Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba returned for its highly anticipated fourth season earlier this month with a one-hour premiere. So far two episodes have debuted in the latest season and while there's still plenty more for fans to look forward to, it seems that one of the series' stars is taking a step back.
Japanese seiyuu talent agency Intention revealed that Kenichi Suzumura, who voices Obanai Iguro in the Demon Slayer anime series, will be taking a bit of a break to focus on his health. It's unclear exactly what's ailing him, but doctors were able to diagnose him.
"Thank you very much for your warm support for Kenichi Suzumura," an official statement on the Intention company website reads. "Kenichi Suzumura, a member of our company, has decided to concentrate on resting due to poor health. His health continued to deteriorate, and after a doctor's diagnosis, it was decided that he needed to take a break."
"Going forward, we will prioritize recovery and will notify you once again regarding the resumption of activities," the statement continues. "We would like to sincerely apologize to all of you who have always supported us, as well as everyone involved, for the great inconvenience and concern we have caused."
With no word on when Suzumura will be able to return to work, fans are naturally curious about what this will mean for Demon Slayer season 4. Obanai Iguro hasn't been showcased a ton in the anime during the first two seasons of the show, but the character's role does expand in the Hashira Training Arc this season -- with all of the Demon Slayer pillars hosting training to prepare the organization for a battle against Muzan. And moving forward, Snake Hashira's role will only continue to get larger.
In addition to his role as Obanai Iguro, Suzumura also voices Bravern in Brave Bang Bravern! A prominent Japanese voice actor. Suzumura has had roles in Mobile Suit Gundam, Ouran High School Host Club, Tsukihime, Brothers Conflict, Gin Tama, D.Gray-man, and many more.
Hopefully, what Suzumura is dealing with isn't too serious and he has a speedy recovery. The most important thing he can do is rest and take care of his health.
It's been a tough year for the manga and anime industry. Back in March, Akira Toriyama, creator of the Dragon Ball franchise and one of Japan's leading comics authors, passed away from an acute subdural hematoma. He died at the age of 68. Later that month, Eiichiro Oda, creator of the One Piece manga, also revealed he would be taking a three-week break. The hiatus gave him time to grieve the loss of Toriyama while also serving as some "scheduled maintenance" to take care of his own health.