Toru Furuya

Biography

Toru Furuya, a distinguished narrator and seiyū, was born on July 31, 1953, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. His journey into the world of acting began in his childhood when he became a member of Gekidan Himawari, a renowned children's acting troupe. Currently associated with the esteemed talent management firm Aoni Production, Furuya has left an indelible mark on the world of Japanese voice acting.

Furuya is widely recognized for his iconic portrayals of characters such as Amuro Ray in the original Mobile Suit Gundam series and its subsequent sequels, Pegasus Seiya in Saint Seiya, and Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon. His versatile voice has also brought to life beloved characters like Yamcha in Dragon Ball Z and Kyosuke Kasuga in Kimagure Orange Road. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first and only seiyu to voice Mario in Japanese.

In his illustrious career, Furuya also took on the pseudonym Noboru Sōgetsu for his role as Ribbons Almark in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, marking a departure from the Universal Century Gundam series. His collaboration with fellow voice actors, including the late Hirotaka Suzuoki and Shuichi Ikeda, has been a testament to his camaraderie within the industry. Furuya's friendship with Ikeda, who portrayed Char in the Gundam series, further showcases the deep connections he has forged over the years.

Beyond his professional achievements, Furuya's personal life has also been a subject of interest to fans. He was previously married to fellow seiyuu Mami Koyama, with whom he amicably parted ways in 1983. Subsequently, he found love again with seiyuu Satomi Majima, known for her role in Stop!! Hibari-kun!. This glimpse into his personal life adds another layer of intrigue to the man behind the iconic voices that have resonated with audiences for decades.

With a career spanning numerous iconic roles and a voice that has become synonymous with beloved characters, Toru Furuya has solidified his status as a legend in the world of Japanese voice acting. His contributions to anime and entertainment continue to captivate audiences around the globe, making him a revered figure in the industry. As he continues to lend his voice to memorable characters, Furuya's legacy only grows stronger, leaving an enduring impact on generations of fans and aspiring voice actors alike.