Eiji Yanagisawa, a renowned anime voice actor celebrated for his roles in iconic series such as Naruto, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, has tragically passed away at the age of 57. Yanagisawa’s talent agency, Production Baobab, confirmed the news on November 20, 2024, revealing he died from a brainstem hemorrhage on November 12.
The statement from Production Baobab expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support Yanagisawa received during his career. His wake and funeral were held privately, attended by close relatives. The agency apologized for the delay in announcing the news, citing the bereaved family’s wishes for discretion. The announcement highlighted the significant impact Yanagisawa had on the voice acting industry.
Eiji Yanagisawa
Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Yanagisawa was a long-standing figure in the anime world, contributing his voice to numerous beloved characters. Among his notable roles were Genzo in Naruto, Professor Ulen Hibiki in Mobile Suit Gundam Seed, and Okabe-sensei in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. His diverse portfolio also included appearances in Code Geass, Genshiken, Digimon Frontier, Black Jack, Orphen, Arc the Lad, and Samurai Champloo.
Beyond anime, Yanagisawa lent his voice to video games and live-action dubbing. Gamers recognized him in Naruto: Ultimate Ninja and Tales of Zestiria. In Western live-action adaptations, he voiced characters in Lethal Weapon 3, Stargate Atlantis, Platoon, and both CSI: NY and CSI: Miami. These roles showcased his versatility and cemented his legacy as a multi-talented performer.
The anime community mourns the loss of a gifted artist whose contributions brought countless characters to life. Yanagisawa’s enduring legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Rest in peace, Eiji Yanagisawa.
Dragon Ball fans are abuzz following Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 7, where Goku nonchalantly claims he “wasn’t really involved” in raising Gohan. This revelation has reignited debates about Goku’s parenting, challenging the beloved portrayal of his bond with Gohan in Dragon Ball Z. While Goku’s absence has been attributed to his untimely deaths or training, DAIMA reframes this as neglect—a move many fans perceive as undermining core character dynamics for comedic effect.
Since its inception, Goku’s relationship with Gohan has been a central emotional thread in Dragon Ball Z. From their early mountain adventures to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber training, Goku was shown as a loving, albeit unconventional, father. This depiction now feels at odds with DAIMA’s portrayal, sparking criticism over the series’ willingness to rewrite foundational aspects of Goku’s character for modern storytelling.
Goku’s Parenting in Dragon Ball: Myth vs. Reality
Goku (Credits: Toei Animation)
In both Akira Toriyama’s manga and Toei’s anime adaptation, Goku is portrayed as an active parent, particularly in the five-year gap between Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. The anime even highlights this with a filler episode showcasing Goku and Gohan’s bonding adventures before Raditz’s arrival. These moments cemented Goku’s dedication to his family despite his warrior spirit.
Throughout the Dragon Ball Z saga, Goku repeatedly demonstrates his love for Gohan. His sacrifice against Raditz and later against Cell underscores his protective nature. Gohan’s admiration for Goku—whether striving to emulate his bravery or training to surpass him—forms a compelling father-son arc. By the Buu Saga, Gohan choosing to wear Goku’s gi signifies their mutual respect and deep connection.
Modern Reinterpretations: The Shift in Tone Modern iterations like Dragon Ball Super and now Dragon Ball DAIMA have reframed Goku’s role as a father. While Super introduced humorous elements suggesting Goku missed major milestones, DAIMA takes it further, casting Goku as a negligent parent. For many fans, this feels less like character development and more like a betrayal of Dragon Ball Z’s thematic foundation, where Goku’s balance of family and fighting was central.
Following the defeat of Majin Buu and the death of Dabura, Gomah, newly crowned King of the Demon Realm, and Degesu (a Demon Kaioshin) use Earth’s Dragon Balls to curse Goku and his friends, to shrink them into children and kidnap Baby Dende. They also seek the fabled Evil Third Eye item for ultimate power. A mysterious ally, Glorio, teams up with Panzy to help the heroes journey through the three levels of the Demon Realm, battling guardians (Tamagami) to gather Demon‑Realm Dragon Balls to undo the wish and rescue Dende.
