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Anime World Offers Condolences After Actor Hiroshi Tsuchida's Death, Part I

posted on by Ken Iikura-Gross
Colleagues remember him from his Super Sentai roots to his prolific voice-acing years


tsuchida-hiroshi
Image via 81 Produce's website

The world lost a veteran screen and anime voice actor with the announcement of Hiroshi Tsuchida's death on October 20. On screen, he was best known as Ninja Blue or Saizō from Ninja Sentai Kakuranger. His voice roles included Grisha Yeager in Attack on Titan, Kōichirō Iketani in the Initial D: Legend film series, Hyūi in the Fist of the North Star: Legend of Yuria OAV, J.J. Sexton in the four-episode Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt ONA and Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky, Nadim Samaya in the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury - Prologue special. His work has touched the lives and hearts of creators and fans alike, and now, they are paying their respects:

We start with the messages from the five Kakuranger cast members. The first is Satomi Hirose (Ninja White/Tsuruhime), as Kakuranger is one of the few Super Sentai series in which the team is led by a woman and in a color other than red.


Satomi Hirose (Ninja White/Tsuruhime)

So this it what if feels like to have a hole in your heart.
I would get happy hearing his voice on the TV or through my phone.
I admire him.
For his sense of humor, the way he would quietly look out for other, and his kindness towards everyone.
With all my respect and gratitude.
Hiroshi-chan, thank you!
We'll all keep watching all your work.


Teruaki Ogawa (Ninja Red/Sasuke)

Teruaki Ogawa joked about his and Tsuchida's Kakuranger characters arguing about ramen and hamburgers in the first episode of the series.

I can't believe we stayed connected all these years after arguing about ramen and hamburgers.
It's truly saddening because there were so many things we wanted to do, but we really did a lot together, didn't we?
I don't think of this as the end.
It'll keep going.
I didn't get to say this to you, but
Thank you more than anything. See you.

Shū Kawai (Ninja Yellow/Seikai) posted a message through Ogawa.

Hiroshi-chan
Thank you for everything!
But it's too soon!!
We've been through fun, tough, good, and sad times together till now …
Even though you've gone to the great beyond, the five of us are still Kakurangers, and our bond will last forever.
I'm sure you'd say, “I know 🙄!" … lol
The day I go over there, let's drink green tea highballs like we used to and laugh until our sides split!
Until then watch over the four of us with a smile.
See you again!!
Ninja Sentai Kakuranger
Shū Kawai

Ogawa noted that the Ninja Sentai Kakuranger 30th anniversary special, one of Tsuchida's final on-screen performances, is available on YouTube for three days in Japan.

It's only for a limited-time
For three days between today and October 23
Ninja Sentai Kakuranger Dai San-bu: Chūnen Funtō-hen, produced by the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club, is available for free on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/mGlQP3vQCqc
Check out Tsuchida's heroism.
He's cute, pathetic, and really cool.


Kane Kosugi (Ninja Black/Jiraiya)

I'm still shocked by the sudden news of Hiroshi Tsuchida's passing.
We spent many years together and we were like family.
I'll always remember his kindness in giving those of us who didn't have cars a ride to the station after filming.
I will never forget his warm personality and our memories together.
I pray he will rest in peace.


Kenichi Endō (Ninja Sentai Kakuranger's Junior)

I offer my deepest condolences to Hiroshi Tsuchida. I will never forget our time together in Kakuranger.


Masashi Goda (Chōriki Sentai Ohranger's Oh Blue/Yūji Mita)

Tsuchida,
You just passed the Sentai Blue's 30th anniversary baton to me
It's too soon …
May you rest in peace


Tetsu Inada

Tsuchida, I can't process this.
You were the same as always when we met a little while back.
You'd come in on your motorcycle and you'd say, “The traffic was pretty bad today, wasn't it?”
You were one grade level above me, but we were the same age.
It's too soon!


Yūki Kaji

Tsuchida,
We worked together on a long-running series.
You were humble, shy, and kind.
But, you were an actor with an undeniable and strong core with your voice and acting.
I admired both your calmness and passion.
Especially in Attack on Titan where we voiced father and son, roles integral to the story.
Without your Grisha, neither Eren's beginning or end would exist.
I'm filled with gratitude for all your soul-stirring lines.
Thank you for the irreplaceable time together we spent together.


Like a Dragon


Lynn

Because of my personality I don't have many sempai I can speak to freely. But Tsuchida was one of them.
He had a cool, cute, and kind personality
Tsuchida gifted me the earphones I use for dubbing and said, “I recommend these.”
I will treasure them and our memories together.


Ayu Matsuura

I was 9 years old at the time
I looked forward to going to the fun studio recordings every day because he would kindly teach me like a real father and would ease my nerves by making me laugh.
Thank you so much.
I wish we could have met in the second season …
I pray from the bottom of my heart that you will rest in peace.


Kotono Mitsuishi

Hiroshi-chan
It can't be true
I learned a lot from you. You were a captivating actor who combined rowdiness and humility.
I wanted to work with you more
Grey's Anatomy
Alex (Hiroshi Tsuchida)


Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury

Regarding the passing of Hiroshi Tsuchida
Image:
Regarding the passing of Hiroshi Tsuchida
Voice actor Hiroshi Tsuchida passed away on October 11, 2026.
Along with his role as Nadim Samaya in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, he contributed his voice to numerous works.
To pay tribute to his achievements, we offer our deepest condolences.
Bandai Namco Filmworks Co., Ltd.


Toshiyuki Morikawa

Hiroshi-kun!! What happened! It's too soon!
He was a wonderful screen and voice actor who was going to enliven and support the industry. He was a shy and bashful junior of mine who would become cute after a few drinks. There was so much more I wanted to talk about with you. Hiroshi-kun, I miss you. I'm so sad.
May Hiroshi Tsuchida rest in peace.


Shun Shioya (Ninpū Sentai Hurricanger's Hurricane Red/Yōsuke Shiina)

Horoshi Tsuchida,
I still can't believe your sudden departure.
You brought dreams and courage to so many children as Ninja Blue, Saizō from Ninja Sentai Kakuranger.
The courage taught by a hero, the spirit of believing in your friends, and the will to protect anyone.
Your legacy will continue to live on in your works and the hearts of many people.
When we'd meet we'd say, “Let's make the Ninja War,” and I wanted to make it a reality.
From the bottom of my heart, may you rest in peace.
I will carry on you spirit.
Hurricane Red/Yōsuke Shiina/ Shun Shioya


Shunsuke Takeuchi

Hiroshi Tsuchida is at [the agency 81 Produce].
For a junior like me, that sense of security was truly a source of support.
I'm filled with regret and sadness at his sudden passing.
When I was a child, I received so much courage from his performances.
May he rest in peace.
Shunsuke Takeuchi


Ryūta Tasaki (Super Sentai, Kamen Rider director)

I am saddened by the passing of Hiroshi Tsuchida, who played Ninja Blue, Saizō, and offer my deepest condolences. See you, Hiroshi-chan.
Even though our time on Kakuranger should have been difficult, I only remember having fun.
Thank you to the cast of the Kakuranger and the director, [Kōichi Sakamoto], for the opportunity to meet with Hiroshi-chan during the 30th anniversary.


Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club

We offer our deepest condolences on the passing of actor Hiroshi Tsuchida.
During his life, he contributed so much to the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club.
In the hope of sharing and remembering Tsuchida's work with as many people as possible, Ninja Sentai Kakuranger Dai San-bu: Chūnen Funtō-hen will be available on Toei Tokusatsu's official YouTube channel for three days between Wednesday, October 21 and Friday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved with the work and consented to make this stream possible.
https://youtu.be/mGlQP3vQCqc
We pray from the bottom of our hearts for Hiroshi Tsuchida's soul to rest in peace.


Keisuke Tsuchiya (Gosei Sentai Dairanger's Kirirn Ranger/Kazu)

Tsuchida,
You were always kind and fun during Kakuranger, after Kakuranger, and even long after when we met again during the Kakuranger 30th anniversary.
From how you approached action to your interactions with the staff, you were a sempai I admired.
I also loved your unique voice.
I wanted to see you again…
From the bottom of my heart, may you rest in peace.


Uma Mususme: Pretty Derby


Masayoshi Yokoyama (head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)

The studio expressed its condolences, and I'd like to personally do so as well.
I had the pleasure of working with Tsuchida when Like a Dragon was still in its in-house prototype stage. That was 22 years ago.
That prototype was eventually modified in the second chapter of the final release version.
When Kiryu returns to the city, he gets into a fight with Yūya at the Stardust club. Kazuki, who says he knows Kazama, steps in to stop the fight and tells Kiryū about the “lost decade.”
Upon learning of the danger Kazama is in, Kiryū meets a homeless informant named Mogusa at the park only to be attack by the rabid yakuza member, Mashima.
To cut costs, it was initially planned for studio employees to voice the prototype version, but it wasn't even at the level of a school play. So, we had voice actors perform the parts.
It was no more than a prototype for in-house testing. So, instead of holding a massive audition at the time, we selected Takaya Kuroda for Kiryū, Hidenari Ugaki as Mashima, Kenta Miyake as Yūya, and Hiroshi Tsuchida as Kazuki from voice samples.
In this prototype that would become Like a Dragon, the miraculous introduction to the cast allowed us to solidify the game's world and direction, the characters' appeal and charm, and overall atmosphere.
Since then, I have had the pleasure of continuing to work with Tsuchida, albeit sporadically, on the game.
Whenever we'd meet, he remembered the game and his character, and the real Kazuki would appear without a rehearsal or practice when he stood in front of the microphone.
I still remember the first day of recording vividly. Thank you so much.


Did we miss any eulogies to Hiroshi Tsuchida? Feel free to let us know in our forums or by email.


This article has a follow-up: Anime World Offers Condolences After Screen, Voice Actor Hiroshi Tsuchida's Death, Part II (2026-10-21 23:59)

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