Anime News Network reports that voice actor Ayao Wada succumbed to pneumonia on Monday. He was 81. While a date is not currently known, funeral proceedings will be open only to the actor's family.

Wada is best known in the anime world for his role as Higeoyaji in the original Astro Boy anime series. In addition, he played roles in numerous tokusatsu (live-action, special-effects heavy) shows, and provided voices for Panda! Go, Panda! and Under Sea Boy Marine. Wada served as the director of the Theatre Echo group from 1967 to 1992.

We at Anime Dream offer our deepest condolences to Wada-san's family and friends.