The Japanese entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor and narrator Leo Morimoto, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 83. His agency confirmed the news, which was subsequently reported by Fuji News Network and Oricon News. Born Haruyuki Morimoto in 1943, he leaves behind a prolific body of work that bridged radio, live-action television, and voice acting.
Anime fans will likely recognize Morimoto’s voice from his narration work on titles such as Bartender and Dragon Goes House-Hunting. His filmography also includes a starring role as Shitotsugh Lhadatt in the landmark 1987 film Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise, as well as a role as Captain Erskine in Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple. Beyond anime, he was a fixture of Japanese television, appearing in dramas like Long Vacation and Shomuni, and providing the long-running Japanese narration for Thomas & Friends.
Morimoto’s career began in radio as a DJ before he transitioned into a versatile screen and voice actor. His work extended into the gaming industry as well, notably serving as the narrator for the 2007 title Eternal Sonata. His death marks the end of a career defined by a distinct, recognizable delivery that remained a staple of Japanese media for over half a century.
