Hiroshi Tsuchida, a veteran screen and voice actor, died on October 11, 2026.
Hiroshi Tsuchida, a veteran screen and voice actor, died on October 11, 2026. His career spanned decades, with prominent roles in Super Sentai, anime, and video games. Colleagues and fans shared tributes across social media following the announcement.
Tsuchida originated as Ninja Blue, or Saizō, in the Super Sentai series Ninja Sentai Kakuranger. The series celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special broadcast that aired in Japan from October 21 to October 23, 2026. The Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club made the special available for free on YouTube during that period.
Satomi Hirose, who played Ninja White in Kakuranger, posted a message describing the emotional impact of his passing. She wrote that hearing his voice on television or through a phone brought her joy, and that she admired his humor, quiet consideration for others, and kindness. She concluded with gratitude and a promise to continue watching his work.
Teruaki Ogawa, who portrayed Ninja Red, recalled their characters’ fictional argument over ramen and hamburgers in the series’ first episode. He expressed disbelief that they had maintained a connection for so long and said they had shared many experiences. Ogawa added that he did not view the loss as an ending and that their bond would endure.
Shū Kawai, another cast member, shared a message through Ogawa. He wrote that the group of five remained connected as Kakurangers and that their friendship would last forever. He referenced a phrase he imagined Tsuchida might have said, “I know 🙄,” and suggested they would eventually meet again to drink green tea highballs and laugh together.
Kane Kosugi, who co-starred with Tsuchida in Kakuranger, remembered his habit of giving rides to cast members without cars after filming. He described Tsuchida’s warmth and generosity, saying he would never forget those memories. He offered his condolences and wished him peace.
Kenichi Endō, a fellow Kakuranger cast member, issued a public statement expressing deep sorrow and stating that he would never forget their time together.
Masashi Goda, known for his role in Chōriki Sentai Ohranger, noted that Tsuchida had just passed the role of Sentai Blue to him during the 30th-anniversary celebrations. He said it was too soon and extended his condolences.
Tetsu Inada, who had recently met Tsuchida, said he could not process the news. He recalled a casual conversation about traffic and noted that Tsuchida was only one grade ahead of him despite being the same age. He described the loss as occurring too soon.
Yūki Kaji, who voiced Grisha Yeager in Attack on Titan alongside Tsuchida, praised his professionalism and emotional depth. He said Tsuchida’s performance was essential to the story’s beginning and end, and that he was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with him.
Lynn, a voice actress, shared that Tsuchida had gifted her a pair of headphones he recommended for dubbing work. She said they would continue to use them as a keepsake and remembered his kindness and approachability.
Ayu Matsuura, who was nine years old when she first worked with Tsuchida, recalled how he had taught and comforted her like a father. She said she looked forward to each day at the studio because of his presence and expressed regret that they never met again in a second season.
Kotono Mitsuishi described Tsuchida as an actor who combined boldness with humility. She said she had learned much from him and had hoped to collaborate further. She referenced his role as Alex in Grey’s Anatomy and offered her condolences.
The official account for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury posted a notice regarding Tsuchida’s passing, acknowledging his role as Nadim Samaya and extending condolences.
Toshiyuki Morikawa, a colleague from the voice acting community, posted a message calling Tsuchida “Hiroshi-kun” and expressing disbelief and sadness. He remembered him as a shy, bashful junior who became endearing after drinking and said he missed him deeply.
Shun Shioya, who played Hurricane Red in Ninpū Sentai Hurricanger, reflected on Tsuchida’s legacy as a hero who inspired courage and protection in children. He said he had planned to meet Tsuchida to organize a “Ninja War” and that he would carry on his spirit.
Shunsuke Takeuchi, also from 81 Produce, said Tsuchida’s presence had been a source of stability for him as a junior. He said he had received courage from his performances as a child and expressed deep regret and sorrow.
Ryūta Tasaki, a director known for work on Super Sentai and Kamen Rider, issued a public statement of condolence. He said he remembered only the joy of working on Kakuranger and thanked the cast and director Kōichi Sakamoto for facilitating a meeting during the 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club issued an official statement confirming Tsuchida’s death and honoring his contributions. It announced the limited free release of the Kakuranger 30th-anniversary special on YouTube from October 21 to October 23, 2026. The statement also expressed gratitude to those who made the broadcast possible and extended condolences to his family.
Keisuke Tsuchiya, known for his role in Chōriki Sentai Dairanger, said Tsuchida had always been kind and entertaining, even during their reunion for the 30th-anniversary event. He admired his approach to acting and voice, and said he had wanted to meet again.
The game studio Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio released a statement mourning Tsuchida’s passing. It noted that he had voiced Trainer Okita in Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Road to the Top. Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama added that he had first met Tsuchida during the development of a Like a Dragon prototype over 20 years ago. Tsuchida voiced Kazuki in that prototype, which helped shape the game’s world and characters. Yokoyama recalled that even decades later, Tsuchida remembered his lines and character instantly upon stepping into the recording booth. He said he had always admired Tsuchida and that their first recording session remained vivid in his memory.
No official cause of death was disclosed in the reports. All statements were attributed to the individuals or organizations that issued them. The tributes emphasized Tsuchida’s lasting impact on peers, fans, and the broader entertainment industry.
