The anime industry mourns the loss of a legendary voice actor as Kōzō Shioya, the iconic voice behind Dragon Ball’s Majin Buu, has passed away at the age of 71. According to Anime News Network, Shioya died on January 20, 2026, due to cerebral hemorrhage, with his talent agency Aoni Production announcing the tragic news on Wednesday, January 28. His immediate family held a private funeral service in accordance with their wishes, marking the end of an extraordinary career that spanned nearly six decades in the entertainment industry.
A Voice That Defined Dragon Ball’s Most Complex Villain
Born on August 18, 1955, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kōzō Shioya became synonymous with one of Dragon Ball’s most memorable characters—Majin Buu. His portrayal of the pink powerhouse across multiple Dragon Ball series, including Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and Dragon Ball Z Kai, brought depth and personality to a character that evolved from a destructive force into a beloved hero. Shioya’s unique approach to voicing Buu—treating the character as a self-centered three-year-old—gave the villain-turned-ally an endearing quality that resonated with millions of fans worldwide.
What made Shioya’s performance particularly remarkable was his ability to maintain the core personality of Majin Buu while subtly adapting his voice work across the character’s various transformations. From the innocent Fat Buu to the malevolent Kid Buu, from Evil Buu to Super Buu, Shioya navigated each form with precision and creativity, ensuring that audiences could always recognize the character’s essence regardless of physical changes. This versatility demonstrated not just technical skill, but a deep understanding of character development that few voice actors achieve.
Beyond Dragon Ball: A Career Spanning Decades
While Majin Buu remains his most recognizable role, Shioya’s contributions to the anime industry extended far beyond the Dragon Ball franchise. His work in the original Dragon Ball series included voicing characters such as Gurd and TotaPo in Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku. However, his talents weren’t confined to a single franchise. Shioya brought life to numerous iconic characters across the anime landscape, including Isamu Amami and Polonaise in GaoGaiGar: King of the Braves, and Konaki Jiji in various Gegege no Kitarō series.
His extensive filmography also included roles in major anime franchises such as One Piece, where he voiced Genzo, Pappag, and Edward Weevil, as well as appearances in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, Transformers: Super-God Masterforce, Ranma ½, Naruto, and World Trigger. His work in the 1988 classic Akira further solidified his status as a versatile and talented performer capable of adapting to any role or genre.
A Master of Dubbing and International Voice Work
Shioya’s talents weren’t limited to anime. He became a respected figure in the dubbing community, lending his voice to numerous Western productions for Japanese audiences. His work included voicing beloved characters from international franchises such as Chien-Po in Disney’s Mulan, Gonzo in The Muppets, and even Paul Blart in Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He also contributed to the Japanese dubs of Thomas & Friends, Seinfeld, Animaniacs, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, and The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
In the video game industry, Shioya’s voice became equally recognizable. He portrayed Chairman Khrushchev in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Fatman in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and reprised his role as Majin Buu in countless Dragon Ball video games, including the recent Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. His ability to transition seamlessly between anime, film dubbing, and video game voice acting showcased a professional versatility that few in the industry could match.
A Family Legacy in Voice Acting
Voice acting ran in the Shioya family. Kōzō was the elder brother of fellow voice actor Yoku Shioya, and together they represented a significant presence in the Japanese entertainment industry. This familial connection to the craft speaks to a deep-rooted passion for performance and storytelling that defined Kōzō’s approach to his work. His career, which began in 1966 when he was just 11 years old, demonstrated an early commitment to the performing arts that would sustain him throughout his life.
The Impact of a Cerebral Hemorrhage
The announcement from Aoni Production revealed that Shioya’s death resulted from a cerebral hemorrhage, a serious medical condition that occurs when an artery in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in the surrounding tissues. The agency’s statement expressed gratitude for the support Shioya received throughout his lifetime and apologized for the delayed announcement, noting that the funeral was conducted privately according to the family’s wishes. This respectful approach to honoring Shioya’s memory reflects the high regard in which he was held by colleagues and the industry at large.
Remembering a Voice That Shaped Childhoods
For Dragon Ball fans worldwide, Kōzō Shioya’s voice is inseparable from their memories of watching Majin Buu’s arc unfold. The Buu Saga, which served as the final major storyline in Dragon Ball Z, presented audiences with a villain unlike any they had encountered before. Buu’s transformation from a destructive force manipulated by the wizard Babidi into a protector of Earth required a voice actor who could convey innocence, menace, humor, and heroism—often within the same episode. Shioya delivered on all fronts, creating a performance that has endured for decades.
The character of Majin Buu represented a culmination of Dragon Ball Z‘s themes about redemption, friendship, and the capacity for change. Shioya’s vocal performance was instrumental in making these themes resonate with audiences. His ability to make Buu simultaneously terrifying and sympathetic, destructive and endearing, helped elevate the character beyond a simple antagonist into one of the franchise’s most complex and beloved figures.
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
With a career spanning from 1966 to 2024, Shioya witnessed and contributed to the evolution of anime as an art form. He began his career during anime’s early years and continued working through its global expansion and mainstream acceptance. His 262 credited roles on IMDb alone represent just a fraction of his contributions to the industry, with countless additional performances in radio dramas, narration work, and other projects that may never be fully cataloged.
The timing of Shioya’s passing is particularly poignant for Dragon Ball fans, as the franchise continues to expand with new series like Dragon Ball Daima. While Shioya did not voice the mini version of Majin Buu in Daima—a role given to Shiho Amuro—his decades-long portrayal of the character remains the definitive interpretation for multiple generations of fans. His work will continue to be discovered by new audiences through streaming platforms, video games, and ongoing Dragon Ball projects.
Industry Tributes and Fan Reactions
As news of Shioya’s passing spread throughout the anime community, tributes began pouring in from fans, fellow voice actors, and industry professionals. Social media platforms filled with messages of condolence and appreciation, with many fans sharing their favorite Majin Buu moments and reflecting on how Shioya’s performance shaped their childhood experiences with Dragon Ball. The outpouring of grief demonstrates the profound impact that voice actors have on audiences, even when their faces may not be as recognizable as the characters they bring to life.
The loss of veteran voice actors like Shioya represents more than just the passing of talented individuals—it marks the gradual transition of the anime industry from one generation to the next. As pioneers who helped establish anime as a global phenomenon retire or pass away, they leave behind a legacy that influences current and future voice actors. Shioya’s approach to character work, his professionalism, and his ability to find the humanity in even the most fantastical characters will continue to serve as a model for aspiring voice actors.
Conclusion: A Voice That Will Echo Through Eternity
Kōzō Shioya’s death at 71 marks the end of an era for Dragon Ball fans and the anime industry as a whole. His portrayal of Majin Buu will forever remain one of the most iconic voice performances in anime history, a testament to his skill, creativity, and dedication to his craft. From his early work in the 1960s through his final projects in 2024, Shioya demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bringing joy, excitement, and emotional depth to audiences around the world.
As fans revisit Dragon Ball Z episodes, play Dragon Ball video games, or introduce the franchise to new generations, they will continue to hear Kōzō Shioya’s voice. In this way, his legacy transcends his physical passing—his performances remain alive, continuing to entertain, inspire, and move audiences just as they did when they were first recorded. The anime community has lost a true legend, but the characters he brought to life will ensure that Kōzō Shioya’s contributions to entertainment are never forgotten.
This article is based on reporting from Anime News Network and additional research into Kōzō Shioya’s career and legacy.
