Legendary Voice Actor Tomomichi Nishimura, Voice of Slam Dunk's Coach Anzai, Passes at 79

The entertainment industry is acknowledging the passing of veteran voice actor Tomomichi Nishimura, who died on November 29, 2025, at the age of 79 following an illness. Nishimura maintained a significant career spanning several decades across Japanese media, leaving behind a notable body of work.

He is widely recognized by followers of sports anime for his portrayal of Mitsuyoshi Anzai, the mentor figure in the series Slam Dunk. Nishimura provided the voice for Coach Anzai, establishing a character known for calm authority and paternal warmth, qualities that resonated deeply with the Shohoku team and the audience.

Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1946, Nishimura was affiliated with Arts Vision and demonstrated considerable vocal range throughout his career. Beyond his role in Slam Dunk, his voice was prominent in other major franchises. Fans will recall his imposing gravitas as the narrator in the supernatural series YuYu Hakusho. Furthermore, he voiced the formidable Tsuchikage Ohnoki in the Naruto series, a role that highlighted his capacity to voice powerful and eccentric characters.

His contributions also extended to the mecha genre, where he voiced characters such as the Captain of the Over the Rainbow in Neon Genesis Evangelion and its related film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.

Impact on Fighting Games and Other Media

Nishimura also made a substantial impact within the fighting game community. His distinct, gravelly delivery brought terrifying life to iconic antagonists such as Akuma/Gouki and M. Bison/Vega in various Japanese versions of the Street Fighter franchise. This work solidified his reputation as a master of villainous vocal performances.

His extensive professional history also includes appearances in tokusatsu productions, such as Engine Sentai Go-onger.

Tributes from colleagues and the global fanbase have emphasized not only the quantity of characters he voiced but also his consistent professionalism and warm personal demeanor. The unique quality of his voice ensures that the guidance associated with Coach Anzai and the menace of his antagonists will remain influential in media for years to come.