The Gundam Build Fighters Try anime's website announced on Wednesday that voice actor Masashi Hirose is being hospitalized for an extended stay, to treat an unspecified illness. The announcement offers a prayer for his quick recovery. His agency Production Baobab posted a similar announcement.

In both Gundam Build Fighters and its Try sequel, Hirose plays the Gundam plastic model expert Ral-san — a name reference to arguably his most famous role, the pilot Ramba Ral in the first Mobile Suit Gundam series and movie trilogy. He also played Ramba Ral in many spinoff anime and game projects, as well as supporting roles in other Gundam projects. The Gundam Build Fighters Try website's announcement does not specify what will happen to Hirose's role in the anime, which will premiere on October 8.

In other anime, he played the sumo wrestler Rikishiman in the Kinnikuman franchise, Hideyoshi Ushiromiya in Umineko - When They Cry, Soichi Ayukawa in Basquash!, Professor Tange in Honey and Clover, Kan Yu in Armored Trooper Votoms, Cole in Taiyou no Kiba Dougram, and Riku Dold III in One Piece.

[Via 0takomu]