Voice actor Takahiro Fujiwara, best known for voicing Kurogiri in My Hero Academia and Dorry in One Piece, passed away on May 14 at the age of 43.
Voice actor Takahiro Fujiwara passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 43. His talent agency Ken Production confirmed the news publicly on May 21, stating that Fujiwara "passed away peacefully" on that date.
Fujiwara built a career lending his voice to memorable characters across some of anime's most recognizable properties. His most prominent role was Kurogiri, the warp-gate villain of the League of Villains in My Hero Academia — a character who appeared from the very first season and remained integral to the series' overarching narrative. Kurogiri's deep, measured tone became one of the show's most distinctive vocal performances, and Fujiwara portrayed the character across multiple seasons of the long-running superhero series.
Beyond My Hero Academia, Fujiwara voiced the giant warrior Dorry in One Piece, bringing life to one of the beloved Elbaf giants first encountered during the Little Garden arc. He also portrayed Pippin in the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy, Eikichi Nebuya in Kuroko's Basketball, and Sekijou in the historical epic Kingdom. Each role showcased his range, from imposing warriors to layered supporting characters.
The official My Hero Academia account paid tribute to Fujiwara following the announcement, expressing gratitude for his work. The statement acknowledged his performance as Kurogiri specifically, noting the character's presence from the first season onward and the impact Fujiwara's portrayal had on the series.
Ken Production's announcement was brief but respectful, confirming the basic details while honoring the family's wishes for privacy. The agency listed Fujiwara among its roster of voice actors and narrators, and his passing represents a significant loss for the company.
No cause of death was disclosed in Ken Production's announcement. The agency noted that Fujiwara's funeral was held privately with close relatives only, in accordance with his family's wishes. The decision to hold a private ceremony before making the public announcement reflects a pattern common in the Japanese voice acting industry, where families often grieve privately before agencies release formal notices.
Fujiwara's passing at 43 marks the loss of a voice actor who was still in the prime of his career. His roles spanned action, drama, and sports anime, and his characters in My Hero Academia and One Piece ensured his voice reached audiences worldwide. With My Hero Academia having only recently concluded its anime run and One Piece continuing its historic serialization, Fujiwara's performances will remain part of two of the medium's defining franchises for years to come.
The anime community continues to remember Fujiwara's contributions, with fans and colleagues alike reflecting on the roles that defined his career and the craft he brought to each performance.
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