'Hokuto no Ken' Voice Actor Takaya Hashi Dies at 72

Voice actor Takaya Hashi, best known for his roles in Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) and Naruto, died on August 27 from a myocardial infarction. He was 72. The news was announced by his agency, Apte Pro, through its official website. Hashi also served as the company's President and CEO. Born in Tokyo in January 1952, Hashi graduated from Musashi Institute of Technology High School and Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music, where he majored in theatre. He began his career with the Seinenza Theater Company in April 1974 before transitioning into voice acting. Over the course of his career, Hashi voiced many memorable characters including Toki from Hokuto no Ken, Kakuzu from Naruto, Donovan Desmond from Spy x Family, Froi Tiedoll from D.Gray-man, and Ted Bower from Cowboy Bebop. He was also widely recognized as the Japanese voice of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, a role that cemented his reputation among both anime and movie fans.