Japanese Voice Actor for Professor Oak Passed Away

Pokemon and the Japanese voice acting community has lost a great star today.

It comes with a heavy heart to report that Unshō Ishizuka has passed away on August 13th at the age of 68. The cause of his death was Esophageal cancer.

Long time Pokemon Japanese anime fans will recognize Unshō Ishizuka as the voice for Professor Oak. Though, he has done so much more. Unshō Ishizuka has lend his voice to many fan favorite characters such as Alder, Samson Oak, and the Magikarp Salesman. Though, he has had a role in every episode as the narrator. Unshō Ishizuka opens and ends each episode letting us know that Ash is always on his adventure to becoming a Pokemon master.

If you watch other anime then you may recognize his voice. Unshō Ishizuka has played several well known characters such as Mr. Satan from Dragonball, Old Joseph Joestar in Jojo Bizarre Adventure Part 3 & 4, Van Hohenheim in Fullmetal Alchemist, Jet from Cowboy Bebop, and Kizaru from One Piece. Unshō Ishizuka has touched all parts of the anime community with his voice.

Unshō Ishizuka will be missed within and around the Pokemon community. His work in Pokemon will forever be remembered as the voice that started Ash and Pikachu’s journey. Meanwhile, it led us on countless adventures for over twenty years.

Thank you Unshō Ishizuka for such an amazing adventure.