Breaking: Veteran Voice Actor Naoki Bandō Passes Away at 69

The anime and voice acting community is mourning the loss of a highly versatile and beloved talent today. Veteran Japanese voice actor Naoki Bandō has sadly passed away at the age of 69.

Details of His Passing:

Bandō's talent management agency, Production Ace, officially announced the heartbreaking news on Friday, October 2, 2026. According to the agency's official statement, Bandō passed away earlier in the week on Monday, September 28.

While fans have naturally inquired about the specific cause, time, and exact place of his passing, the agency respectfully kept those details private. They confirmed only that he passed away while undergoing medical treatment for an illness. In accordance with the wishes of his family, a private wake and funeral service have already been held, attended strictly by close relatives. Production Ace also noted that the family has politely declined any public condolence gifts, telegrams, or flowers to maintain their privacy during this difficult time.

His Legacy:

Born in 1957, Bandō built an incredible career spanning several decades. While he was a master of supporting roles, his distinct voice became a staple in the childhoods of many modern anime fans.

His most notable works include:

Yo-kai Watch:

Where he voiced several characters including the robotic feline Robonyan, the human faced dog Jinmenken, and the delinquent Gurerurin.

Mobile Suit Gundam, The Origin: He voiced Trenov Y. Minovsky, the brilliant scientist.

The Brave Series (Yuusha): Fans of classic 1990s mecha anime will remember him fondly as the voice of Guard Star in The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird and Jet Silver in The Brave of Gold Goldran.

He also lent his voice to countless video games, dubbing roles for foreign films, and numerous other anime productions throughout his prolific career.

Naoki Bandō's incredible vocal range and dedication made him a legendary pillar in the Japanese voice acting industry. MovieWrld extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His iconic contributions to the world of animation will live on. Rest in peace legend.