Kazuki Yao Bids Farewell to One Piece as Franky's Voice Actor Steps Down After 20 Years

An Emotional Farewell: Kazuki Yao Steps Down from One Piece

After nearly two decades of voicing the beloved character Franky in One Piece, Kazuki Yao has announced his retirement from the role. This announcement marks the end of an era for the popular anime series, with Yao leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans worldwide.

Official Announcement

The announcement came via One Piece's official X (formerly Twitter) account, where it was revealed that the decision was made after thorough discussions. The message read, "Kazuki Yao, who is currently playing the role of Franky in the TV anime ONE PIECE, will be graduating from the Straw Hat Pirates." Fans can expect to learn about Yao's successor during the Super Stage RED at Jump Festa 2025, with a special ceremony planned to honor Yao’s contribution.

The Impact on Fans

Yao's departure was met with widespread emotion from the fandom. Having been Franky's voice since the Water 7 arc, Yao has brought to life one of the series' most unique and cherished characters. The role of Franky, with his distinct personality and colorful character design, has been pivotal in One Piece's storytelling, making the character's voice all the more integral to the series' success.

Fans expressed their concerns earlier in the year when Yao's health appeared to affect his performance. Wataru Takagi temporarily stepped in for Yao in Episode 1121 due to these health issues, enabling One Piece to continue seamlessly while ensuring Yao had time to focus on his wellbeing.

Health Concerns Among the Cast

Kazuki Yao is not the only voice actor to step down due to health issues. The One Piece cast has seen a few changes recently, underlining the importance of health in the demanding field of voice acting. Tessho Genda, who voiced Kaido, also had to be replaced, and Kappei Yamaguchi, the voice of Usopp, faced hospitalization due to a weight training accident. These instances highlight the physical demands and pressures of the voice acting industry, emphasizing the need for voice actors to prioritize their health.

A Storied Career

Kazuki Yao's career spans more than just One Piece. He has been a pillar in the anime voice acting community, with roles in various successful anime, including Iketani in Initial D and Takeda in Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple. His talent and versatility have earned him a place in the hearts of fans across multiple generations and genres.

Celebrating Yao’s Contribution

As we look forward to the future of One Piece without Yao’s iconic voice behind Franky, it is a time to reflect on the joy and spirit he brought to the character. His ability to infuse warmth, humor, and energy into Franky has undeniably enriched the series and has left a lasting impact on both the series and its audience.

Fans will undoubtedly continue to support both Yao in his future endeavors and the incoming voice talent that will carry Franky's legacy forward. For now, we bid farewell to Kazuki Yao's legendary run and prepare to welcome a new chapter in the saga of One Piece.

For more updates, follow One Piece on X.