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- Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice of Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90 on September 29 due to natural causes.
- Oyama voiced Doraemon from 1979 to 2005, making her a beloved figure across Asia and beyond.
- Her portrayal of Doraemon is so cherished that the 1979 series is often called the “Oyama edition.”
- Fans worldwide are mourning her loss, sharing tributes and memories on social media.
Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice of the beloved Japanese anime character Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by her agency on Friday. Oyama died on September 29 due to natural causes. Her agency, Actors 7, expressed gratitude for the affection shown to her during her lifetime and apologized for the delay in announcing her death. A private funeral attended by family members was held in her honor.
Oyama was renowned for voicing Doraemon from 1979 to 2005, a role that brought her international fame and endeared her to audiences across Asia, particularly in regions like Hong Kong and Vietnam. The Doraemon franchise, which includes animated films, video games, music albums, and manga series, follows the adventures of a robotic cat from the 22nd century who helps a young boy named Nobita with futuristic gadgets.
Born in Tokyo in 1933, Oyama had a rich career in entertainment before taking on the role of Doraemon. She appeared in NHK’s puppet show “Boo Foo Woo” from 1960 to 1967 and voiced characters in other popular series. Her portrayal of Doraemon became so iconic that the 1979 show is often referred to as the “Oyama edition.”
The news of Oyama’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Fans worldwide have shared their condolences and memories of her as a pivotal voice of their childhoods. Kazuhiko Inoue, known for voicing Kakashi in “Naruto,” tweeted his appreciation for Oyama’s support throughout his career. Many fans also expressed grief over her death following closely after Noriko Ohara, the voice of Nobita.
Oyama’s legacy as Doraemon’s voice remains deeply ingrained in the hearts of many who grew up with the series. Her contribution to anime and her distinctive voice has left an indelible mark on generations of fans.
Source: CNN
