Toshio Furukawa is the voice of Piccolo, the green-skinned Namekian who began as a villain and evolved into one of the most beloved protectors of Earth in the Dragon Ball franchise. His career began in 1975 with a minor role as Soldier B in Brave Raideen, but it was his portrayal of Kai Shiden in Mobile Suit Gundam that first established him as a serious actor capable of handling complex, emotional narratives. Furukawa's ability to shift from the comedic chaos of Ataru Moroboshi in Urusei Yatsura to the stoic intensity of Shin in Fist of the North Star demonstrated a range that was rare for a single performer in the 1980s. He did not just play characters; he inhabited them, bringing a depth to roles that often required him to be the emotional anchor of a series. His voice work in the Dragon Ball series, spanning from the original 1986 run through Dragon Ball Super, has made him a household name in Japan and internationally, with his portrayal of Piccolo becoming iconic for its gruff yet caring nature. Furukawa's dedication to the role meant he voiced the character in every major Dragon Ball project, including the movies, OVAs, and the recent Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, a testament to his longevity and the trust placed in him by the production teams.
A Life In Sound
Furukawa's career extends far beyond animation, encompassing dubbing work for Western films and live-action television that brought international stars to Japanese audiences. He provided the Japanese voice for Billy Crystal in City Slickers, Lance Henriksen in the Alien franchise, and even Terry Gilliam in Monty Python productions, bridging cultural gaps through his vocal performance. His work in dubbing required him to master the timing and emotional cadence of English-language actors, a skill that set him apart from many of his contemporaries who focused solely on anime. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was the go-to voice for American comedians and dramatic actors, ensuring that the humor and pathos of films like Back to the Future and Independence Day resonated with Japanese viewers. This dual career in dubbing and original voice acting allowed him to develop a unique versatility, making him one of the most sought-after voice actors in the industry. His ability to switch between the high-energy comedy of Ataru Moroboshi and the somber dignity of characters like Kai Shiden in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam showcased a range that few could match. Furukawa's work in dubbing also included roles in films like Ghost World, where he voiced Seymour, and The Ice Storm, where he played Ben Hood, further proving his adaptability across genres and cultures.The Band And The Pets
Beyond his acting career, Furukawa was a member of the band Slapstick, formed with fellow voice actors Tōru Furuya, Kazuyuki Sogabe, Yūji Mitsuya, and Akio Nojima. The group performed music that reflected their shared passion for both voice acting and rock, creating a unique blend of entertainment that appealed to fans of both worlds. In 2007, the band reunited to pay tribute to former members Hirotaka Suzuoki and Kazuyuki Sogabe, highlighting the deep bonds formed through their musical collaborations. Furukawa's personal life was equally colorful, with his pet dogs serving as muses for his character choices. He owned a Shih Tzu named Asuma, after his character Asuma Shinohara from Mobile Police Patlabor, and another named Ataru, after Ataru Moroboshi from Urusei Yatsura. The latter dog, Ataru, lived to be fifteen years old before passing in 2008, and tribute pages were created in his honor, reflecting the deep emotional connection Furukawa had with his pets. These animals were not just companions but symbols of the characters he brought to life, blurring the lines between his professional and personal worlds. Furukawa's dedication to his pets mirrored his dedication to his craft, showing a man who found inspiration in the everyday and the personal.