Akihiro Miwa: an iconic voice in gaming and culture

Briefly

Akihiro Miwa, born in 1935, was an influential Japanese singer and actor who died on June 20, 2026, at the age of 91. He was best known as the voice of Moro in Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke and Arceus in Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life. Miwa was a trailblazer as one of Japan’s first openly gay public figures and survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

GAME-scanner analysis

Miwa’s influence on Japanese culture is undeniable. His role as Moro in Princess Mononoke not only shaped the world of animation, but also helped influence how LGBTQ+ people are represented in media. His openness about his sexuality and his activism for peace, especially after surviving the atomic bomb, made him an important figure in Japan’s social and political history. That legacy also resonated with modern game developers, who recognized his impact and the importance of diversity in games.

What does this mean for players?

For fans of Studio Ghibli films and the Pokémon franchise, Miwa’s death is a major loss. His voice work added emotional depth to the characters he portrayed. Players may be inspired to revisit the stories and characters he helped shape, and celebrate his legacy. The crossover between animation and video games, as seen in his role as Arceus, highlights the lasting impact of his work across different media.