While the exact date of his return has not yet been confirmed, Suwabe’s agency stated that they will provide timely updates to his fans and followers when his schedule is finalized.

They understand this news may disappoint some people who were hoping to see Suwabe appear at upcoming events.

One such event is the “Premier Music Reading Theatre VOICARION XVII – Spoon’s Shield” shows scheduled for January 6th and 7th, 2024 in Osaka.

Suwabe was originally cast to play the historical figure of Maurice de Talleyrand in these performances. However, due to his acting break, fellow voice actor Koichi Yamadera will now be taking on this role instead.

Yamadera is well-known for his acclaimed portrayal of Spike Spiegel in the popular anime Cowboy Bebop. The agency expressed its gratitude and asked for the patience and understanding of Suwabe’s fans during this short hiatus from his duties.

They aim to support him so he can return feeling refreshed and ready to resume his varied voice-acting commitments.

Voice Actor Junichi Suwabe Announces January Hiatus for Surgery

Voice actor Junichi Suwabe shared an update on his personal blog this past Friday that he will be taking a short-term hiatus from his professional commitments, beginning on January 1st.

Suwabe disclosed that he will be undergoing surgery that week per his physician’s recommendation.

Premier Music Reading Theater VOICARION XVII

In his blog post, Suwabe provided reassurance that this upcoming surgical procedure is not indicative of any serious or persisting health issues.

He explained that his doctor advised having this operation in order to treat an unspecified medical condition. Once completed, this surgical treatment is expected to fully resolve the problem.

One Piece (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)

 

Suwabe expressed appreciation for his fans’ inevitable concern over the news. However, he stated there is no cause for alarm and the surgery itself is considered routine. He projects making a full recovery within a few weeks time, after which he will be ready to steadily resume his busy voice-acting work.

No further details regarding the required operation were shared on his blog. Suwabe conveyed optimism and enthusiasm for returning to good health as well as getting back into the studio soon.

He aims to recover both physically and mentally during this brief yet necessary hiatus from the public eye.

How It Is Going To Change His Scheduled Appearances

In his personal blog update, voice actor Junichi Suwabe also addressed an upcoming work obligation that will be impacted by his temporary break.

He regretfully announced that due to the surprise medical hiatus beginning January 1st, he will no longer be able to appear at the Premier Music Reading Theater VOICARION XVII – Shield of the Spoon performances happening on January 6th and 7th in Osaka.

One Piece (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)

Suwabe was originally scheduled to take part in this theater production and portray a key character role across the two show dates.

However, given the timing of his scheduled surgery and subsequent recovery period, his agency has arranged for fellow voice actor Kōichi Yamadera to replace him in the cast.

Yamadera is a veteran voice actor known for iconic anime roles like Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop. He will take over Suwabe’s intended part in the musical VOICARION XVII shows in Osaka next month.

Suwabe expressed his apologies to fans who may have already purchased tickets hoping to see him perform live on stage.

One Piece (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)

He reiterated that this medical procedure and brief work hiatus are unavoidable, though he aims to recover promptly so he can get back to projects like VOICARION soon.

For now, he conveyed his gratitude to Yamadera for filling his role on short notice.

Jump Festa 2024

Suwabe provided further reassurance in his blog update that this impending medical hiatus will only require him to step away from professional activities for a few weeks’ time.

Therefore, the remainder of his schedule for voice acting jobs, appearances, and events throughout 2023 will still take place as planned.

His upcoming shows and engagements slated for December are still confirmed to happen, unaffected by his brief break starting in January 2023.

Shanks | One Piece (Credits: Eiichiro Oda)

Additionally, Suwabe stated that he will be present at the Jump Festa 2024 convention occurring next weekend in December as originally anticipated.

Jump Festa serves as a major annual anime industry event which he looks forward to participating in as usual.

After wrapping up his obligations through the end of this year, Suwabe will then take several weeks off starting January 1st to undergo his surgery and recuperate.

He emphasized that this very temporary and limited hiatus is only necessary so that for the long-term, fans can continue seeing him voice beloved characters and make public appearances going into 2024 and future years ahead.

Suwabe thanked everyone for their support leading up to the planned restorative treatment. Recently, he started giving his voice to Admiral Ryokugyu in One Piece.