Kozo Shioya, the beloved Japanese voice actor famous for voicing Majin Buu in Dragon Ball Z and various Dragon Ball video games, has passed away at 71. He died on January 20 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage, as confirmed by his agency Aoni Production. Shioya provided the voice for Majin Buu in all incarnations except for the small version in Dragon Ball Daima. Fellow voice actors expressed their shock and shared fond memories of him, highlighting his impact and friendship within the voice acting community. Throughout his career, Shioya also lent his voice to characters in iconic series like One Piece, Mobile Suit Gundam, and Metal Gear Solid.

nWhat impact did Kozo Shioya have on the Dragon Ball franchise?

Kozo Shioya's portrayal of Majin Buu significantly shaped the character's identity, providing a unique blend of menace and depth that resonated with fans. His performances across different anime and video games helped establish the enduring popularity of Majin Buu, creating memorable moments in the franchise.

Dragon Ball continues to thrive, celebrating its legacy with recent announcements of new anime series and a game project titled Age 1000. As part of the franchise’s ongoing evolution, Shioya's contributions will be remembered fondly by both fans and fellow voice actors alike.