Ohira Toru was a Japanese narrator and voice actor from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. He was a representative of Ohira Production. One of his best-known roles is the dub voice of Darth Vader in "Star Wars". He was also known for his many narration roles, most notably in the "Super Sentai" series. He was a very influential figure in the dubbing industry during the Showa period.

After graduating from Tokyo Metropolitan University Jonan Senior High School (in which he was also the supervisor of the school's volleyball team), he went on to graduate from the Meiji University Department of Political Science and Economics. In 1954, he joined the Nippon Broadcasting System, in which he became an announcer and producer. In 1955, with the opening of the Tokyo Broadcasting System, he enlisted in its theatrical company. He left the company in 1958 to become a voice artist.

His breakthrough performance was the dubbing voice of Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" series. He reprised this role for "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith" and a crossover appearance in "Soulcalibur IV", notable because the game was originally in Japanese, meaning that Ohira was Vader's "original" voice in the game, unlike with the films. In addition, he was usually cast in either astringent villain roles or gag characters, such as Pete in Disney cartoons.

He was also a close friend of Ohashi Kyosen, and the mentor of Yasutomi Shiro.

On April 12, 2016, he died from pneumonia at the age of 86. In his last will, he requested Genda Tessho to replace him as the voice of Fukuzo Moguro.

(Source: Wikipedia) Edit Biography