The controversy surrounding popular Japanese voice actor Shotaro Morikubo's sudden removal from the Chinese mobile game Genshin Impact has ignited heated discussions among fans.
On March 12, Genshin Impact’s official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account announced that Morikubo would no longer be voicing the character 'Ifa' due to unspecified 'various reasons.
' However, speculation is growing that the real cause behind his removal is linked to past political involvement.
Reports suggest that Morikubo may have been blacklisted by Chinese authorities after participating in an August 2023 reading drama titled 'Testimonies Given at the Risk of Life,' which was in support of Uyghur human rights.
The possibility that his removal from Genshin Impact is a retaliatory measure has fueled intense debate online.
The news has left many fans shocked, as Morikubo has not been involved in any recent scandals nor reported any health issues.
Given Genshin Impact’s Chinese origins, some believe that political sensitivities may have played a crucial role in his abrupt removal.
Morikubo has had strong ties with Taiwan, having visited the island multiple times for anime-related events.
In 2018, he held a signing event in Taiwan to promote 'Mazinger Z: Infinity,' and in 2023, he attended the Taipei International Comics and Animation Festival for 'Yowamushi Pedal.
' His connections to Taiwan have also been cited as a potential reason for his sudden dismissal from the role.