In a significant development for the anime voice acting industry, renowned voice actor Tōru Furuya has stepped down from his roles as Tōru Amuro in the Detective Conan franchise and Sabo in the One Piece franchise. The announcement was jointly made by Furuya and his talent agency, Aoni Production, on Saturday. The decision follows a series of personal controversies that have come to light, deeply impacting Furuya’s professional commitments and reputation.
A Legacy in Voice Acting
Tōru Furuya’s career spans over five decades, during which he has voiced some of the most iconic characters in anime history. His portrayal of characters such as Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon, Amuro Ray in Mobile Suit Gundam, Yamcha in Dragon Ball, and Tōru Amuro/Rei Furuya in Detective Conan has earned him a revered place in the industry. Additionally, his roles as Sabo in One Piece, Pegasus Seiya in Saint Seiya, Kyosuke Kasuga in Kimagure Orange Road, and Ribbons Almark in Mobile Suit Gundam 00 have further cemented his legacy as a versatile and talented voice actor.
The Controversy Unfolds
The decision for Furuya to step down from his roles was influenced by a recent scandal. On May 22, Furuya acknowledged on his X (formerly Twitter) account a report by Weekly Bunshun magazine regarding an affair he had with a fan. In the candid admission, Furuya revealed that he had been in a relationship with a female fan for four and a half years until September of the previous year. He stated that he was drawn to the fan due to her earnest support and had initiated contact to begin the affair.
The situation further escalated when Furuya admitted to more serious allegations, including physical altercations and causing the woman to have an abortion. These revelations prompted widespread backlash and led to significant professional repercussions for the voice actor.
Professional Fallout
In the wake of the controversy, Aoni Production requested Furuya to step down from his roles in Detective Conan and One Piece, to which he complied. Furuya expressed his regret and apologized for the burden he caused to all parties involved. The impact of these actions was immediate and far-reaching.
Atlus, the gaming company, also announced on June 11 that Furuya had been removed from the cast of its upcoming fantasy role-playing game Metaphor: ReFantazio “due to various circumstances.” While Atlus had not previously disclosed the specific character Furuya was to voice, the company plans to announce his replacement in July.
Additionally, Furuya was scheduled to appear as a speaker at a Detective Conan event hosted by Animate on July 27, which has since been canceled. He also withdrew from a stage reading production set for August 10 to 11.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Furuya’s departure from these high-profile roles marks a significant shift in the anime and gaming voice acting landscape. His contributions to the industry are substantial, and replacing a voice actor of his caliber presents a challenging task for production companies. The situation underscores the importance of personal conduct for public figures, especially those in influential positions within the entertainment industry.
The announcement has left fans and colleagues reflecting on Furuya’s extensive career and the circumstances that led to this turning point. Furuya’s influence on anime is undeniable, and his departure from these beloved roles is felt deeply by those who have followed his work for years.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate future for Tōru Furuya remains uncertain, the industry must adapt to the changes his departure necessitates. New voice actors will step into the roles of Tōru Amuro and Sabo, bringing their interpretations to these well-known characters. The transition will be closely watched by fans who have grown accustomed to Furuya’s distinctive voice and portrayal.
As the industry moves forward, the case of Tōru Furuya serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with public life and the far-reaching consequences of personal actions. The voice acting community, while supportive, also maintains high standards of professionalism and integrity.
