For decades, Piccolo has been one of the most respected and powerful characters in the Dragon Ball series. Known for his stoic nature, immense strength, and surprising kindness, Piccolo holds a special place in the hearts of fans, and in the heart of series creator Akira Toriyama himself, who once stated that Piccolo was his favorite character.
However, in a recent interview, veteran voice actor Toshio Furukawa, who has voiced Piccolo since the original Dragon Ball anime first aired in the 1980s, revealed a surprising truth: he almost didn’t take the role.
When Dragon Ball was first being developed as an anime adaptation, the casting process began to take shape. Furukawa, who was already a respected voice actor at the time, was approached by producers to consider the role of a Namekian warrior named Piccolo. At the time, Furukawa was already involved in several other projects and had a tight schedule. He seriously considered turning down the opportunity because of the workload.
Despite his initial hesitation, Furukawa eventually accepted the role, and the rest is history. Piccolo became one of the most important characters in the entire series, appearing in nearly every major Dragon Ball saga, from Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Ball Super. Over time, Furukawa’s calm yet commanding voice helped define Piccolo’s personality and brought depth to his character development, especially in his evolution from former villain to devoted mentor and protector.
Dragon Ball’s Piccolo Voice Actor Almost Turned Down Role of Toriyama’s Favorite Character
In the interview, Furukawa expressed his gratitude for making the decision to accept the role. He said that playing Piccolo has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. Not only has it connected him with generations of fans, but it also allowed him to grow alongside the character. He described Piccolo as a role that became “more meaningful” as the series continued and as the character became more layered.
Interestingly, Furukawa also reflected on Akira Toriyama’s affection for Piccolo. The creator famously mentioned in interviews that Piccolo was his favorite character to write and draw. Toriyama liked how Piccolo was serious, reliable, and calm, a contrast to the more chaotic energy of Goku. This made the character a natural balance within the cast and gave the story emotional depth.
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Had Furukawa said no to the part back then, it’s difficult to imagine who else could have brought Piccolo to life in the same way. His deep and composed voice has become so closely tied with the character that many fans can’t picture Piccolo sounding any different. In fact, over the decades, Furukawa’s performance has even influenced how Piccolo is portrayed in video games, animated films, and merchandise.
Furukawa’s story is a reminder that some of the most iconic roles in anime history were almost missed opportunities. It also highlights how behind every legendary character is a voice actor who made a difficult choice, took a chance, and ended up creating something unforgettable.
Toshio Furukawa Reveals He Nearly Rejected Piccolo Role Due to Busy Schedule
Now, with the Dragon Ball franchise continuing to grow with new films and series, Furukawa remains an active part of the voice cast. He voiced Piccolo again in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, where the character plays a central role and gains new transformations. Fans praised Furukawa’s continued performance, saying that even after so many years, he still brings the same strength and heart to the character.
As anime continues to reach global audiences, stories like these offer fans a deeper appreciation for the people behind the scenes. Toshio Furukawa’s decision to accept the role of Piccolo, despite his packed schedule, shaped the Dragon Ball series in ways no one could have predicted. His voice helped define one of anime’s most enduring characters and added to the legacy of one of Japan’s most influential creators, Akira Toriyama.
For fans old and new, Piccolo remains a symbol of growth, strength, and loyalty, and much of that impact is thanks to the voice behind him. Furukawa’s story reminds us that sometimes, one choice can change everything.