One Piece’s Franky Finds a New Voice: Subaru Kimura Steps Up
One Piece fans will have to get used to a new voice for one of their favorite characters. Veteran voice actor Kazuki Yao, who has brought the iconic cyborg Franky to life for nearly a quarter of a century, has announced his departure from the role.
However, anime fans can rest assured – the transition is in good hands. At Jump Festa ’25, it was revealed that rising star Subaru Kimura will be taking over as the voice of Franky. Kimura, known for his roles in acclaimed anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, BEASTARS and Assassination Classroom, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the beloved character.
Yao was instrumental in selecting Kimura as his successor, solidifying the passing of the torch. The original announcement in December, described it as a "graduation ceremony," acknowledging the long and fruitful relationship between Yao and Franky.
A Farewell, But Not a Goodbye
Yao expressed his sadness, acknowledging a growing disparity between his current voice and his vision for Franky. He assured fans, however, that a "su~per~ replacement" was on the horizon. This sentiment was echoed by information released earlier in the year.
In October, One Piece fans learned that Yao had paused his voice work for several characters, including Jango, due to health concerns. While Takagi briefly stepped in for Jango, Kimura now takes on the mantle for Franky, marking a significant moment for both characters and the franchise.
Looking Ahead
Ken Akamatsu will continue to direct One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga, an upgraded and abridged version of the classic arc currently airing. The main One Piece anime will resume in April 2025, picking up where it left off in the thrilling Egghead Arc.
The transition to a new voice actor is always a hot topic in the anime community, but given the talent of Subaru Kimura and the respect Kazuki Yao has for his continued work, fans can be confident that Franky will remain as spirited, loyal, and hilarious as ever.
Are you excited to hear Subaru Kimura’s take on Franky? Share your thoughts in the comments below!