Dragon Ball Z Voice Actor Kozo Shioya Dies at 71, Piccolo Voice Toshio Furukawa Pays Tribute: “It Was Too Soon, Big Brother”

Veteran voice actor Kozo Shioya, who voiced Majin Buu in the anime Dragon Ball Z, passed away on the 20th due to a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 71 years old. Toshio Furukawa, the voice actor of Piccolo in the same series, took to his X account by the 29th to express his condolences.

Tribute from Toshio Furukawa

Furukawa wrote, “Majin Buu… is gone… From our younger days, you were always walking alongside me. Wherever I went for anime recordings, you were always there. After every Dragon Ball recording session, we would go out for drinks together. Hearing the news of Kozo Shioya passing away… everyone called you ‘big brother.’ Because you were Yoku Shioya (Shioya's younger brother) big brother…” He continued, “It was too soon, big brother… I sincerely offer my deepest condolences.”

He later shared a photo from what he described as “a New Year’s gathering from several years ago.” Furukawa also recalled a personal episode, saying, “Kozo san was the one who told me, knowing I cannot handle alcohol, ‘Just order hoppy without the set.’ I am still hooked on it and always keep it stocked.”

About Kozo Shioya

Shioya was born in Kagoshima Prefecture and built a long career as a voice actor across anime and video games. He was widely known for voicing Majin Buu in the anime series Dragon Ball Z. His other notable roles included Daisankyoeimaru in the anime Nintama Rantaro and Yoshimoto Imagawa and Xavi in the Sengoku BASARA game series.

According to the announcement, Shioya funeral service was held privately with close family members only, in accordance with the wishes of his bereaved family.

Source : ORICON NEWS