Hirotaka Suzuoki

Hirotaka Suzuoki (鈴置 洋孝 Suzuoki Hirotaka, March 6, 1950 – August 6, 2006) was a Japanese voice actor and actor from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture who graduated from Tokyo Keizai University.

He is best known as the voice of Bright Noa in Mobile Suit Gundam, Kojirou Hyuga in Captain Tsubasa, Dragon Shiryū in Saint Seiya, Tenshinhan in the Dragon Ball franchise, Tatewaki Kuno in Ranma ½, Sakaki (Giovanni) in Pokemon and Saitō Hajime in Rurouni Kenshin.

Suzuoki's most notable trait was his soft, dignified voice. He was affiliated with Ken Production, in which he worked in many animation roles. Suzuoki made his voice acting debut in Invincible Steel Man Daitarn 3 in 1978. His last voice acting role was the voice of Bright Noa in Mobile Suit Z Gundam III: Love is the Pulse of the Stars, which was seen by fans as the best sendoff in Suzuoki's name.

Suzuoki was the best friend of fellow voice actor Tōru Furuya, who co-starred with him in several different series.

Suzuoki was a heavy smoker and drinker. In July 2006, Suzuoki was diagnosed with lung cancer and undertook hospitalization and medical treatment, but on the morning of August 6, 2006, his health declined, and Suzuoki died at the age of 56. His ongoing roles were replaced with other voice actors.