Departures of note

Leo Morimoto was a Japanese actor and narrator born in 1943 in Aichi Prefecture. After graduating from university, he made his acting debut in the drama "High School Days" and later became a popular personality on the late-night radio program "Midnight Tokai." Over his long career he played a wide range of roles, from gentle-mannered characters to eccentric parts, appearing in numerous television dramas including "Long Vacation" and "Shomuni," as well as films such as "Kids Return."

Morimoto was best known for his soothing voice, which he lent to many television programs and commercials. For years he served as the narrator of the anime series "Thomas the Tank Engine," becoming a beloved presence for generations of Japanese viewers. He died on September 4, 2026, at the age of 83.