Makio Inoue

Makio Inoue (井上 真樹夫, Inoue Makio), born on November 30, 1938, and passing on November 29, 2019, was a distinguished Japanese actor and voice actor whose career spanned several decades. Inoue embarked on his voice acting journey in the 1960s, initially securing minor roles in iconic series such as Astroboy. By the 1970s, he had established himself as a prominent voice for serious, deep-voiced characters.

Among his most significant contributions to the industry were his enduring portrayals of Captain Harlock, a role he voiced from 1978 into the 1990s, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII in the beloved Lupin III franchise, which he voiced from 1977 until 2011. His work as Captain Harlock was eventually continued by Kōichi Yamadera, known for roles in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, in 1998. Similarly, the role of Goemon Ishikawa was later taken over by Daisuke Namikawa after Inoue's extensive tenure.

Inoue's legacy is marked by his ability to bring depth and gravitas to the characters he voiced, making him a cherished figure in the world of Japanese animation. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing generations of voice actors and fans alike.