Unshō Ishizuka
Voice ActorUnsho Ishizuka was a veteran Japanese actor and voice actor who gave voice to Van Hohenheim, Edward and Alphonse's estranged father, in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Fullmetal Alchemist Role
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.
Career and Notable Roles
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Unshō Ishizuka voice in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
Unshō Ishizuka voiced Van Hohenheim, the immortal alchemist and estranged father of Edward and Alphonse Elric, in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Hohenheim spends much 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 the character's guilt and quiet regret.
What anime did Unshō Ishizuka star in?
Beyond Fullmetal Alchemist, Ishizuka voiced Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop and was the longtime narrator and Professor Oak of the Pokemon anime. He also played Kizaru in One Piece, Zabuza Momochi in Naruto, and the elder Joseph Joestar in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and he stepped into Dragon Ball's Mr. Satan after original actor Daisuke Gori died.
When did Unshō Ishizuka die?
Unshō Ishizuka died in August 2018 at age 67, following complications from an esophageal tumor. He had spent his career affiliated with Aoni Production, where his powerful, weathered voice made him a favorite choice for older, morally complex father figures.
What is Unshō Ishizuka best known for?
Ishizuka built his reputation on a powerful, weathered voice that directors reached for whenever a role called for age and gravity, honed across a long career with Aoni Production. He also became a go-to Japanese dub voice for Hollywood stars, including Liam Neeson, Laurence Fishburne, and Kevin Spacey.
When did Unshō Ishizuka start his acting career?
Unshō Ishizuka was born in 1951. He worked as an actor and voice actor from 1984 until his death in 2018, a 34-year career spent primarily with Aoni Production.
Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, manga, and official materials. Fullmetal Alchemist was created by Hiromu Arakawa, published by Square Enix, and animated by Bones. All rights to Fullmetal Alchemist and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byHiromu Arakawa
- Published bySquare Enix
- Animated byBones
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Anime, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Bones and Square Enix.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Square Enix and Hiromu Arakawa.
- Licensed imagery: Photographs of real people, including creators, voice actors and production staff, are used under licence from the rights holder or the applicable stock provider, or under the terms of a public licence permitting editorial use. Each such image is reproduced in its licensed form and remains the property of its owner.
- Exceptions: Limited exceptions to the practices described above may apply to individual entries. Where an exception applies, it is noted on the entry itself alongside the applicable attribution. Rights holders may contact us regarding any attribution and it will be reviewed promptly.
Official resources:
Help Us Keep This Wiki Accurate
Daddy Jim Anime maintains this encyclopedia. If you spot an error, a translation issue, or something that doesn't look right, let us know.
