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If you’re into anime – like really into anime – you’re almost certainly watching your favorites in their original Japanese rather than dubbed in English. In which case, we have some sad news for you: Legendary voice actor Iemasu Kayumi, responsible for lending the charm and gravitas to many of the most memorable characters both in anime’s 80s and 90s heyday and in more modern works – has passed away at the age of 80.

Kayumi was apparently in the hospital for an unspecified illness that it appears he, unfortunately, ultimately succumbed to.

Widely beloved in his native Japan and among hardcore foreign fans, Kayumi lent his distinctive voice to numerous well-known characters, including: Kurotawa of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind fame, One Piece‘s Cobra Nefertari, Oslo Vislar from Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva, and the narrator of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood among many others.

He was also known for dubbing work in American films, including the Kill Bill series, and his name graced the credits of entries in the Dragon Ball Z and Ghost in the Shell series.

It appears, at least, that Kayumi’s death was a peaceful one, which surely provides some comfort to his next of kin. Here’s hoping he’s entertaining anime fanboys in that big Suncoast in the sky.

Source: Cinematoday.jp
Photo: Wikipedia