Talent agency Mausu Promotion announced that veteran voice actor Kentarō Itō is currently recuperating following a sudden brain hemorrhage and subsequent emergency surgery. According to the agency, Itō fell ill unexpectedly and was rushed to the hospital, where medical staff diagnosed the hemorrhage and performed surgery on the same day.
Mausu Promotion reassured fans that Itō's life is not in danger and that his postoperative recovery is progressing smoothly. However, he will temporarily step away from his professional commitments to focus entirely on rehabilitation before planning a return to voice acting.
A Storied Career Across Iconic Anime Franchises
Itō has built an extensive and celebrated career in the anime industry, lending his distinct voice to numerous unforgettable characters across major shonen and seinen series. His signature roles include:
- Renji Abarai in Bleach
- Yoshitake Shiraishi in Golden Kamuy
- Chouji Akimichi in Naruto
- Jin Tadoroko in Yowamushi Pedal
- Kazuichi Banjō in Tokyo Ghoul
He is also actively involved in the ongoing broadcast of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, where he continues to voice the lieutenant of Squad 6. The agency has stated they will provide future updates regarding his eventual return to the recording booth once rehabilitation milestones are met.
