The anime industry is mourning the loss of Takahiro Fujiwara, widely recognized for voicing Kurogiri in My Hero Academia and Dorry in One Piece. The veteran voice actor passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 43, with the news officially confirmed by his agency Ken Production on May 21. His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and creators, reflecting the impact of his performances across anime, games, and dubbing.
According to Ken Production’s official statement, Fujiwara passed away peacefully on May 14, while the agency expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. The statement also confirmed that a private funeral was held in accordance with his family’s wishes. No cause of death has been disclosed.
My Hero Academia Pays Tribute to Kurogiri Voice Actor
Following the announcement, the official My Hero Academia account shared a heartfelt message honoring Fujiwara’s contribution to the series. The statement read,
“Takahiro Fujiwara, who played Kurogiri in the anime My Hero Academia, passed away on May 14, 2026. We would like to once again express our gratitude for his portrayal of Kurogiri… and sincerely pray for his peaceful rest.”
Kurogiri has been a key figure in the series since its early seasons, and Fujiwara’s deep, commanding voice helped define the character’s identity. His performance added a distinct presence to the villain, making him one of the most recognizable antagonists in the franchise.
Fans across social media platforms have also paid tribute, sharing clips, artwork, and memories celebrating his performances. The emotional response highlights the strong connection audiences had with his work.
Takahiro Fujiwara’s Notable Roles Across Anime, Games, and Dubbing
Fujiwara’s career spanned a wide range of major anime titles, video games, and international dubbing projects. He voiced Dorry in One Piece, Kan Jou in Kingdom, Eikichi Nebuya in Kuroko’s Basketball, and Pippin in Berserk: The Golden Age Arc. His work often featured strong, imposing characters, making his voice instantly recognizable.
In gaming, he contributed to titles such as Detective Pikachu, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and The King of Fighters series. He also voiced characters in Japanese dubs of globally popular films like Frozen and Sing, further showcasing his versatility.
Career Highlights Table
| Category | Character | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Anime | Kurogiri | My Hero Academia |
| Anime | Dorry | One Piece |
| Anime | Kan Jou (Huan Chang) | Kingdom |
| Anime | Eikichi Nebuya | Kuroko’s Basketball |
| Anime | Pippin | Berserk: The Golden Age Arc |
| Anime | Jerome Guizbatt | Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War |
| Anime | Bol Gil Bol | BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- |
| Anime | Zenzō Inukai | Laughing Under the Clouds |
| Anime | Goichi Shima | Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion Z |
| Video Game | Walter Eckhardt | Detective Pikachu |
| Video Game | Goro Daimon | The King of Fighters XIV / All Star |
| Video Game | King Curlking | The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes |
| Video Game | Owetu “Jackal” Mabuza | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War |
| Video Game | Koryu | Hokuto no Ken: Legend Revive |
| Dubbing | Harry | Sing (Japanese Dub) |
| Dubbing | Marshmallow | Frozen (Japanese Dub) |
| Dubbing | Dr. Screwball Jones | Wander Over Yonder |
| Live-Action Dub | Kevin Crawford | CSI |
Health Concerns Before His Passing
In August 2025, Fujiwara stepped down from his role as Kan Jou in Kingdom due to health-related issues, with another actor taking over the part. At the time, the announcement raised concern among fans, though details were limited.
His passing less than a year later has added a somber context to that decision. Despite stepping back from some roles, his contributions to anime and gaming remained significant.
A Lasting Legacy in Anime
Takahiro Fujiwara’s death marks a major loss for the anime industry, especially as the medium continues to expand globally. From My Hero Academia to One Piece and beyond, his performances helped shape characters that fans will continue to revisit.
While details surrounding his passing remain limited, the tributes from official sources and fans underscore the respect he earned throughout his career. His legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life and the impact he left on audiences worldwide.
