Yakkun Sakurazuka
A beloved Japanese comedian and voice actor whose vibrant, quirky performances left a joyful mark before his untimely passing.
1976–2013 (age 37)·Japanese comedian and voice actor·Birthday: September 24·Generation X
Biography
Yakkun Sakurazuka, born Yasuo Saitō, was a burst of comic energy in the Japanese entertainment world of the 2000s. He first gained attention as part of the manzai comedy duo 'Kyun Kyun Kyun,' where his sharp timing and eccentric stage persona stood out. His career trajectory took a delightful turn into voice acting, where his distinctive, spirited voice found a perfect home. He is best remembered for bringing to life the hyperactive, dessert-obsessed Piplup in the 'Pokémon' anime series, a role that made him a favorite among younger audiences. Sakurazuka also lent his voice to other anime like 'Bleach' and 'One Piece,' and pursued a parallel path as a singer, releasing character songs that showcased his versatile talent. His style was defined by a contagious enthusiasm and a willingness to be unabashedly silly, creating characters that felt genuinely joyful. His passing in 2013 at a young age cut short a career that was brightly colored with humor and charm.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Yakkun was born in 1976, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yakkun Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Yakkun's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2013Died at 37
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
Key Achievements
- Voiced the popular Pokémon Piplup in the 'Pokémon Diamond and Pearl' anime series.
- Was a member of the comedy duo 'Kyun Kyun Kyun,' performing in the competitive Osaka manzai scene.
- Released music as a singer, including character image songs related to his voice acting roles.
- Provided voice work for additional anime series such as 'Bleach' and 'One Piece.'
Did You Know?
His stage name, Yakkun Sakurazuka, is a playful and memorable pseudonym distinct from his birth name.
He was known for his flamboyant and colorful fashion sense off-stage.
He voiced multiple characters in the 'One Piece' anime, including minor roles and filler arc characters.
His comedy was often described as 'nonsensical' and relied on high-energy delivery.
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”
