Aoni Production announced that one of its voice actors, Banjo Ginga, tested positive for COVID-19 on November 5, 2020. [Thanks, Oricon.]
The agency reported that Ginga felt pain in his throat starting early in the morning. He went to the hospital to have it checked out and, when he received a PCR test, it came out positive. It also noted that Ginga is in stable condition and not showing any COVID-19 symptoms, such as a fever or cough. Due to this revelation, Aoni Production had to step up its efforts to ensure the safety of its staff and actors to prevent further spread of the virus.
This is not the first time a Japanese voice actor was reported as testing positive for COVID-19. Previously in August 2020, famed voice actor Toshihiko Seki also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The 81 Produce voice actor has since recovered and left the hospital after being treated for about 10 days.
Born on November 12, 1948, Banjo Ginga is most well-known for voicing Gihren Zabi in the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series and video games. He is also known for voicing Liquid Snake in the first two Metal Gear Solid games, Bayman in the Dead or Alive series, and “Axe-Hand” Morgan in One Piece.
We wish Banjo Ginga a speedy recovery from COVID-19.