Secret Romance of a Legendary Voice Actor
Shukan Bunshun, a Japanese weekly magazine has revealed a scandal involving legendary voice actor Toru Furuya, known for voicing iconic characters like Amuro Toru in Detective Conan. At the age of 70, Furuya has been accused of having an affair with a fan, which led to serious allegations including domestic violence and a coerced abortion.
Fan’s Obsession Turns into a Love Affair
Miss A, a 33-year-old fan, developed a deep infatuation with Toru Furuya after watching Detective Conan movies where he voiced Amuro Toru. Her obsession grew so intense that she watched the movie 45 times and sent numerous fan letters to Furuya. Her persistence paid off when she received a text message from Furuya on New Year’s Day 2019, initiating their secret affair.
Two months later, they arranged to meet in a hotel. Upon entering the room, Furuya allegedly pinned her down. Despite Miss A’s resistance to unprotected intercourse, Furuya assured her that he was infertile, having undergone unsuccessful fertility treatments with his wife for seven years.
Whispered Sweet Nothings and Bitter Conflicts
During their intimate moments, Furuya would adapt a famous line from Amuro Toru, saying, “My lover is Miss A,” instead of “My lover is this country.” Despite the romantic gestures, the relationship was tumultuous. Furuya’s refusal to divorce his wife led to frequent arguments. When Miss A demanded a divorce, Furuya reportedly punched her in the face, causing a nosebleed. In a panic, she locked herself in the bathroom to call an ambulance, but Furuya broke in and took her phone.
The police arrived after the situation calmed down, but Furuya managed to hide, leaving Miss A to deal with the authorities alone.
Full Translation of Messages between Furuya and Miss A
Bunshun has also revealed messages between Furuya and Miss A. The full translation of the messages are as follows.
Furuya: Maybe we won’t be able to see each other anymore. If that’s the case, I’ll mail it to you.
Miss A: Why do you think so?
Furuya: Yeah… well, because you are confused.
Miss A: I’m not confused.
Furuya: Moreover, I really can’t marry you. I really want to be with you, but I think it’s impossible. Sorry.
Furuya: I’d have to give up the role I’m currently playing.
Furuya: That would cause trouble for many people.
Furuya: I really love you, so I don’t want to break up with you, but I think it’s difficult for you to forgive me.
Furuya: I will follow your decision.
A Pregnancy and a Painful Decision
In 2021, Miss A discovered she was pregnant. Shocked, she reminded Furuya of his claim that she wouldn’t conceive. Furuya, fearing the impact on his career, questioned the paternity and pressured her into an abortion, stating that the fetus wasn’t yet a life. He signed the consent form, and their four-and-a-half-year affair came to a painful end.
Furuya later visited Bunshun for an interview, likely addressing the scandal and its impact on his life and career.
This revelation about Toru Furuya is both shocking and heartbreaking for fans of Japanese anime. His portrayal of beloved characters like Amuro Toru in Detective Conan has left a lasting legacy. However, these serious allegations of an affair, domestic violence, and coercion cast a dark shadow over his illustrious career. It is a reminder that even the most revered figures in the anime industry can have deeply flawed personal lives. Fans will undoubtedly struggle to reconcile these accusations with the admiration they have for his work. The anime community hopes for a resolution that respects all parties involved and acknowledges the gravity of the situation.
For full translation of the comment by Toru Furuya, refer to Furuya Toru’s Affair and Concerns Over Voice Actor Replacement for Gundam and Conan Roles.
