Dragon Ball‘s official Japanese-language voice actor for Majin Buu, Kozo Shioya, has passed away at the age of 70.
The news was reported by Shioya’s talent agency, Aoni Production. The voice actor was also known for playing roles in other major anime such as One Piece (Genzo, Pappag, Weevil), Naruto (Jigumo) and World Trigger (Motokichi Kinuta), alongside a host of video games including Kingdom Hearts II, Metal Gear Solid II and III, and numerous Sengoku Basara entries.
According to Aoni Production, Shioya passed away on Jan. 20, 2026, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to us during his lifetime,” the brief notice stated. “The funeral was held only in the presence of close relatives, in accordance with the wishes of the family. We apologize for the late notice.”
Although active in the voice acting industry since the 1980s and up until the 2020s, with some of his first professional roles in the likes of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, Transformers: Super-God Masterforce and Ranma 1/2, Shioya was perhaps best-known among anime fans for playing Dragon Ball‘s antagonist-turned-ally Majin Buu.
He portrayed the character in the Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Kai and Dragon Ball Super anime, as well as in the franchise’s various video games, bringing the memorable villain (and eventually hero) to life in all his forms, from his first Kid Buu appearance to Evil Buu. The sole exception to this was in 2024-25’s Dragon Ball Daima, where Majin Buu (Mini) was instead voiced by Shiho Amuro.
Fans on social media have been quick to offer their condolences and share their favorite moments, both in Japan and internationally, many of whom grew up listening to Shioya’s distinctive voice from childhood.
Rest in peace, Kozo Shioya.
