Unshō Ishizuka

Ishizuka voiced Van Hohenheim in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the immortal alchemist and estranged father of Edward and Alphonse Elric whose centuries-long backstory anchors much of the series' late-game mythology. Hohenheim spends most of the story traveling alone, trying to atone for his role in creating the Homunculus antagonist Father, and Ishizuka's weathered, world-worn delivery suited a character defined by guilt and quiet regret. The part drew on the same deep, mature register that made Ishizuka a favorite choice for older, morally complex father figures across Japanese animation. It stands among his most acclaimed anime roles from the era.

Ishizuka spent his career affiliated with Aoni Production and became known for a powerful, weathered voice that directors reached for whenever a role called for age and gravity. He voiced Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop, was the longtime narrator and Professor Oak of the Pokemon anime, and stepped into the role of Dragon Ball's Mr. Satan following the death of original actor Daisuke Gori. His other major credits include Kizaru in One Piece, Zabuza Momochi in Naruto, and the elder Joseph Joestar in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure film and TV adaptations, alongside a long-running gig as the standard Japanese dub voice behind Hollywood stars such as Liam Neeson, Laurence Fishburne, and Kevin Spacey. He died in August 2018 at age 67, following complications from an esophageal tumor.