The year 2024 saw the loss of several legendary voice actors who played a pivotal role in shaping Japan’s anime industry. We extend our deepest condolences and honor their contributions by reflecting on their iconic works and careers.

Nobuyo Oyama (90)

Born on October 16, 1933, in Tokyo, blood type O. From 1979 to 2005, Nobuyo Oyama voiced Doraemon in the iconic TV Asahi anime Doraemon. She also lent her voice to other beloved series, such as The Adventures of Lassie, Boo Foo Woo, and Harris no Kaze. Her husband was actor Keisuke Sunagawa.

Doraemon is a character known to everyone in Japan—a blue, round, cat-like robot who fears mice but uses his dream-filled secret gadgets to solve Nobita’s problems. Generations of children have learned about dreams and the importance of friendship through Doraemon. And for 26 years, Nobuyo Oyama breathed life into this legendary character.

In her later years, Oyama battled dementia and rarely appeared in public. However, the gravelly voice that unmistakably defined Doraemon remained etched in the hearts of all. It was a voice beloved by everyone.

Oyama passed away at 90 years old. Having lost her mother in childhood and her husband to cancer, she endured much personal loss. Yet, her cheerful smile and chatty personality made her adored by all who knew her.

Though times may change, Oyama’s contributions and the legacy of Doraemon, one of Japan’s most beloved characters, will remain eternal.

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Noriko Ohara (88)

Voice actress Noriko Ohara (real name: Noriko Tobe), known for her roles as Nobita Nobi in Doraemon and Doronjo in Yatterman, passed away on July 12 at the age of 88, as reported by her agency, 81 Produce.

Born on October 2 in Tokyo, Ohara lent her voice to many iconic characters, including Peter in Heidi, Girl of the Alps, Conan in Future Boy Conan, and Hiroshi’s mother in The Gutsy Frog, alongside her renowned roles in Doraemon and Yatterman.

Is it mere coincidence that Nobita, Doraemon’s beloved companion, also departed for heaven in the same year? For 26 years, Ohara voiced the clumsy, weak, but kind-hearted Nobita, alongside Nobuyo Oyama as Doraemon. Nobita’s personality—hopelessly foolish at times but capable of awakening to heroism in critical moments, eventually marrying Shizuka—has become legendary.

While Oyama’s alto voice brought life to many characters, Ohara’s soprano tone was distinct, portraying a wide array of roles that became cornerstones of Japanese anime history.

It’s easy to imagine Nobita in heaven now, spending time with Doraemon once again.

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Atsuko Tanaka (61)

Atsuko Tanaka lent her voice to numerous dubbing roles, including Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez. In the world of anime, she is best known for her portrayal of Major Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, Lisa Lisa in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Misuzu Suenaga in Salaryman Kintaro, Caster in Fate/stay night, Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, and Flamme in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

She left an indelible mark on Japanese anime by embodying the image of "powerful women." Major Motoko Kusanagi, the protagonist of Ghost in the Shell referred to as "The Major," stands as a pioneering figure of strong female characters in Japanese animation. Her portrayal as a cybernetically enhanced individual, effortlessly navigating her augmented body while leading formidable men to combat cybercrime, was astonishingly fresh, especially considering the series debuted 30 years ago.

In recent years, she garnered attention for her role as Flamme, the great magician, in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. As the mentor to the immensely talented Frieren, Flamme demonstrated greater magical prowess than her pupil and imparted lessons on survival in a harsh world. Her essence as a character is encapsulated in her line, "Do you still love magic?" — at heart, she was a woman who simply loved magic.

Atsuko Tanaka’s remarkable contributions in cementing the image of strong, resolute women in anime will remain timeless, continuing to inspire future generations.

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Emi Shinohara (61)

Emi Shinohara, born on August 8th in Nagano Prefecture, was a celebrated voice actress known for her roles in various iconic anime series. Her notable works include Kaho Mizuki in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon, Kaori Toyama in BanG Dream!, and Kushina Uzumaki in Naruto Shippuden.

While Atsuko Tanaka brought "strong women" to life, Emi Shinohara may have been the voice of "women to admire." In Sailor Moon, she portrayed the tomboyish Sailor Jupiter, a dependable big-sister figure beloved by fans. Despite her strong-willed exterior, her character dreamed of becoming a pastry chef, embodying both strength and femininity in one unforgettable role.

In Naruto, she voiced Kushina Uzumaki, Naruto’s mother—a character known for her excellent cooking, fiery temper, and unmatched strength in fights. Shinohara frequently brought to life characters who combined inner strength with deep emotional layers.

In her later years, she dedicated herself to nurturing young talent, teaching at music universities and mentoring at talent agencies. Her warm personality earned her the love and respect of colleagues, family, and students alike. Her legacy will undoubtedly be carried forward by the many lives she touched and inspired.

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TARAKOさん (63)

TARAKO made her voice acting debut in 1981 with the anime Urusei Yatsura. In 1983, she began her career as a singer-songwriter. From 1990, she voiced the protagonist Maruko in Chibi Maruko-chan. Her notable roles also include Taruruuto-kun in Magical☆Taruruuto-kun and Chibiking in Mushiking: The Guardians of the Forest. In 1996, she founded the theater group WAKU, where she wrote and directed stage plays.

In addition to Doraemon, Japan has several beloved national anime series, and Chibi Maruko-chan is one of them. The show follows the everyday life of a somewhat cheeky elementary school girl with a bob haircut, living in a traditional family home that echoes the nostalgic remnants of the Showa era. Through Maruko’s eyes, viewers experience a slice of Japanese life that feels timelessly familiar.

For 24 years, TARAKO gave life to Maruko, becoming synonymous with the character. Her sudden passing at the age of 63 marked an untimely farewell.

At her farewell service, the popular comedy duo Bakusho Mondai remarked, “TARAKO-san and Maruko are inseparable in our minds.” It is rare for a voice actor to be so closely identified with a single character. Her distinctive voice was instantly recognizable as Maruko—unique and irreplaceable.

In the world of voice acting, this is nothing short of a badge of honor. While Chibi Maruko-chan will continue, TARAKO’s unparalleled contribution to shaping Maruko’s image will forever remain immeasurable.

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Eiko Masuyama (88)

Voice actress Eiko Masuyama passed away on May 20th at the age of 89. She was best known for her roles as Fujiko Mine in Lupin the Third, Mama in Tensai Bakabon, and Honey Kisaragi in Cutie Honey.

Masuyama played numerous heroines in Showa-era anime, and her passing has left fans mourning online. Comments flooded social media, saying, "She was such a pioneer, it feels like she voiced almost every iconic female character in Showa anime," and "I was always captivated by Masuyama-san’s gentle yet alluring voice." Others wrote, "For our generation, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say we grew up with her voice... It’s truly sad," and "Her voice carried both allure and elegance… she’s undoubtedly a legend."

Masuyama was a legendary voice actress who thrived from the early days of Japanese anime through to the modern era. Fujiko Mine, a character she portrayed for an incredible 34 years, embodied the admiration of women—a figure of femininity and allure.

Beyond Lupin the Third, her extensive career included roles in iconic works like Tensai Bakabon, Cutie Honey, Astro Boy, and Galaxy Express 999. Her contributions to countless masterpieces solidify her place as a true legend in the anime industry.

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In Closing

The global popularity of Japanese anime today would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of original creators, producers, and voice actors. Throughout its long history, anime culture endured a time when it was looked down upon and treated with disdain. Yet, it persisted through adversity, thanks to the dedication of those who laid its foundations. We must never forget to express our admiration and respect for everyone who contributed to building this remarkable culture.

To those who have passed on, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for their eternal rest.