Biography of Goro Naya

Goro Naya was born in Hokkaido on November 17, 1929. He dropped out of Ritsumeikan University in order to enter the Todo acting troupe; he made his debut as an actor in the 1950s. After joining Theatre Echo, he became a dubbing actor for overseas films; this included being the Japanese dub voice for such actors as Rick Jason, Clark Gable, Charlton Heston, and John Wayne.

Naya was also a rather prolific anime voice actor; his two best-known roles are as Inspector Zenigata in Lupin III and Captain Jyuzo Okita in the Space Battleship Yamato franchise.

In the 1960s, Naya's credits include the original Astro Boy anime series, Big X, Dororo, Jungle Taitei Susume Leo, Kimba the White Lion, Marine Boy, Ninpu Kamui Gaiden, Princess Knight, Sasuke, Space Boy Soran, Under Sea Boy Marine, and Yusei Kamen.

During the 1970s, Naya's voice could be heard in Akakichi no Eleven, Alibaba to Yonjubiki no Tozuku, Animation Kiko Marco Polo no Boken, Animentari Ketsudan, Bakuhatsu Goro, Cho Denji Robo Combattler V, Daikengo, Galaxy Express 999, Gekisou Rubenkaiser, Genshi Shonen Ryuu, Hit and Run, Jetter Mars, Karate Baka Ichidai, The Mouse and His Child, Norakuro, Seigi wo Aisuru Mono Gekko Kamen, Shinzo Ningen Casshan, and Zendaman.

In the 1980s, he could be heard in 11 Piki no Neko, 11 Piki no Neko to Ahoudori, 2001 Ya Monogatari, Aoi Blink, the 1980s Astro Boy remake series, Botchan, City Hunter, Crusher Joe: The Movie, Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, Future War Year 198X, Golgo 13: The Professional, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Locke the Superman: Lord Leon, Murasaki Shikibu Genji Monogatari, The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Night on the Galactic Railroad, Odin – Starlight Mutiny, Rokushin Gattai God Mars, Royal Space Force – The Wings of Honneamise, Shiroi Kiba White Fang Monogatari, Showa Ahozoshi Akanuke Ichiban!, Spirit Warrior, Vampire Princess Miyu, The Venus Wars, and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.

During the 1990s, Naya could be heard in The Big O, Casshan: Robot Hunter Casshern, Doomed Megalopolis, Dorami & Doraemons: Robot School's Seven Mysteries, Ghost Sweeper Mikami Feature, Goddamn, Heavy, Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Overture to a New War, Master Keaton, Ninja Resurrection, Noiseman Sound Insect, Silent Mobius 2, and Street Fighter II V.

In the 2000s, Naya provided voices for the 2003 Astro Boy remake series, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG, Knight Hunters Eternity, MazinKaiser, Monster, One Piece, and Tantei Gakuen Q.

Naya could also be heard in various Kamen Rider live-action series, and he also did some videogame voices.

Sadly, Naya passed away on March 5, 2013 at the age of 83 due to chronic respiratory failure. He is survived by his wife, voice actress Kachiko Hino.