[Obituary] Voice Actress Masako Ikeda Dies at 87: Maetel, Reika Ryuzaki, Audrey Hepburn Dubs

Masako Ikeda, the acclaimed Japanese voice actress known for Maetel and many other iconic roles, died of a cerebral hemorrhage on March 3, 2026. She was 87. The announcement was made on March 13 by the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society.

A Career That Spanned Generations

Born on January 1, 1939, in Tokyo, Ikeda built a remarkable career across anime, dubbing, and narration. She was especially well known for voicing Maetel in Galaxy Express 999. In Aim for the Ace!, she played Reika Ryuzaki, a character also widely known by the nickname Madame Butterfly.

Her other major anime roles included the title character in Phoenix, Sharon in Space Brothers, and the Queen in the Chimera Ant arc of HUNTER x HUNTER. She was also known for providing the Japanese dubbing voice for Audrey Hepburn. In addition, she worked as a narrator for a wide range of productions, including Hello! Anne.

Full Statement Released by Her Agency

The full statement announced the passing of Masako Ikeda, an actor affiliated with the cooperative.

She passed away peacefully at 12:27 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, due to a cerebral hemorrhage, at the age of 87. The wake and funeral were held privately with close family members only, in accordance with the wishes of her relatives.

The statement also expressed deep gratitude for the support, guidance, and encouragement she received throughout her long career. It concluded with a request that the media and the public refrain from contacting or visiting the family.

The notice was issued by the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society and signed by Chairman Yuji Yoneda.

Main Works Listed on the Agency Website

Galaxy Express 999 as Maetel
Aim for the Ace! as Reika Ryuzaki
Phoenix as Phoenix
Space Brothers as Sharon
HUNTER x HUNTER Chimera Ant Arc as the Queen
Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables as Narration

Source : ORICON NEWS