Japanese voice actor Kozo Shioya, best known for voicing Majin Buu in the Dragon Ball franchise, has died at the age of 71 after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.
His agency, Aoni Production, confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Shioya passed away on Jan 20. His funeral was held privately in accordance with his family’s wishes.
A veteran in the anime industry, Shioya enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades, beginning in the early 1980s. He portrayed multiple versions of Majin Buu across Dragon Ball Z and subsequent installments, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most recognisable voices.
Beyond Dragon Ball, Shioya contributed to numerous iconic anime series, including Mobile Suit Gundam, Slam Dunk, Ranma 1/2, and One Piece.
He also voiced characters in Japanese adaptations of international franchises such as Transformers, The Muppets, Mulan, and Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.
Tributes have poured in from across the anime industry, with fellow voice actors remembering him as a mentor and respected presence in recording studios.
Dragon Ball voice actor Toshio Furukawa, who voices Piccolo, paid tribute, saying:
“Majin Buu is gone — he was like an older brother who was always there in every studio I went to.”
