Keiji Fujiwara

1.1. Early Life and Education

Born in Tokyo, Japan, on October 5, 1964, Fujiwara primarily grew up in Iwate Prefecture. He graduated from Senshu University Kitakami High School. Initially considering university, he discovered acting schools and felt a stronger calling to perform. Against his father's wishes, he enrolled in the Bungakuza acting school. During his time there, he often envied his peers enjoying campus life, as he was fully committed to his studies. In high school, he was the vocalist in a band called "Art Band Picasso" (with the slogan "like a flower") alongside his friend Kotaro Furuichi, who would later become the guitarist for the rock band The Collectors.

1.2. Career Beginnings

In his early twenties, Fujiwara worked as a stage actor. However, facing financial difficulties and family pressure, he felt a growing urgency to stabilize his career. Through a referral from his theater troupe同期, Mika Kanai, he submitted a voice sample to Ken Production and was accepted, thus beginning his voice acting career. Despite having watched anime and manga in his student days, he admitted to having little knowledge of the voice acting industry. He recalled his first voice acting job, where he was expected to be experienced, leading to struggles with industry rules and terms. He made common rookie mistakes, like microphone noise and misaligning lines with animation, but managed to conceal his inexperience. His first regular role in a TV anime was as Zhang Fei in Yokoyama Mitsuteru Sangokushi. His breakthrough role, however, came with the portrayal of Hiroshi Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan.

1.3. Rise to Prominence

Fujiwara's career significantly advanced with his long-standing and beloved role as Hiroshi Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan, which he voiced from 1992 until 2016. This role established him as a prominent voice actor, known for his ability to portray characters who are slightly flawed but possess an underlying coolness and depth. Film writer Hodaka Sugimoto praised Fujiwara's unique ability to infuse humor and sadness into his cool voice, calling him a "rare voice actor" and a "truly important presence in the Japanese entertainment industry."

He frequently appeared in popular anime slots on MBS and TBS, including Zoids: Chaotic Century, Fullmetal Alchemist, Ghost Slayers Ayashi, Blood+, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Blue Exorcist, and Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic. He was also a frequent collaborator with director Keiichi Hara, who noted that Fujiwara, along with Akiko Yajima, consistently appeared in his works. When offered a role in Hara's film Miss Hokusai, Fujiwara eagerly expressed his anticipation, stating, "I've been waiting for you, Hara-san!"

Beyond anime, Fujiwara became widely recognized as the dedicated Japanese voice actor for Robert Downey Jr., particularly for his portrayal of Iron Man/Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He expressed joy at voicing an actor he admired, noting Downey Jr.'s nuanced expressions and his ability to convey a sense of lightheartedness, cynicism, and wit.

1.4. Founding of Air Agency

In November 2006, Fujiwara departed from Ken Production to establish his own talent management and production company, Air Agency. As the representative director, he expanded the company's activities beyond talent management to include the release of original drama and situation CDs through its subsidiary, Air Label, and the production of live events. In 2010, he made his debut as a sound director for the anime Kakkokawaii Sengen!. From April 2008, he also served as a regular lecturer for the voice acting department at Japan Newart College in Omori.

1.5. Illness, Hiatus, and Death

In August 2016, Air Agency announced that Fujiwara would be taking a temporary leave of absence to undergo medical treatment for an unspecified illness. Despite his illness, he continued to work for Air Agency and took on various dubbing roles as long as his health permitted. His roles in ongoing series like Crayon Shin-chan and Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibōgamine Gakuen were temporarily recast.

On June 16, 2017, his agency announced his gradual return to work. His first comeback role was the Japanese dub for Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man in Spider-Man: Homecoming, which premiered on August 11, 2017. Fujiwara stated that the thought of continuing to voice Iron Man motivated him during his recovery, remarking, "Iron Man encouraged me." He made it a personal goal to voice Tony Stark until Avengers: Endgame, expressing deep emotion after completing the film.

Keiji Fujiwara passed away from cancer at Tokyo Medical Hospital on April 12, 2020, at the age of 55. His funeral was attended only by close relatives. Despite never marrying or having children, he had expressed a desire for marriage, describing his ideal partner as someone with a "sincere heart" regardless of appearance. Posthumously, his voice was heard in works such as The House Spirit Tatami-chan (aired July 2020) and Talentless Nana (aired December 2020), for which he had completed recordings prior to his death. His passing prompted tributes from the industry, including a special message during a Crayon Shin-chan broadcast on TV Asahi, featuring an early animation of the Nohara family and Fujiwara's iconic shout of "Shinnosuke!".

2.1. Voice Acting Roles

Fujiwara's voice acting career was extensive, marked by his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic fathers to intense villains and wise mentors.

2.2. Dubbing Roles

Fujiwara's extensive work in dubbing foreign media into Japanese showcased his remarkable versatility and vocal range.

2.3. Narration

Beyond character performances, Fujiwara lent his distinctive voice to numerous narration projects for television, commercials, and documentaries.

2.4. Live-Action Appearances

These are his physical acting roles, distinct from his voice work.

2.5. Other Appearances and Events

Fujiwara also participated in various video releases and live events related to his voice acting work.

2.6. Sound Direction

Fujiwara also contributed to the production side of anime as a sound director.

2.7. Web Radio Hosting

Fujiwara hosted or co-hosted several web radio shows, often related to anime and game projects, demonstrating his engagement with fans and the industry.

3.1. Drama CD Roles

3.2. Character Songs

4.1. Substitutes

Following Fujiwara's health-related hiatus in 2016 and his subsequent death in 2020, various voice actors took over his prominent roles.

• Kenyū Horiuchi - Pokémon Generations: Handsome/Looker
• Hiroaki Hirata - Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga: Shirō Fujimoto, VR Kareshi: Yamashiro Yousuke
• Kenjirō Tsuda - Attack on Titan 2nd Season: Hannes, Space Battleship Yamato 2202: Warriors of Love: Isami Enomoto, World Trigger 2nd Season: Takumi Rindō, Hajime no Ippo FIGHTING SOULS: Tatsuya Kimura, Fullmetal Alchemist FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: Maes Hughes (in Fullmetal Alchemist Mobile)
• Toshiyuki Morikawa - Crayon Shin-chan series: Hiroshi Nohara, Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution: Holland Novak, Zenonzard the Animation: Hughtlom Aubreykahn, Marvel Cinematic Universe: Iron Man/Tony Stark (in What If...?), Granblue Fantasy: Rivera (from Feb 13, 2023 update), Kengan Ashura Season 2: Tokita Niko, Dragon Quest III: Kandata (HD-2D version)
• Mitsuru Ogata - Macross Delta: Berger Stone
• Yasunori Matsumoto - Mr. Robot: Mr. Robot (from Season 2)
• Kazuya Nakai - The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl: Seitaro Higuchi
• Kanehira Yamamoto - Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash: Mr. K (Kiriya)
• Jin Yamanoi - The Strain: Vasiliy Fet (from Season 3)
• Kazuhiro Yamaji - Granblue Fantasy The Animation: Eugen (for anime Season 1 only; later took over in game from July 2020)
• Rikiya Koyama - Dance with Devils: Fortuna: Nesta, Aquarion Evol: Fudo Zen (in S Aquarion ALL STARS)
• Kazuhiko Inoue - Scream Queens: Wes Gardner (from Season 2), Yume Oukoku to Nemureru 100-nin no Oujisama: Prince Martin (from Nov 4, 2021 update)
• Tomokazu Seki - Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Death or Kiss: Aldebaran
• Tōru Ōkawa - Laughing Under the Clouds: Taiko Kumou (in Donten ni Warau Gaiden)
• Fuminori Komatsu - Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link: Travis Kirkland (in Gundam Versus)
• Tadao Yokoshima - Log Horizon: Regan (in Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table), The Seven Deadly Sins: Gowther (Magician) (in The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon's Judgement)
• Kenji Yamauchi - Kaiketsu Zorori: Dracula (in Motto! Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori)
• Kentarō Tone - Utawarerumono: Haku / Oshutoru (from Utawarerumono: ZAN 2)
• Hiroki Tōchi - Case Closed: Wataru Date (from Case Closed: The 100 Secrets)
• Susumu Akagi - League of Legends: Master Yi (from Oct 20, 2021 update)
• Daisuke Namikawa - BlazBlue: Kagura Mutsuki (in BLAZBLUE ALTERNATIVE DARKWAR)
• Kōichi Yamadera - ANEMONE/Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution: Dewey Novak (in EUREKA/Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution)
• Yūma Uchida - World of Final Fantasy: Ifrit (in Chocobo GP)
• Setsuji Satō - Nintama Rantarō: Sakuzō Yoshino (from 30th season)
• Yoshihisa Kawahara - Fist of the North Star LEGENDS ReVIVE: Ain (from May 2022 update)
• Wataru Tsusaki - Nintama Rantarō: Yūzō Nomura (from 30th season)
• Tetsu Mikami - Dr. Stone: Byakuya Ishigami (in Dr. Stone NEW WORLD)
• Junichi Suwabe - One Piece: Ryokugyū (Aramaki) (from episode 1079)
• Kazuyuki Okitsu - Code Geass: Akito the Exiled: Claus Warrick (in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Lost Stories)
• Tatsuhisa Suzuki - Blue Exorcist: Satan (in Blue Exorcist: Yukino Hate-hen / Yoruya-hen)
• Takaki Hoshino - Xenoblade Chronicles X: Lao (in Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition)

4.2. Cultural Impact

Keiji Fujiwara's distinctive voice, described as "thick" and "cool," allowed him to portray a wide array of characters, often excelling in roles as fathers, guardians, or team leaders. Critics noted his unique ability to blend coolness with multifaceted humor and occasional sadness, expressing a rich spectrum of emotions through his voice. His talent was considered a vital asset to the Japanese entertainment industry.

Despite frequently playing father figures, Fujiwara remained single throughout his life. He was known among his colleagues as a "shy and gentle man" who was always considerate of others, offering advice and support. However, his close friend and fellow voice actor Takahiro Sakurai noted that Fujiwara was not inherently timid but rather a strong individual who would stand firm when necessary.

Fujiwara was also known for his love of alcohol and scuba diving. He maintained close friendships with many in the voice acting community, including Takehito Koyasu, Takahiro Sakurai, Shin-ichiro Miki, and Michiko Neya. His bond with high school friend Kotaro Furuichi (of The Collectors) remained strong; they even "reunited" musically when Furuichi played guitar on one of Fujiwara's character songs. After Fujiwara's death, Furuichi released a song titled "SMOKERS," which they had left unfinished in high school, crediting Fujiwara for the lyrics.

The news of his death deeply impacted his fans and the industry, with many expressing profound sadness and acknowledging the irreplaceable void he left behind. Special broadcasts and tributes were held to honor his extensive contributions, particularly his iconic role as Hiroshi Nohara, which resonated deeply with audiences across generations.