As a dedicated One Piece fan since its inception, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions when reflecting on the departure of Kazuki Yao from his iconic role as Franky. For nearly two decades, he brought life to one of my favorite characters with his exceptional voice acting. His retirement due to health issues is bittersweet, yet I am grateful for the memories and moments he has given us fans.
In the closing chapter of One Piece this year, artist Eiichiro Oda pays tribute to Kazuki Yao, Franky’s longtime voice actor, on a stunning two-page spread. Yao began voicing the character in 2005 when Franky made his debut in Episode 233. This year, the 65-year-old actor announced his retirement due to health issues. Rumors about his health have been prevalent since February 2024, and this month, the official X account of One Piece confirmed that he has relinquished his role.
At Jump Festa 2025, it was announced that a new voice actor will take over for one of the beloved characters in the anime, currently on break and scheduled to return in April 2025. The storyline continues the escapades of the Straw Hats pirates on the advanced island of Egghead. Meanwhile, the manga is delving into the eagerly awaited Elbaf Arc, where Luffy and his team explore the legendary Kingdom of Giants. To express gratitude for Kazuki Yao’s years of service as a beloved character, Oda created an elaborate spread in Chapter 1134 – featuring a massive Franky with the Straw Hats sitting atop him, each holding unique firearms. The cover proclaims “We are eternal,” marking the end of 2024 and serving as a touching tribute from Oda.
Kazuki Yao at Jump Festa 2025
Each year, Jump Festa is a gathering hosted by Shueisha that focuses on manga and anime, particularly the Shonen series. This convention serves as a platform for these popular shows to share updates about their upcoming projects. Notably, One Piece, one of the most enduringly famous anime, was a major focus at this event. During the event, Kazuki Yao, the voice actor for Franky, made his final appearance on stage. He drew attention by placing a pair of red underwear on the floor, symbolizing that he would no longer be voicing the character of Franky.
After Kazuki finishes, he steps off the stage, allowing Subaru Kimura, who’s now voicing Franky, to take his place and grab the prop signifying his new role. Notably, Subaru Kimura is a well-known actor, most famous for portraying Aoi Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen, Satori Tendou in Haikyuu, Pesci in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and numerous other roles.
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2024-12-22 19:39