Mystery Behind Joji Yanami Cause of Death, Legendary ‘Dragon Ball’ Voice Actor Dead At 90

The iconic narrator from the Japanese anime "Dragon Ball," Joji Yanami, passed away last Friday, December 3, at the age of 90.

Nikkan Sports reported about his death, which was confirmed by Aoni Production, Yanami's longtime talent agency. The company said it was at a loss that he died, and later on, thanked Yanami for being a kind co-worker to all of its staff.

The company said it was at a loss over the actor's death and thanked Yanami for being so kind to its staff. Despite not having a cause of death disclosed to the public, local reports said a closed funeral service has already been held for his family members, per The Sun.

Yanami In The Anime Industry

Yanami has left a lot of roles in the anime industry for his legacy. Also reported by the same article, he started his career in the 1960s after portraying characters in "Wolf Boy Ken," "Osomatsu-Kun," "Cyborg 009," and "Moomin." Aside from that, he was also credited for the shows "Ashita no Joe," "Devilman," "Mazinger Z," "Astro Boy," "GeGeGe no Kitaro," "Inuyasha," and "Cutie Honey."

Later on, he worked on "Dragon Ball" and narrated the original anime in 1986. The renowned voice actor has impressed avid watchers as a narrator, making him work for more projects from the series like "Dragon Ball Z," "Dragon Ball Super," and many more.

He, later on, became a part of the character cast voicing "Dr. Briefs," "King Kai," "Dr. Frappe," "Bobbidi," and a lot more.

Unfortunately, Yanami left "Dragon Ball Super" before it ended in 2018, as he went on an extended break in 2015. This has made the anime recast their narrator and characters.

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Rest In Peace, Joji Yanami

The anime community has left tributes to Joji Yanami online, recognizing all his works.

Toei Animation, international animation studio for "Dragon Ball Z," tweeted, "We pay our respects to the great Jōji Yanami, legendary Japanese voice actor who gave life to King Kai, Dr. Briefs, Professor Yumi, Gennai, Babidi, Gan Fall, narration in the Dragon Ball franchise, and so much more."

  "Rest in peace, and thank you," they concluded. His co-worker in the many shows, Toshio Furukawa, posted a photo of Yanami with the rest of "Dragon Ball Z Kai" casts, mentioning that working with him "was an indescribable joy."

One fan also followed, "Thank you for the wonderful memories you've given fans all over the world."

May his soul rest in peace.

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