Kazuki Yao steps down as Franky in One Piece after nearly 20 years

Kazuki Yao has announced he will permanently step down from his role as Franky in the One Piece anime after nearly 20 years. The news was confirmed by the official One Piece account on X/Twitter. Yao expressed his emotions about leaving the character, stating it feels like an out-of-body experience. He mentioned he has arranged for a successor and encouraged fans to look forward to the announcement at Jump Festa 2025 on December 22. Yao began his voice acting career in 1985 and took on the role of Franky in 2005. The One Piece anime is currently on hiatus until April 2025, airing a remastered version of the Fish-Man Island arc.