing Yao’s incredible range. His ability to inhabit such a distinct personality demonstrates the impressive spectrum of his vocal talents.

4 Sidoh

From Death Note

In a departure from his usual roles, Yao portrayed Sidoh, a quirky Shinigami whose cowardly and comedic traits made for an intriguing performance. His low, calm voice created an endearing and funny character that many fans appreciated.

3 Byron

From Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl

Kazuki Yao’s talents extend into the world of Pokemon, where he voiced Byron, the Gym Leader of Canalave City in Diamond and Pearl. Despite similarities in voice to Franky, Yao managed to craft a character that is both tough and nurturing, showcasing his ability to adapt his performance to diverse roles.

2 Gennon / Gaston

From Berserk: The Golden Age Arc

Gennon and Gaston in the Beserk movie trilogy.

Release Date: June 23, 2012
Genres: Dark Fantasy
Studio: Studio 4°C
Available on: Crunchyroll, Prime Video

Yao showcased his versatility by voicing two contrasting characters in Berserk: The Golden Age Arc: the villainous Gennon and the endearing Gaston. His ability to instill creepiness in Gennon while simultaneously bringing charm to Gaston displays Yao’s range and depth as a voice actor.

1 Yoki

From Fullmetal Alchemist (Original & Brotherhood)

One of Yao’s most well-rounded performances is undoubtedly his portrayal of Yoki in both Fullmetal Alchemist iterations. His comedic approach perfectly matched the laid-back and bumbling nature of Yoki, making it a highlight in Yao’s vast career. While Franky remains his most famous role, many fans equally cherish Yao’s turn as the humorous military member in both series.

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