Japanese Voice Actor Eiji Tsuda Dies At 76

Some sad news for SNK fans as Eiji Tsuda, once the the voice of Sakazaki family patriarch and Art of Fighting final boss Takuma Sakazaki has passed away at the age of 76 from complications resulting from an aortic dissection for which he received treatment for at the beginning of the year after being hospitalized.

Takuma Sakazaki reel – King of Fighters XIII

He was eulogized by his talent agency in an official statement reported by Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports on Saturday, which remarked that he was otherwise doing well in recovery and back working for the agency until his sudden passing on January 13th.

The wake and farewell ceremony were held only for close relatives, and the obituary was announced after the funeral. The eulogy added,

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden news of his death, and we would like to express our deepest condolences and sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have helped me so far, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you.”

Eiji Tsuda Station Announcement Compilation

While he was better known to the Japanese public as the station announcer for the JR West Japan and Osaka Loop Line, JR Central / Chuo Main Line and Japan Railway, fighting game fans of a certain era will remember him best as the voice of Takuma Sakazaki, the final boss of the Art of Fighting series as well as one of the main cast of characters in multiple editions of the King Of Fighters series of three on three fighting games (King of Fighters ’94’, ’95, ’96, ’97 Dream Match ’98, ’99 and XIII). as well as the enigmatic “Mr. Karate” in the crossover fighting game SNK vs Capcom: SVC Chaos.

His distinctive, gruff voice was memorable to all those who were skilled enough to reach the end of the Art of Fighting story modes, as well as those who were brave enough to put him on their roster in a King of Fighters game. He will be missed.

Source: Nikkan Sports