Sad news has emerged over the weekend. The famous Japanese voice actor, Unshu Ishizuka, has passed away from esophageal cancer at the age of 67. Ishizuka was known as the voice of Professor Oak in the Japanese Pokémon anime, as well as for being the narrator of the series.
His close relatives have reportedly already held a funeral, with a public ceremony currently being planned. Ishizuka took on voice roles for various other anime characters during his lifetime and also voiced a number of Pokémon.
From everyone here at Nintendo Life, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Ishizuka’s family, friends, and co-workers.
[source forbes.com]
Comments 27
Oh, my...
May he rest in peace.
Btw, who will substitute him as Prof. Oak voice actor ?
Rest well Professor....
Awww, the professor will always have a special place in my heart
He also voiced Hohenheim from Fullmetal Alchemist.
RIP
Sigh...Cancer is getting the best of them...
Farewell, Oak...
Well it's at least not Ash. It's always good to know he is still around to continue the series.
But.. Oak is a wonder for Pokemon. Farewell. (Cancer, you gotta hate it!)
Farewell Kozenigata
Cancer is such a horrible disease. A dreadful disease that gives false hopes of recovery on occasion, only to ruin you worse after. It can drag whole families down through depression and pain and quite often financial ruin as well... I watched it ravage my father and grandfather. Very sad. At least his suffering is at an end.
When I eventually go, I pray it's something quick. Even if it has to be painful, to linger for years in pain, wondering when you're time is up... Yes, I'd much rather go quickly and not know it's coming... Not that I am in a hurry mind you.
Very eerie to read this story right after having a check up myself.
This is a horrible tragedy. Even though I don't know the Japanese voice actor myself, I can just imagine how many Pokemon fans overseas that are affected by this.
This type of news sucks...but this happened days ago...
I'm glad DIU could finish before he passed. I'll always remember him as old joseph.
Rip professor oak. He was my first professor!
Not a Pokémon fan but tis sad ... This was last week's news btw
RIP
Far too soon to be taken. Ease well Professor
Bah, lost another to cancer. I hope the best for his friends and family, rest well Mr. Ishizuka.
I shall play some Pokémon Snap in his honor. May he rest in peace.
Also voiced Mr.Satan in Dragon Ball super. Late news actualy
He was also Mr. Satan in Dragon Ball Super, and old Joseph in the Jojo series. Here's a summary of the latter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-3GOo_nWoc
He also voiced Jet in Cowboy Bebop. RIP.
Thank you for your work. May you Rest In Peace.
Very sad news. I hope he went peacefully. Cancer is never a laughing matter.
RIP and may you super evolve into a ghastly 😞
Very sad news. I still watch the show to this day, and always found Oak to be a funny, quirky professor. May he rest in peace.
Oh my gosh this scared me. I thought it was Stuart Zagnit who passed away, but even so just because Stu was my Professor Oak, Ishizuka-san was Japan's Professor Oak. R.I.P good sir.
Much love to this master.
Time to rewatch all the original Pokémon.
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