The anime community is mourning the loss of a beloved veteran voice actor. Masaru Ikeda, whose distinctive voice brought life to iconic characters in Yatterman, Sakura Wars and numerous dubbing roles, died at the age of 83 on January 31, 2026. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues worldwide, highlighting a long and impactful career in animation and film.
Masaru Ikeda, born on September 27, 1942 in Tokyo, began his acting career in 1963 and quickly became one of Japan’s most respected voice actors and performers. Over six decades, Ikeda lent his voice to a wide variety of memorable roles including the voice of Yatterwan in the classic animated series Yatterman, part of the long-running Time Bokan franchise that first aired in the late 1970s.
He is best known for his role as Jamitov Hyman in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, one of the most influential entries in the long-running Gundam franchise.
He also portrayed Gelsadora in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II, Master Nekomamushi in One Piece, Jean Carne and the Mysterious Old Taoist in Souten no Ken, General Commander Ikki Yoneda in Sakura Wars, and Koreyoshi Kitamura in Death Note.
Ikeda’s versatility extended beyond anime. He became widely known for his Japanese dubbed performances of major Hollywood stars, including offering Japanese voices for actors like Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman in films such as Midnight Run and Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.
His contributions were not limited to just one genre; Ikeda’s roles spanned classic anime, OVAs, tokusatsu (live-action with special effects), and international film dubs, making his voice familiar to millions of viewers.
News of Ikeda’s death sparked heartfelt reactions across social media platforms and anime forums. Fans remembered him not only for his memorable characters but also for the depth and warmth he brought to his roles.
Masaru Ikeda, born on September 27, 1942 in Tokyo, began his acting career in 1963 and quickly became one of Japan’s most respected voice actors and performers. Over six decades, Ikeda lent his voice to a wide variety of memorable roles including the voice of Yatterwan in the classic animated series Yatterman, part of the long-running Time Bokan franchise that first aired in the late 1970s.
He is best known for his role as Jamitov Hyman in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, one of the most influential entries in the long-running Gundam franchise.
He also portrayed Gelsadora in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II, Master Nekomamushi in One Piece, Jean Carne and the Mysterious Old Taoist in Souten no Ken, General Commander Ikki Yoneda in Sakura Wars, and Koreyoshi Kitamura in Death Note.
Ikeda’s versatility extended beyond anime. He became widely known for his Japanese dubbed performances of major Hollywood stars, including offering Japanese voices for actors like Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman in films such as Midnight Run and Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.
His contributions were not limited to just one genre; Ikeda’s roles spanned classic anime, OVAs, tokusatsu (live-action with special effects), and international film dubs, making his voice familiar to millions of viewers.
Passing and official statement
According to his agency, the Tokyo Actor’s Consumer’s Cooperative Society, Ikeda passed away at 4:15 pm on January 31 due to heart failure caused by a myocardial infarction. He was 83 years old. In line with his family’s wishes, a private funeral was held with only close relatives present, and the agency asked the media to respect the family’s privacy during this time.News of Ikeda’s death sparked heartfelt reactions across social media platforms and anime forums. Fans remembered him not only for his memorable characters but also for the depth and warmth he brought to his roles.
