The anime
world has lost one of its most versatile and unmistakable throats. The
agency Aoni Production has confirmed this Wednesday that the
voice of Majin Buu, Kozo Shioya, dies, leaving an irreparable void in the Dragon
Ball franchise. The veteran actor departed on January 20, 2026 at the
age of 71, closing a golden chapter in the history of Japanese dubbing.
Mourning
in Dragon Ball: Majin Buu's voice, Kozo Shioya, dies at 71
Born in
Kagoshima in 1955, Shioya dedicated almost six decades to giving life to
characters that marked generations. His most iconic role was undoubtedly Majin
Buu in Dragon Ball Z. His talent was such that he played
all the forms of the villain: from the shrill and innocent voice of the Fat
Buu, to the guttural and terrifying tones of Super Buu and Kid Buu.
A legacy
beyond Dragon Ball
Although
Akira Toriyama's fandom is the hardest hit, Shioya was an indispensable
"bi-player" (support actor). He lent his voice to:
- Mondo Agake in Mobile Suit
Gundam ZZ.
- Imagawa Yoshimoto in the Sengoku
BASARA video game series.
- Characters in classics such
as Ninja Hattori-kun.
The
farewell of the fans
Social
networks have been filled with tributes. "Majin Buu's laughter... We will
never hear it again. It's heartbreaking," commented a user on X. His
ability to move between comedy and pure threat made him a legend that,
unfortunately, we will no longer hear in future installments of the saga.
