Naoki Bando Obituary, Japan: Veteran Voice Actor Dies at 69
Japanese voice actor Naoki Bando has died at the age of 69. His agency, Production Ace, announced that he passed away on September 28, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment. Bando was known for roles in Yo-kai Watch, Naruto, One-Punch Man, Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, and other major anime productions. (Anime)
Published by Global Report Center
Japan’s entertainment industry is mourning the passing of veteran voice actor Naoki Bando, who died on September 28, 2026, at the age of 69.
Bando’s management agency, Production Ace, announced his death on October 2. According to the agency, he passed away while undergoing medical treatment. The agency did not publicly disclose the specific illness or further medical details surrounding his death. (Anime)
Naoki Bando was an experienced Japanese voice actor whose career spanned more than four decades. He became known for portraying a wide range of supporting characters across anime, games, television productions, and Japanese-language dubbing.
Among his best-known work was the Yo-kai Watch franchise, where he voiced several characters, including Robonyan and Jinmenken. Production Ace’s profile also lists his work on other characters from the franchise. (Production Ace)
Bando also lent his voice to Gato in Naruto, Elder Centipede in One-Punch Man, and Vargas Dyson in Mobile Suit Gundam AGE. His other credits included roles in Space Brothers, Crayon Shin-chan and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. (中央社 CNA)
His work extended beyond television anime. Bando contributed to video games and Japanese dubbing projects, adding to a career that made him a familiar voice across different forms of Japanese entertainment.
News of his passing was formally announced several days after his death. Production Ace said his wake and funeral would be held privately with relatives. The agency also requested that the public refrain from condolence visits, telegrams, monetary gifts, offerings and flowers. (Topics)
Fans of Bando’s work have been remembering the veteran performer for the many characters he brought to life throughout his long career. His contributions to productions such as Yo-kai Watch, Naruto and One-Punch Man have left him familiar to audiences in Japan and internationally.
The announcement brings an end to the career of a seasoned performer who remained active in voice acting across several decades. His death marks a loss for Japan’s voice acting community and for audiences who recognized his distinctive supporting performances.
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