It’s a sad day for the Dragon Ball community. A new report from Japan has gone public confirming the death of their very own, beloved Dragon Ball Z cast member.
Jôji Yanami, a veteran voice actor and narrator of Dragon Ball Z, has passed away at the age of 90.
Yanami’s agency, Aoni Production confirmed the news of his passing on Dec 14, announcing that the actor passed away on December 3.
The cause of death has not been made public, but reports share that Yanami’s family members have already arranged a private funeral service for the voice actor.
Image via AnimeHunch
The 90-year-old was well-known in the anime industry, beginning his career in the 1960s with characters in Wolf Boy Ken, Osomatsu-kun, Cyborg 009 and Moomin.
Not only that, he also went on to secure roles in Ashita no Joe, Devilman, Mazinger Z and Cutie Honey, though he is best known for his work in the Dragon Ball franchise, which began when he narrated the original Dragon Ball anime in 1986.
Yanami continued his involvement with Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, as well as several films. Alongside performing the voice-overs, Yanami also brought life to the characters of Dr. Briefs, King Kai, Dr. Frappe and Bobbidi, to name a few.
The actor reportedly went through medical treatment in 2015, and took an extended break from Dragon Ball Super, during which time Toei Animation cast different voice actors in Yanami’s roles. Eventually, the break marked Yanami’ retirement, meaning he left the show before its ending in 2018.
Aoni Production have shared that they are saddened over the death of the legend; with everyone in the production team thanking him for always being so humble and kind to staff at the agency.
Social media users have also paid tribute to the actor, with one describing him as a ‘big powerhouse voice actor, that’s had a career spanning decades.’
Joji Yanami has passed away at the age of 90. He had too many roles to count, especially in the Go Nagai universe. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/saWAaLIks9
— Salvatore (@retrosofa) December 14, 2021
Very sad to share that Joji Yanami, the voice for Totosai in Inuyasha, King Kai and the Narrator in Dragonball Z, Gilmore in Cyborg 009, Ganfall in One Piece and many more, has passed away at the age of 90. Thank you forthe wonderful memories you've given fans all over the world. pic.twitter.com/DnyzjDB0JE
— Rumic World (@rumicworld1) December 14, 2021
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jôji Yanami, legendary voice actor that brought the likes of Dr. Briefs, Babidi, and King Kai to life through various forms of Dragon Ball media as well as providing the opening and closing narrations of the anime series.
— 59 Gaming (@59Gaming1) December 14, 2021
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/70eoJPrZqg
Our thoughts are with Yanami’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Thank you for our childhood, legend.
