Sad One Piece News.

[@snowyreva102]

I will miss him, it's unfortunate he has to quit. However, I value his well-being above all, all I can do is wish him the best! Thank You Kazuki Yao for plenty of entertainment!

[@joshsanders5614]

Well said

[@lilylunamoonyt]

Hell yea

[@Ashtarte3D]

It's a shame he retired but it's way better than him passing away.

[@15KHz]

Well said. His health is above everything. I hope the best for him ❤

[@PobatoGames]

The "SSSSUUUUUUUPPPPPEEEEEERRRR" will never be the same again :(

[@pigslam]

maybe not, but the memory of past sssssssuuuuuuuppppppeeeeeeerrrrrrs remains

[@farashahanem]

😭💔💖💕💖💕💖💕

[@quanti5]

I remember when Chopper's VA had to step back for a few months or so because she had a KID. I think that kid is now old enough to go to college now. One Piece is STUPID long.

[@jkreincarnation]

Showing the show to a friend for the first time right now. When that happened inbetween Water 7/ Enies Lobby we were both so shocked at his voice that I had to pause to look up what happened lmfao

[@fromant65]

The fact that he chose to drink cola each time he was in public to not break the illusion of Franky broke me 😢

[@emacifan]

It's so hardboiled. That man was icon.

[@Creature_of_god]

​@@emacifanSO HARDBOILEDDD!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@W-rock]

That's probably why he go sick. No but jokes aside, it's a really nice gesture to the fans

[@inkognito3145]

Hardboiled is hardbodies

[@rodrigoneto9162]

@@W-rockcame here to make that comment 😅

[@x5digi]

Franky needs a new story arc

[@xahxyy1551]

Why lol

[@timmykdd217]

too late lol

[@Cussie3]

There's no need... at this stage in the story, I don't think we have time nor need for a Franky story arc...

[@humblebeast9813]

Not likely

[@warlocks.r.underrated8887]

No

[@joyhana3542]

Liam thank you for making this video. Recently, just on the 15/12/2024, my papa passed away at the young age of 70. It weirdly brought a more surreal grounded perspective for me, the OP voice actors have been at it for decades and as difficult and harsh as it is for us fans, the time for the inevitable will come. Eventually, whether we want it or not, these people will have to pass on their batons (their "Will" so to say) and someone else will carry it on. And as much as it will hurt to disassociate, it's a fact we must all eventually respectfully accept.

[@joshsanders5614]

Yo man I’m sorry for your loss. Getting old sucks and it sucks even worse when you’re watching people getting older faster. God may bless you and you family with piece in your recent times of loss

[@dzzx1668]

sorry for your loss brother

[@joyhana3542]

Thank you and just to clarify, it's sister :) I'm female. I appreciate the sentiment. I hope you're alright and everything as much as possible is alright at your end.

[@SpaceBiscuits]

The most shocking part of this is the all of the main crew still have their original voice actors, they have been working on this so long and put in such amazing work the whole time. Won’t be surprised if most or all the others pass the torch soon enough.

[@jordanvance1657]

Well mayumi tanaka already said luffy is her final va role and once its finished she is retiring

[@darkfafnir4389]

We don't need any other one piece...and sell outs would think this idea is good

[@calliopeshif7581]

@@darkfafnir4389 ?

[@nickperez4158]

This is why I think the Anime "The One Piece" is being made as a way to in part introduce us to new voice actors and actresses for these iconic voices so that way there could be fill ins when needed without being too jarring.

[@EnerKaizer]

Only in Japan though. The first German VAs of both Zoro and Franky have both passed away (Zoros VA passed away about almost a decade ago in a climbing accident, and we lost Frankys German voice just a few weeks ago)

[@0-M72-0]

He’s not dead. That’s all that matters for me. I was so not ready for you to say he had passed, but thank goodness it’s not the case.

[@AfroX-StayLegendary]

“The Flowers of Friendship…blossom in the bowels of Hell…Let them bloom again today…The Okama Way.”

[@lilylunamoonyt]

Fuck thats so poetic in this context😭

[@christianschmid1440]

I hope Toei gives Franky a filler send off he deserves. I can see Oda writing a special episode for this occasion.

[@haydendavies2862]

Franky will still be a character they will just get a replacement voice actor

[@lazylenni1017]

@@haydendavies2862 Maybe they meant giving the voice actor a dedicated episode. Because that would be great.

[@doubl2480]

A filler where we discover Franky has a voice modulator installed in his throat and it changes into his new voice.

[@TheWarmachine375]

​@@doubl2480 That fits and I like it.

[@lazylenni1017]

@doubl2480 I love that idea! I guess we can only dream but that would be such a tasteful transition of voice actors 👌🏻

[@petrarcheleven8816]

It's like Charles Martinet. Retirement had to happen, but it's better that it was a willing retirement rather than due to sudden tragedy. Thank you, Kazuki Yao, for such a SUUUUUUUPEEEEEEEEER performance.

[@BladeWinters]

You have to appreciate Kazuki Yao's commitment to the character, not to say that all actors have to commit that hard as well, it's just nice that he does.

[@lennyboy1998]

I have got to say that the Netflix Ranma 1/2 remake made me warm up to the idea of new voice actors for the One Piece remake since they've recast a bunch of characters (while still having some of the og voice actors).

[@hankhenshaw619]

It's crazy I've been listening to Mayumi Tanaka since Urusei Yatsura. I'm 44 and she's still kicking.

[@riduanaqil1452]

He is such an iconic voice actor for so many characters in One Piece. It's so sad to see him go before the series ends. Hopefully Franky will have more character moments after this tho

[@Yaboiwild]

Man on the internet, I really appreciate the way you make events like this seem so poetic. This shifted my perception of the crew passing their hats down to a new generation from a tragic necessity to a hopeful opportunity .

[@nicholasdennis197]

Perhaps this is why Franky didn’t do much in egg head and has become a bit of a background character, as Oda knew this was coming sometime soon and felt it was best to partially retire the character as well.

[@nairbgolden2008]

Nah he's just become a bit of a hack. That's all.

[@Agastya_clips07]

na a new voice actor is coming and also he is a straw hat and his wish is for his dream ship to navigate the world which cant be done till one piece finishes

[@cosmicvoid239]

10:27 this is probably the most sweet and genuine thing I've ever heard. I think he deserves the rest as much as he will be missed. He's worked harder than any of us have. I just hope that when the torch is passed on it will find the right cyborg hand gripping it once more even if it won't be the one weve gtoen up with.

[@FRAAANKYSUUUPER]

Franky is my favourite character, his voice is so rich and iconic. But health is always first priority.

[@Con_Verse1]

Even if they do change which will be inevitable, I think that, in the final episode of the one piece anime, or whenever they discover the one piece, in one way or another they HAVE to get all the original voice actors back for that specific episode, hopefully they're all alive by then

[@yinyangyt8749]

It’s sad that Kazuli Yao is leaving. I didn’t start listening to the original One Piece audio until the most recent episodes. I’m going to miss him. I’ll remember his performance

[@15P3R14]

All the best to Mr. Yao. Thank you for almost 25 years of obnoxious loud characters in One Piece.

[@wingshad0w00982]

As someone who knows Yao from non one piece rules, Yao is one helluva cool dude. I’m gonna offer a SUUUPER YATTE YARUZE for Yao

[@simonbeast4576]

Dont be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened.

[@_Arkayne]

He had one of the most recognizable voices ❤

[@SirEvilestDeath]

I’m just glad he’s not dead.

[@elienlie-wml]

Franky is my favourite character because of his voice. Kazuki has been doing SUPERRR, but i do feel like hes not energetic as he used to and my love for the character in the recent arc is falling. I hope he has a great long retirement and enjoy his life to the fullest knowing that he's the source of joy to millions of people :)

[@Ozorosochi]

This dood in his 10,000 years looks better and more badass than 26 year old me.

[@TheWarmachine375]

Kazuki Yao earned his SUPER retirement and he passed the torch of voicing Franky to a successor taking his place. The show must go on.

[@christopherkidwell9817]

Yeah, if Mr. Yao had input into his successor, I am sure that we are going to get a very good replacement who will carry forth the legacy of the "FRANKY SUUUUUUPER!" voice.

[@TheWarmachine375]

​@@christopherkidwell9817 Indeed, being a consultant would fit him well to teach his successor how to get the voice right. Like Peter Cullen was consultant to Chris Hemsworth on how to get the voice of Optimus Prime right in Transformers One movie.

[@SamTheGumMan117]

Full salute 🫡 to Kazuki Yao you've always been SUUUUUPPPPPEEEEERRRRRRRR as a voice actor and to play one of the coolest characters ever for so long is awesome and hoping for big things from Franky himself in the story

[@sera7174]

Before I watched your video about The One Piece, I didn't even think there was a possibility of keeping current voice actors.

[@castlescoke6073]

Knowing he went full kayfabe like an old school wrestler is so fucking dope, true legend.

[@happyhour7871]

Franky is my top 3 characters, I caught up to the one piece anime during water 7 and seeing a reverse speedo centaur lives in my brain rent free

[@moosatch8586]

Thank you, Kazuki Yao. ❤ Man, just seeing those images of him cosplaying with a big smile on his face just hurts in a good way. Water 7 was when I knew One Piece was my favorite and a large part definitely has to be ‘cause of Franky. Also, thank you too, GLR man aka lee am for always shedding light on every aspect of this neat, pirate story. GLR is a true “one piece channel” as you always take a wide approach, covering things from facts and theories to discussions about the real-world effects on the story. This channel truly feels like the hub of One Piece, where we can gather to discuss almost any topic concerning the story, including this one. While you’re a very balanced creator, you still shed a tear with all of us when it’s needed. Thanks for helping us realize just how important this man is beyond what most of us know, for helping us appreciate things in a different way.

[@Kodex-TheFailed]

Thank you Kazuki Yao for a SUUUUUUPERRRR career and I hope he has a radical retirement.

[@CoreyATyler]

Turns out the lurking legend was actually Yao, a real one to the end. What a champion of a man.

[@shonyeezy5672]

Yeah, I’ve always loved Frankie spunky voice and the way he Rolls his Rs and the raspiness sounding like he could be in a delinquent anime 🔥🔥🔥🔥 what a guy

[@tomislavpercinlic6778]

2:42 If you put glasses on, you will see a striking resemblance of Franky from Return to Sabaody arc.

[@KlayOfAllThingz]

Thankfully he's alive still 😁, I remember when Bon Clay first got shown around alabasta arc and I just wanted them to be part of the crew so bad . So imagine my joy when I heard they shared a voice with Franky 😂 it was just the upliftment I needed prior to my dream cometru situation of bonclay helping Luffy back in impel down. Solidifying Bon Clay in my heart as Nakama Forever

[@idzim4n219]

I'll never forget when I first noticed a decline in his voice, it was Franky's reveal for Pirate Warriors 4. He just sounded so much more strained than I had heard up till then. It's sad news for us, but he's been a legend for so long and deserves his retirement

[@lnw_art4346]

that shirt with the roses he's wearing in the first photo of him is fucking sick!! I want one

[@grantisshananaa4906]

SUPPPPPPER THANK YOU Kazuki Yao!! You're iconic and you will live forever through One Piece. I pray you enjoy the rest of your life and that it's as long as possible.

[@es_julche1021]

In the German dub of One Piece, the voice actor of Franky (Frank Engelhardt) sadly passed away this year. We was nearly 80 years old and passed away by a stroke. He was one of the oldest cast members with the voice actor of Jinbei (Willi Röbke), who´s also close to his 80´s.

[@D.x.-1974]

On the bright side the VA of Franky retired early, I don't mean it in a bad way but think of it as when matpat left the game theory.

[@mythical_lunarian5072]

This is so sad, i wonder how many voice actors would be voicing the crew in raftel or when the moment they get the one piece, it is sad the limitation to this is age and health i wish all the best and well health to the voice actors and i hope they all make it to the end, what a journey it is

[@Zobie2game]

I’m hoping that Franky’s new VA will be whoever voiced Okuyasu in JoJo

[@TheGreenthunder200]

I think the best thing they can do for the original vas is have them voice the straw hat's mentors or someone very close to them who doesn't get a lot of screen time. Like for example have Sanji's va voice Zeff or Nami's va voice Bellemere. It'd really bring the new series full circle so to speak and feel like a proper sendoff for the old cast.

[@stan_1999]

Unique case for me with Franky because as it turns out the German VA for Franky who voiced Franky ever since Water 7 and Enies Lobby aired here in 2008 died this year. Now I have to get used to 2 new voices and I loved both of his old ones. I wish his Japanese VA the best and that he can still live a long life.

[@falkpojken94dragon]

it's a happier ending for most VA that no longer voices our favorite charecters. thanks for all the SUUUUUUUUUUPER lines.

[@trevorm4225]

This is a stark reminder that there are many people who haven't/won't make the journey to Laughtale. We need to inherit their will and carry them forward with us.

[@cabs0110]

thank you, and wishing the best for everyone!

[@richyvincent8500]

He has a profound impact on One Piece and his voice is legendary 🙌 I will miss him dearly, ty Mr, voice of Frandy ❤

[@jo.comics]

You got me, got me scared for a mo there. Sad news but I‘m glad he‘s retiring, more people in the creative industry should be doing that when they need it.

[@elisjones4470]

His voice was absolutely SUPER goodbye Kazuki Yoa thank you for voicing characters like franky bon clay and django we will all miss you

[@TkKronic]

Imagine putting 25 years into a show like this and retiring and waiting around for another 10 years and it still isn't done i mean jeez how many of these voice actors could possibly die before the end it's crazy

[@ZAYBUNY101]

"He's not only built different, He build himself different."

[@mongolball15]

A sad day 😔😔

[@TehF0cus]

Its just the VA, I've had this happen before. Its eerie for a couple of weeks but in time you dont even realize it has ever been a different voice.

[@AfroX-StayLegendary]

😢Truly…Good Frrravor.

[@tracyndiyob162]

thank you kazuki! :3 will miss him as he was franky(and awesome oda based him off of/him drinking cola around kids is so sweet)that while sad he does feel he hasn't envisioned the awesome ace ventura/donkey kong(alongside marth as brook favorite of super grand battle x amiibo costumes visualizing dk,diddy & dixie doing his "sssuuupppeeerrr!!" pose with franky.:3) cyborg recently with how less he's appeared(egghead really should've been franky's arc with how much vegapunk impacted his design.) was still always fun to listen to & wish him alongside his new voice actor the best.

[@piedpiper1185]

OP is one of the few shows were I would say that the current VAs should have a say in who voices their characters if/when they retire. After 20+ years, they practically ARE their characters at this point.

[@LanceJr]

And so it begins 😢 Definitely havent looked forward to this moment but for a such long running and purely AMAZING piece of work OP is and has been, i knew in the back of my mind it was only a matter of time.

[@leonvanderliner]

His voice is SO unique, I don't know how they could possibly find someone to replace him without it immediately sounding off.

[@jesserice7777]

5:00 AM in the States: so much for sleeping.

[@johnnoreau3570]

Sleep is for the week. I’ve been up since 1230am for my job that starts at 2am. I’m on my lunch break and still have 3 and a half hours left 😅

[@abdulalsabbagh6523]

It's so precious that he would always drink coloa in public

[@superspider64]

the only saving grace of this news is that it happened during the hiatus, meaning the anime team isn't scrambling to find a new VA right now

[@eliechaya9690]

Love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤

[@Sktx_]

When real life events come into play, Inherited Will suddenly takes a whole new meaning.

[@AnaxErik4ever]

Yao-san will be missed. But with One Piece projected to end in ten years max, it is a distinctive, needed probability that our favorite characters have voice actor replacements. The “hand off of dreams/power to the new generation” is a trope that One Piece brings up often. And I’ve noticed for media in general that how characters react to “the inevitability of time and knowing you may not be alive to see your dreams realized” often determines whether the old(er) generation(s) is remembered as heroes or as villains.

[@naikyou]

I saw the thumbnail and did indeed assume the worst. But I'm glad he's just retiring from voice acting, even if it means having a couple of beloved characters be changed in the future. It's something we'll need to come to terms with in general, if Borsalino and White Beard are any indication for things to come. He's had a storied four decades of experience and I'm glad to have had the pleasure of hearing his performance over the years.

[@theoverseer393]

I can totally understand retiring. God bless that man

[@meridithg.42]

This is why I say the WIT studio version needs to cast new voices for their version of One Piece.

[@mobbs6426]

1997: "I think I've found you a voice role, some silly little pirate manga about Mr Fantastic. Should keep you going for a couple years." 27 years later...

[@Mark-Zuccubus]

I was never too into the original Japanese voice over for Franky, but i have a lot of respect for the man and i hope he's going to be alright, and may he be of good health. Thank you for all of the years of entertainment you brought so many fans, Kazuki Yao! Ganbare, Franky!

[@HeraclesN-fp1bw]

Kazuki Yao have done a SUPER job giving his all for 25 years of One Piece, so it good to see him retire which he deserves & can’t wait to see who is going to voice Franky, Bon-chan, Fake Sogeking / Mounblutain, & maybe even Charlotte Tablet - He also voices Yoki (Fullmetal Alchemist), Takeda (Kenichi), Byron (Pokemon), Majitani (HxH), Sidoh (Death Note), Dominikov (Murder Princess), Dark Schneider (Bastard ova), Tiger of the Wind (Monster Rancher), Skunk (Astro Boy), Toshiyuki (Great Teacher Onizuka), Ninjamon (Digimon Adventure 2), Juro (Ushio & Tora), Zahhard (Slayers), & many more like the Japanese dub of Robert (Dinosaurs) & Billy (Adventure Time)

[@grumpysanta6318]

Sometimes you forget that time's passing for everyone else too.

[@jellyneck7978]

I love Franky. I love Kazuki Yao. Thank you so much for all the years of amazing work!

[@HangGrenade01]

I knew it was coming. He'd sounded off for a while but when I'd heard he'd been replaced as the voice for Judau Ashta(ZZ Gundam MC) for The UC Engage game, I figured it was about that time.

[@MrTony]

Mannnnn Frankie and bon clay are two of my faves 😔 I also can't believe Luffys VA is damn near 90

[@somethingmemorablegtmt9227]

Thank goodness he's still alive, I feared the worst. This was one of the videos of all time to be early on...

[@monarcsded]

Will Miss him. Wishing him very happy healthy and long life after retirement

[@thegreyarea9304]

Legend!!!!! Take care, Kazuki!!!!!

[@imjustherefortehlulz]

This would never happen with pre time skip designed Franky

[@rolando_j_]

I honestly don't see this as sad. It's definitely a reality check if you hadn't seen this coming. The voice actors shouldn't be expected to continually voice these characters once they feel career retirement is best for them. It's wonderful that they've stayed this long. And people who've worked hard deserve a retirement if that's what they desire. The entire main cast of the Simpsons has endured in their respective roles a full decade longer than the One Piece cast so, maybe their is hope that others will stay as long. But we really shouldn't expect cast members on a show as long as the One Piece cast has.

[@jesseljones4991]

Can’t lie, I am tearing up at work listening to this 😢 thank you for being SUPERRRR!!!

[@JDdoesstuff]

My favorite character was pre-timeskip franky. Not a big fan of post-timeskip franky design. Sad to hear he is struggling. Hope his health gets better.

[@saucesecrete]

the goat :((((((((( rest well brother man

[@unthusiasm4541]

Obviously he *sounds* like he's lost all his teeth in the last few years but jesus - watch the video where Yao goes to see the Las Vegas Dome. You can say he's a young 66, but the guy's absolutely falling apart

[@draico4265]

Honestly ever since the announcement of the remake i prayed that they would look for a new cast of voice actors. While i love and appreciate all the work our current cast has put in, i would almost feel selfish to force them back into the frey after all the hard work they've already done.

[@cosmicvoid239]

Dang so that means egg head will be the last time we hear this version of Franky. Kinda fitting almost like a rebirth in a way especially since with all do respect Franky didn't do much on egg head which might have been because it's harder to give him important moments when he struggles to even maintain his voice.

[@1thepeacefulwarrior1]

Franky was supeeer in Ennies Lobby and Water Seven. He's one of top 4 best Strawhat most original and funny. He needs more time in the manga

[@deadpark121]

The One Piece remake having a new set of voice actors would have the double benefit of having the voice actors already be set in the roles should they need to fill in for the final arc of the original.

[@Historyfrek4ever]

The man is over 65, that’s the retirement age for most jobs. So while I am sad to see him go, especially due to unforeseen circumstances, I hope those get solved and he gets to enjoy retirement. He has earned it.

[@MrRevash]

Franky was Tekkin's fav character , wondering how he will do without his OG VA

[@jax2k11]

He's inspired millions i have no doubt they will find someone if not better with the power of youth

[@NewEstate4thDimension]

As sad as this is gotta admit I was “glad” it was just the Franky news cause I happened to not be behind on this one for once… a true legend.

[@saronstar]

I mean , it only makes sense that one or two of members should die through this point of the time stroy , but we know oda won't do that , because it would be absolutely heartbreaking that every member had a great background and choosen carfully by Lufi , but in reality there is no way all members would've survived to this point

[@dianeking2223]

I knew it was going to be hard to hear the new voices for the WIT project. Ive been listening to these voices for over 20 years now but unfortunately they cant go on forever.

[@dikayevertear3509]

I think One Piece is one of those anime that needs a dedicated voice cast to dub. A crew of VA's who will work on One Piece solely.