Kaneto Shiozawa

Kaneto Shiozawa (塩沢 兼人, Shiozawa Kaneto, January 28, 1954 ~ May 10, 2000) was a Japanese voice actor who was affiliated with Aoni Production. His real name was Toshikazu Shiozawa (塩澤 敏一); the namesake of his stage name was from the film director, Kaneto Shindō. His wife is the former voice actor, Harumi Baba.

Since his childhood, Shiozawa wanted to be a performer and even staged an acting group during his days in middle school. During his enrollment in Nihon University, he took part in its art club and made his debut as a voice actor. Shiozawa replied that if he didn't make it as a voice actor, he was fine with living his days as a stage performer. He admitted that he liked to drink and was fascinated with various alcoholic beverages.

Shiozawa became popular for his "elegant and attractive" voice in various media. He could perform many roles, but he was best known for his deep voiced characters such as Rei in Fist of the North Star, M'Quve in Mobile Suit Gundam, and Paul von Oberstein in Legend of the Galactic Heroes. Video game fans may know him better as Grey Fox in Metal Gear Solid, Zato One in Guilty Gear, and Hyo Imawano in Rival Schools: United By Fate.

Around 4 PM on May 9, 2000, Shiozawa fell down the staircase in his home. He appeared to have suffered no external injuries and insisted he was fine. However, he acted strangely six hours later and fell unconscious. He was admitted to Tokyo Medical University Hospital but he did not recover. On 12:54 AM, he was pronounced dead due to cerebral contusion. His funeral was held at Housenji in Nakano, Tokyo. Hidekatsu Shibata, his close friend and drinking buddy, had previously wanted Shiozawa to read him his eulogy if he died. When he attended the funeral, Shibata mournfully cursed, "Stupid idiot!", and was upset at his friend's early death.

To this day, Shiozawa has many fans of his works and is still fondly remembered for his impact in the 80's and 90's. Hikaru Midorikawa once said his goal as a voice actor is to be like him.

Works

 * Zhuge Liang - Romance of the Three Kingdoms drama CDs
 * Sacred Guardian of Darkness Clavis - Angelique series (until Tenkuu no Requiem)
 * Clavis, Cain - Angelique Gaiden drama CD series
 * Kagetsura Tachibana (Tachibana no Kagetsura) - Ōto Ayakashi Kitan drama CD series
 * Gali - Monster Rancher TV series (first and second season)
 * Yoshitsugu Ōtani - Kessen