Yao announced he would graduate from the role earlier this month
Kodoani.com – At the Jump Festa '25 event, taking place on Sunday, a notable piece of information was announced: Subaru Kimura will take on the role of Franky in the anime One Piecereplacing Kazuki Yao. Kimura, who voiced young Buggy in previous episodes of the series, was chosen by Yao himself to reprise this iconic role.
Kazuki Yao has been with the character Franky for nearly 25 years, but on December 8, the production team announced that he would “graduate” from the role. The Jump Festa '25 event served as a formal farewell ceremony for Yao. In a previous statement, Yao shared that he felt it was time to move on from Franky due to the growing gap between his ideal character image and what he could portray. However, he affirmed that Subaru Kimura is a great and reliable successor.
Besides playing Franky, Yao also voices Jango and Bon Clay in One Piece. However, his health has recently been unstable, leading to Wataru Takagi replacing the role of Jango from episode 1,121. This decision and Yao's departure from Franky left many emotions in the hearts of fans, as well as himself, when he expressed his disappointment and sadness at having to say goodbye to a role he loved.
Currently, One Piece is airing the summary of One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga, which includes 21 re-edited episodes from the Fish-Man Island arc with improved images and footage. The anime will continue the Egghead arc in April 2025 after a break to “recharge.”
In addition to One Piece, Yao's health problems also affected his other role in the mobile game Mobile Suit Gundam: UC Engage. KENN replaced him as Judau Ashta in the game's new story, titled Crossover UCE, due to production scheduling difficulties.
This change of voice actor is an important milestone, closing a memorable chapter in Kazuki Yao's journey with One Piece and opening a new phase with Subaru Kimura, who promises to bring new breath. for the colorful character Franky.
