On Sunday, December 08, 2024, the official website of One Piece announced the retirement of Kazuki Yao, the voice behind General Franky in the anime. He joined the Straw Hat 20 years ago in One Piece Water Seven Arc, where his character has a lead role in helping them to save Nico Robin from the World Government. This Arc made the character fan’s favorite, making Franky the MVP of One Piece Water Seven.
It came after a lengthy discussion with Kazuki Yao, and happy with VA’s decision to leave the anime. However, given the character significance and ongoing One Piece remaster of the Fishman Island arc, the official website of One Piece shared that they will announce Yao’s successor in the upcoming Super Stage RED at Jump Festa 2025 and are holding a graduation ceremony as well.
One Piece Veteran Voice Actor Kazuki Yao Is Leaving The Anime After 20+ Years
With One Piece anime on the way to completing 25 years and counting, voice actor departures have certainly always been a possibility. With the recent news of veteran Franky’s voice actor Kazuki Yao, set to leave the show and separate his way from the Straw Hat Pirates. Fans are wondering who will take the Straw Hat Shipwright role next.
Fortunately, from the One Piece “X” (Formerly known as Twitter), we have confirmed that the successor of Yao will be revealed on Sunday, December 22, 2024, during the Super Stage RED at Jump Festa 2025.
As part of a slew of anticipated announcements of Jump Festa to close out 2024, including Dragon Ball, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more, One Piece is particularly the headliner at the Shueisha’s premier event.
A tasteful ceremony will be held at the event, where Kazuki Yao will formally graduate from the role as they announce the recasting. The Straw Hats won’t be without their shipwright for a given moment as the beloved anime rides to the rest of the hiatus before it returns to kick off in 2025.
Franky’s Actor Final Note Before Officially Leaving The Show
On Sunday, December 08, 2024, Kazuki Yao, best known for voicing Franky in One Piece, shared the news of his retirement on his “X” (formerly known as Twitter). “The time has come for me to give a sad farewell,” Kazuki wrote. “Goodbye to the man I’ve spent nearly 20+ years with. It was a wonderful experience, but a gap has formed between myself and the ideal Franky I know. So I’ve decided to get off the Sunny (Thousand) for now.”
Continuing, the anime actor assured that One Piece will carry on with General Franky even in his absence. “I am frustrated! I am sad! And I am seriously sorry! However, we found a super replacement. Looking forward to the JF on 12/22.”
