Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice behind the beloved Japanese cartoon character Doraemon, has passed away at the age of 90. Oyama, who lent her distinctive voice to Doraemon for over 25 years, died of natural causes on September 29, according to her agency, Actors Seven, confirming the sad news on Friday.
The raspy voice of Nobuyo Oyama brought to life the futuristic robotic cat Doraemon, a character that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Created by cartoonist Fujiko F. Fujio in 1970, Doraemon’s adventures with his friend Nobita resonated with millions of fans in Japan and beyond, with the manga and anime series being translated into numerous languages.
In the series, Doraemon, a cat from the 22nd century, aided Nobita with futuristic gadgets like the “anywhere door” and “take-copter” to navigate challenging situations. Born in Tokyo in 1933, Oyama’s career in acting began in the mid-1950s, with her voice talents making her a popular figure in anime and children’s programmes.
Before portraying Doraemon, Oyama voiced characters in various shows, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her retirement from voicing Doraemon in 2005 marked the end of an era, with Oyama expressing her hope that the character would continue to be cherished for years to come. Despite battling dementia in later years, Oyama’s dedication to her craft remained evident, with her ability to effortlessly slip into the role of Doraemon showcasing her enduring skill.
Oyama’s passing marks the end of an era in Japanese entertainment, with her contribution to bringing Doraemon to life forever etched in the hearts of fans. Her funeral was held privately by her family, as the industry mourns the loss of a talented voice actress. The news of Nobuyo Oyama’s death follows the passing of Noriko Ohara, the voice behind Nobita, in July, further underscoring the end of a significant chapter in Japanese animation history.