Hiroshi Masuoka

was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator from Minami, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He famously voiced the roles of Masuo Fuguta in Sazae-san and Uncle Jam in Let's Go! Anpanman. He also voiced Master Roshi in the last episodes of Dragon Ball Z and all of Dragon Ball GT, following the death of Kōhei Miyauchi. He was last affiliated with the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society.

Biography Early life Masuoka was born on August 7, 1936 in Minami-Saitama, Saitama Prefecture (now known as Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City). His family ran a farm, with his father taking great pride in his work as a farmer. In his later years, Masuoka revealed that much of he and his family's food was self-sufficient.

In middle school, his homeroom teacher was a painter, to the point of having his works displayed at the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. He became so inspired by his teacher that he decided to become a painter himself.

After graduating from junior high school, thinking he couldn't make a living just by drawing, he decided to enroll in Saitama Prefectural Omiya Technical High School, but dropped out due to various circumstances. He then enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts in order to study painting, but dropped out again after only two years because he wanted to paint freely. Eventually, he graduated from the Department of Culture and Arts at Bunka Gakuin. He said that he was greatly influenced by the playwright Shūji Terayama, whom he had met, and that it was at Terayama's invitation that he started his acting career in earnest. His debut as a voice actor was portraying the role of Kuma in Wolf Boy Ken.

In August 2019, he retired from the roles of Masuo Fuguta in Sazae-san and Uncle Jam in Let's Go! Anpanman. He proposed to step down from both roles in both programs himself due to his old age. The staff of both series agreed to the decision after discussions,

Death

Masuoka died from rectal cancer on March 21, 2020, at 83 years old. After his funeral and farewell service were held privately with only close relatives, the announcement of his death was made to the public media on March 26 that year. Additionally, on the April 4 broadcast of Ariyoshi-kun no Shojiki Sanpo the same year, an on-screen memorial message at the beginning and a memorial video clip after the end of the broadcast for Masuoka were shown.

Personality Features and characteristics His voice range was baritone, bass-baritone.

It was often said that his voice quality never changed. Regarding it, he said, "I'm sure that a voice is something that comes from the heart, so as long as your heart doesn't change, you can keep sounding the same forever... I like to think that voices don't grow old."

His special skill was rakugo.

He had many siblings, with him being the second son with an older brother and younger sister. he also authored books related to miso.

He naturally knew how to make it very well because he used to help his farmer father as a child. He started to doing it himself in the 1970s when he thought about improving his diet after his child suffered from childhood asthma.

He was active in fostering the next generation and served as an instructor at multiple vocational schools and training institutes. According to his former student Yūichi Matsumoto, Masuoka’s strict guidance was well-known among students. Masuoka acknowledged this, saying, "There are times when I wonder if I might be going too far," then adding, "I’ve decided to speak the truth, even if it means people might dislike me. After all, a mentor is only a mentor if they provide guidance." "If you just give safe, inoffensive advice, you’ll never become a voice actor—not even in 100 years. I hope that before they graduate, my students will find at least one opportunity to discover something that fits them perfectly—'a charm unique to them, or a role that only they can play.'"

Sazae-san In the anime Sazae-san, succeeding Shinsuke Chikaishi, Masuoka served as the second voice actor for Masuo Fuguta for about 41 years, from the broadcast on June 11, 1978, to the broadcast on August 18, 2019.

Although Chikaishi was his senior, they became friends through shared hobbies like making miso. Also, when Masuoka was starting out, Chikaishi told him, "Masuoka-san, you can easily understand what an actor is if you compare it to a single company. What to make, whether what you made is needed in today's world, whether everyone knows about it through promotion, checking what sells—the presidents and employees who do all of these things are all inside you. Try thinking of yourself as a single company. If you do that, naturally everyone will cooperate happily with each other to make good things, and there is no way it won't sell." He would say that those words had a major impact on his acting career.

Based on his experience of playing Masuo, he came to intentionally stop being conscious of his predecessor's performance when taking over roles for other works like Dragon Ball Z.

When performing, he is known for his unique deliveries of casual lines and exclamations like "Eh~?!".

He claimed "I'm home~" and "See you later~" as his favorite lines of Masuo, because "there was a plain yet warm sound to them."

Regarding recording for Sazae-san, it felt just like everyday life, so he didn't feel at all like he was doing work, but noted that "that is also the good part about it". At the same time however, he would sometimes voice complaints with treatment he received.

Regarding the show itself, it is described as a work that casually teaches important things such as manners and etiquette.

Let's Go! Anpanman In the anime Let's Go! Anpanman, he voiced the character of Uncle Jam for many years, from the start of the show's broadcast on October 3, 1988, to the broadcast on August 9, 2019.

When voicing Uncle Jam, Masuoka avoided using a cold tone of voice and placed focus on the "warmth in his words" while portraying the character so that the children who watched the show could understand him. and Michiyo Yanagisawa, who voices Currypanman, revealed that when she was troubled during the early days of the broadcast, Masuoka quietly invited her out for tea and offered words of encouragement.

According to Toda on her blog, Masuoka was quite depressed when Kaneta Kimotsuki, the original voice actor for Horrorman on the show, died in 2016, with Toda remarking, "They were of the same generation, weren't they? It's only natural."

Even after leaving the show, he kept in touch with the show's staff and cast, often visiting the recording studio up until his death.

Filmography Television animation + List of voice performances in television animation Year Title Role(s) Notes Source 1964 Wolf Boy Ken Kuma 1965 Uchuu Patrol Hopper Additional voice Astro Boy Additional voice 1966 Osomatsu-kun Watchmaker, Henchman, Customer at "L'Français" restaurant (Iyami's French Eaves), Boss of the Smog Family 1967 Kaminari Boy Pikkaribee Additional voice Gokū no Daibōken Hunter, One-eyed 1968 The Monster Kid Kyodaigon Star of the Giants Additional voice Cyborg 009 005 / Geronimo Junior Sally the Witch Pesu 1969 Plum Star Prince Additional voice Undersea Boy Marine Henchman A, Man A 1970 Ashita no Joe Tarō The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee Tokubee Mōretsu Atarō Police Chief, Taxi Driver 1971 Attack No. 1 Additional voice Sarutobi Ecchan Additional voice Kunimatsu-sama no Otoridai! Additional voice 1972 Astroganger Monster Apache Yakyūgun Additional voice Triton of the Sea Gelpess second voice Pinocchio: The Series Monster snake GeGeGe no Kitarō Additional voice Devilman Zan'nin, Adult first voice of Zan'nin Mazinger Z Additional voice 1973 The Gutsy Frog Rakugo Master, Additional voice Babel II Additional voice 1974 Cutie Honey Additional voice Great Mazinger Additional voice Dororon Enma-kun Additional voice The Song of Tentomushi A Week of Weight Gain First Human Giatrus Additional voice 1975 Shogun in His Boyhood Okuyama Denshin-sai Time Bokan Duncan, Demon's Head 1976 Dino Mech Gaiking Prometheus Don Chuck Monogatari Kurobe, Simon, Konkon Tayu 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother Additional voice Magne Robo Gakeen Additional voice Happy Section Chief Additional voice Maya the Honey Bee Jack, Bird 1977 Voltes V Zool, General Oka, Noble B Dokaben Tako Hachi, Denkichi, Doctor, Chairman of the Board, President, Committee Chair Tobidase! Machine Hiryū Ockkanavitch Main role Yatterman King Kamehameha Wakakusa no Charlotte Jackson, Mitchell, Bobson second voice of Bobson 1978 Nobody's Boy: Remi Pagès Ikkyū-san Additional voice Sazae-san Masuo Fuguta second voice Her Majesty's Petite Angie Silver King Fang Leader Treasure Island Additional voice Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern Ushigoro The Story of Perrine Younger Brother The Adventures of the Little Prince Bird, Dongo Majokko Tickle Teacher Takakura Manga Nihon Emaki Additional voice Future Boy Conan Gucci Song of Baseball Enthusiasts Oka, Kintarō Lupin the 3rd Part II Counsel, Onabess' Aide Counsel in episode 21, Onabess' Aide in episode 42 1979 King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table Tontamu Galaxy Express 999 Policeman, Gutara, Gandel, Shaward, Old Man, Castle Lord Koguma no Misha Village Chief Gordian Warrior Annonji Doraemon The Owner of the Shack Hana no Ko Lunlun Additional voice 1980 The Monster Kid Additional voice Ganbare Genki Katsuzo Yamaya Cyborg 009 Randolph Sue Cat Foreman Astro Boy Secretary-General, Gorō The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Mouse, Bear, Additional voice Nextworld Additional voice The Rose of Versailles Additional voice Invincible Robo Trider G7 Shinkichi's father, the lodge owner 1981 Urusei Yatsura Additional voice Dash Kappei Okazaki Dr. Slump - Arale-chan Ocha-kun/Mr. Handy Superbook Gizmo the Crusading Robot Bremen 4: Angels in Hell Others Television film Manga Mito Kōmon Additional voice Yattodetaman Don José 1982 Scientific Rescue Team Technoboyger Head of Department Gyakuten! Ippatsuman Benkei Robby the Rascal Yosaku, Dr. Deco (Deco-yama Bokota) Sasuga no Sarutobi Sarutobi Kogen, The Lady at the Okonomiyaki Restaurant Tokimeki Tonight Cheshire Cat, Jaws III Miss Machiko Old Man from Kagoshima, Mr. Arashi, Fortune Teller, Uncle Kinsan Magical Princess Minky Momo King Lucy-May of the Southern Rainbow Hoodie 1983 Akū Daisakusen Srungle Magician Eagle Sam Officer Bogey The Yearling Bag Forest Nine Katsuya's father Personal Computer Travel Detective Team Wind-up Clock Plawres Sanshiro Roger Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel Principal, Additional voice Manga Japanese History Tokugawa Ieyasu, Takahashi Kageyasu Mīmu Iro Iro Yume no Tabi Louis Pasteur, Louis Daguerre, Temple Carpenter 1984 Glass Mask Additional voice Chō Kōsoku Galvion Mosel Katri, Girl of the Meadows Teacher B Sherlock Hound George/Todd Elves of the Forest Additional voice Ranpō Dr. Hosamochi 1985 Ashita Tenki ni Naare Additional voice Onegai! Samia-don Additional voice Dirty Pair Salesman A Touch Toshio Asakura 1986 GeGeGe no Kitarō Ijuin, Mōryō Animated Classics of Japanese Literature Jūkichi Ōyama Doteraman Benkei Bug tte Honey Waldrado, Additional voice Maison Ikkoku Toshizō, Yakuza Robotan Additional voice 1987 The Three Musketeers Foreman Mami the Psychic Juro Sakura Main role Ganbare, Kickers! Fujiwara New Maple Town Stories: Palm Town Chapter Director Stelberg episode 4 1988 Ultra B Sushi Restaurant Let's Go! Anpanman Uncle Jam, Aokinman, Minister of the Right, Moo-san, Horse, Crocodile Man, Townspeople first voice of Uncle Jam, third and sixth voice of Moo-san Ironfist Chinmi Rōshi Rō What's Michael? Shinnosuke Mister Ajikko Musutaki 1989 The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee The Mayor, Dr. Beetle, Tokubei The New Adventures of Kimba The White Lion Kutta New Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics Bear The Tale of Osamu Tezuka: I'm Son-Goku Sagojo Television film Madö King Granzört Elder Wrestler Gundan Seisenshi Robin Jr. King Oora Fire-man 1990 Samurai Pizza Cats Zaikingoro The Jungle Book Abdullah Let's Go! Anpanman: Save the Southern Sea! Uncle Jam Television special Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water Henri/George (Jean's uncle) My Daddy Long Legs Walter Griggs 1991 Kinkyū Hasshin Saver Kids Admiral Hope Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Temujin Ranma ½ Toramasa Kobayakawa RPG Densetsu Hepoi Captain The Laughing Salesman Kazuo Uwame, Yorimichi Ukai, Colleagues Kazuo Uwame in episode 51, Yorimichi Ukai in episode 97 1992 Cooking Papa Tetsushi Higashiyama Bush Baby, Little Angel of the Grasslands Gideon Nangoku Shōnen Papuwa-kun Chappy Fantasy Adventure: Nagagutsu o Haita Neko no Bōken King 1994 Tico and Friends James Magical Circle Guru Guru Bado The Brave Police J-Decker Pierrot episode 6 1995 Saint Tail Tangerine Nintama Rantarō Itaino Hida, Court Noble, Acrobat (Leader of a Band of Thieves), Male 1996 The Legend of Zorro Ed Dragon Ball GT Master Roshi Dragon Ball Z Master Roshi second voice; episodes 288-291 1998 Touch: Are kara, Kimi wa... -Miss Lonely Yesterday- Toshio Asakura (Minami Asakura’s father) Television special 1999 We Know You, Moonlight Mask-kun! Kamaboko President Great Detective Conan Nobuo Iwama, Takanori Genda Nobuo Iwama in episode 161, Takanori Genda in episodes 325-327 2000 Hidamari no Ki Misaemon Tamaya episode 15 2001 Fruits Basket Tohru's grandfather 2002 Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat Elderly Gentleman 2011 Nichijou Narrator episode 3 2019 Everyday of Urashimasakatasen School Principal

Original video animation (OVA) Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989) – Dick Lumnba Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki – Galactic Police Commander

Theatrical animation Cyborg 009 (1966) – 005 / Geronimo Junior The Wonderful World of Puss 'n Boots (1969) – Big Sherlock Hound: Blue Ruby Chapter and Treasure at the Bottom of the Ocean Chapter (1984) – Jewelry Store Manager Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! (2008) – Master Roshi

Video games Dragon Ball Z: Budokai (2002) – Master Roshi Everybody's Golf Portable (2004) – Tanaka Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 (2005) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! (2005) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! Neo (2006) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! Meteor (2007) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball DS (2008) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball: World's Greatest Adventure (2009) – Master Roshi Dragon Ball DS 2: Charge! Red Ribbon Army (2010) – Master Roshi Bravely Default (2012) – Sage Yulyana

Tokusatsu Ultraman Leo - Ultraman King (ep. 50) Android Kikaider – Orange Ant (ep. 3), Gold Wolf (ep. 11), Golden Bat (ep. 15), Black Chameleon (ep. 18), Green Mammoth (ep. 25 - 26), Red Squid (ep. 30), Black Echidna (ep. 34), Red Mine Toad (ep. 41 - 42) Android Kikaider Movie – Multi Colored Sand Lizard Kikaider 01 - Shadow Mummy (ep. 16), Poisonous Mendicant (ep. 17), Shadow Thorned Starfish No.02 (No.01 voiced by Setsuo Wakui) (ep. 23) Inazuman - Wind Banbara (ep. 5), Devil Banbara (ep. 12) Himitsu Sentai Gorenger – Shining Masked, Ironclaw Masked, Hatchet Masked, Phone Masked, Shellfish Masked, Clock Masked, Can opener Masked, Piano Masked, Battle Fever J – Left Hand Monster Dengeki Sentai Changeman – Navigator Gator Jikuu Senshi Spielban - Dreampacker Gosei Sentai Dairanger – Haniwa Ventriloquist (ep. 16) B-Fighter Kabuto – Rock Shell Chamberlain Dord Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger – Narrator, Gao God Kamen Rider Hibiki Hyper Battle DVD – Madder Hawk

Dubbing Live-action Blue Steel (1993 Fuji TV edition) – Frank Turner (Philip Bosco) Child's Play 3 – Colonel Francis Cochrane (Dakin Matthews) Die Hard 2 (1994 TV Asahi edition) – Sgt. Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) Harlem Nights – Sgt. Phil Cantone (Danny Aiello) Muppet Treasure Island – Blind Pew National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation – Eddie Johnson (Randy Quaid) The NeverEnding Story III (1996 TV Asahi edition) – Mrs. Rockbiter

Animation The Rescuers Down Under – Doctor Mouse

Awards Year Award Category Result 2018 12th Seiyu Awards Merit Award