Hey Moonies:

Kazuyuki Sogabe (born April 16, 1948) , who played Kunzite (Malachite)
in the Japanese version, passed away at 8 PM on September 17th after
battling Esophageal Cancer. His funeral was held on the 20th. He
was 58 years old. From what we have learned from other Japanese
sites, his cancer was detected only two months ago, as he had suddenly
and surprisingly become emaciated. Sadly, by then it was too late for
any treatment that could save him, and doctors predicted he would not
last past the rest of this year.

In 1977 along with three other Japanese VA's, he had formed a band
called "Slap Stick" and played guitar and he also composed some songs.
He was also a theatre star in Chiba Perfecture. Kazuyuki had been
voicing characters for nearly 3 decades , only retiring at the end of
2000 when he felt his voice was becoming weak (and also for other
professional reasons). His most famous roles included the Psycho
Mantis from Metal Gear Solid, various characters in the Dragonball Z
and GT series, Largo in Bubblegum Crisis, Gemini Saga in Saint Seiya,
Benn Beckman in One Piece, and Commander Wakkein and Jean in Mobile
Suit Gundam. One of his first voice roles was Tonio (Marco's
brother) in Studio Ghibli's early epic, 3000 Leagues in Search of
Mother. Our sincere condolences to his wife Keiko, his friends and his
family.

¤sailordees