Veteran voice actor Katsuji Mori announced on Sunday that he will be stepping down from his planned stage performance in the upcoming "Kotoba no Mori" reading event. Mori, 80, will instead focus on directing the production. The decision stems from ongoing health issues, including treatment for spinal canal stenosis which has shown no signs of improvement.
Mori further explained that a recent fall at his home led to a severe lower back injury, exacerbating his existing condition. The pain from the injury now makes it difficult for him to stand or sit comfortably, rendering him unable to perform as originally scheduled. He expressed a desire to rest and recover fully, aiming to return to performing in July.
Throughout his extensive career, Katsuji Mori has lent his voice to numerous iconic anime characters. His notable roles include Atlas in the 1980 Astro Boy series, Jean Pierre Polnareff in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure OAV, Nephrite in Sailor Moon, and Garma Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam. He also voiced Gō Mifune in Speed Racer under the name Setsuya Tanaka. Most recently, he voiced the Elder Sakimori in Nukitashi the Animation.
Mori reassured fans that despite his condition, he is otherwise fine and expressed gratitude for their concern.
Source: Anime News Network
