Voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, known for her role as Motoko Kusanagi in the anime Ghost in the Shell, passed away on August 20 at the age of 61. The news was reported by her talent agency on their official website and by her son, Hikaru Tanaka, also a voice actor, on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Hikaru Tanaka began his post on X with, "To everyone who has always supported us," and continued, "On August 20, 2024, my mother, voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, passed away peacefully."

everyone in the industry who supported her during her lifetime, I offer my deepest gratitude on her behalf. It is deeply regrettable that I have to convey our mother-son relationship in such a manner."

He further explained, "In accordance with her wishes, we will keep the specific illness private, but I can say that she led a life true to herself—serious, dignified, and with a touch of playfulness—throughout her year-long battle with illness. I am truly fortunate to have had such an amazing mother."

He concluded by saying, "Lastly, I ask you to please remember Atsuko Tanaka, the works she was sincerely involved in, the characters she loved so dearly, and the voice actress she was. With all my love to my mother, an actress and voice actress I deeply respect."

Additionally, Atsuko Tanaka's agency released a statement on their official website, announcing, "Our actor, Atsuko Tanaka (61), passed away on August 20, 2024, after a period of illness, despite receiving the best possible care."

Atsuko Tanaka was widely recognized for her voice work, including dubbing roles for Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez. In anime, she was best known for her roles as Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, Misuzu Suenaga in Salaryman Kintaro, Caster in Fate/stay night, Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, and Flamme in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Source : ORICON NEWS