Shunsuke Kikuchi has passed away

[PurestEvil]

may the KING rest in peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6qSlZNnuAM (m512)

[kenisu3000]

I knew it was going to happen sooner likelier than later, given his age, but it still caught me off guard.

[KBABZ]

Kanzenshuu news item. First place I've seen to actually mention the cause of death.

https://www.kanzenshuu.com/2021/04/28/c ... sses-away/

[MasenkoHA]

R.I.P to my favorite Dragon Ball composer. Man leaves a legacy that goes far beyond the world of Dragon Ball. Composing music for culture icons like Doraeman and Kamen Rider and Gamera. Anyone who has a Shudder account and hasn’t already done so I highly recommend checking out Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. Not only is it visually an engaging watch Kikuchi’s score is quite good.

[Neo-Makaiōshin]

Thanks for all your incredible work, we all will miss you .

[Dragon Sponge]

Knowing how old he was, i was always happy to see that he was still alive every time i saw his wikipedia Article but sadley now it has got him too

For me his Soundtrack was Dragon Ball, it had a very distinct vibe and so many memorable Pieces and Themes, which stayed in my mind since i was a small Child. It was very sad to learn this today, but i´m glad that he got to live as long as he did, and he will be remembered for his incredible work on Dragon Ball which gave live to the Franchise in a way, that none of the other composers did in my Opinion.

My Consolence to his Family and Friends and may he rest is Piece...

[DemonRin]

Oh wow... RIP...

I haven't posted here in a while but when I saw a friend talking as if Kikuchi had passed I had to confirm it here... and wow does this not feel good...

I'm glad he at least lived to such an old age. This is nowhere near as heartbreaking as Daisuke Gouri or Hiromi Tsuru... If folks have to go, I'm always happy to know they lived long happy lives beforehand... but this still really hurts...

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

It's truly devastating, but I am glad to have become a huge fan over the last few years having finally checking out Dragon Ball in Japanese, and 89? At least he had a long and happy life up to that age never short of acknowledgements for the incredible work he did, especially for Dragon Ball.

The John Williams of Japan, he will be missed, but never forgotten.

[GhostEmperorX]

Just when I finally began to fully appreciate his work for DB and anything else he’s done.... I feel so bad about it now since I could and should have done so much sooner.
He was the true representative BGM composer for DB as a whole, RIP

[TheBlackPaladin]

I loved his music from the first note I heard of it, so much so that I actually bought CDs of it. I'm glad that he at least lived a long life...may he rest in peace.

[Big Boss]

RIP to one of Japan's all time great composers. Your work and legacy will never be forgotten.

[Adamant]

Kanzenshuu news item. First place I've seen to actually mention the cause of death.

It was mentioned in the oricon article linked in the OP.

[kei17]

I knew this would happen in the near future, but I shed tears when I first saw this news on my phone. Requiescat in pace, legenda.

[DiscountDabi]

I hate to think about it, but Masako Nozawa is almost 85. I shed a tear and payed my respects to Kikuchi. I am going to cry my heart out when she goes.

[Majin Buu]

RIP Maestro Kikuchi.

Your unique style of music defined Dragon Ball's anime adaptions for many people; and for me personally, the anime productions from GT onward never felt the same without your involvement.


Does anyone know if he continued making music in any capacity after he retired?

[SuperSaiyaManZ94]

I hate to think about it, but Masako Nozawa is almost 85. I shed a tear and payed my respects to Kikuchi. I am going to cry my heart out when she goes.

She is undoubtedly going to be the most devastating loss of all, and sure we've lost quite a few of the series' big name seiyuu over the last number of years including Hiromi Tsuru, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Takeshi Aono, Daisuke Gori and others but even they pale compared to the difficulty that her passing will bring given how long she's been with the franchise in total and her 50 plus some odd years voicing countless characters as well.

[McDonaldsGuy]

RIP.

He had some great scores. I love his fight theme, and the "Genki-dama" theme. Also, that music when Goku does his "I am SSJ Goku!" speech. Amazing.

Thanks for helping make DBZ that much better.

[Shiyonasan]

89 is a good long life. Glad he was able to live that long.

Rest in peace to the legendary Shunsuke Kikuchi. His soundtrack for Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z was memorable, fitting, and fun. It made the experience of watching the series all the more entertaining.

Thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who enjoyed this music.

[LoganForkHands73]

Rest in peace, king.

[precita]

It's sad to think within the next 10+ years, like by 2030 or so, most of the original Dragon Ball VA's and staff might pass away.