Hidekatsu Shibata

Hidekatsu Shibata (柴田 秀勝 Shibata Hidekatsu, born March 25, 1937) is a veteran Japanese voice actor from Asakusa, Tokyo who is affiliated with Aoni Production. He was a classmate of former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda at Azabu High School.

With over 50 years in the voice acting industry, he is one of the oldest active voice actors in Japan, a feat shared with voice actors like Takeshi Aono and Kenji Utsumi prior to their deaths.

He is most known for his roles as Baron Ashura in Mazinger Z, Kenzo Kabuto in Great Mazinger, Count Mecha in Galaxy Express 999, General Shadow in Kamen Rider Stronger, Monkey D. Dragon in One Piece, Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto, Führer King Bradley in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Igneel and the narrator in Fairy Tail.

He is also married to voice actress Akiko Sekine.