Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice of Doraemon, dies at 90
What's the story
Nobuyo Oyama, the legendary Japanese voice actor famous for voicing the anime character Doraemon, has passed away at the age of 90.
She reportedly died on September 29, but her death news was spread widely only on Friday. The cause of her death is not yet known, though unconfirmed reports cited natural causes.
Born Nobuyo Yamashita in 1933, she entered the entertainment industry in the 1960s and shot to fame voicing Doraemon.
Career highlights
Oyama's legacy: The voice of a generation
Oyama voiced Doraemon, a time-traveling robot cat, from 1979 to 2005. Her portrayal of the character spanned over two decades and made her an iconic figure in Japanese pop culture.
The anime series featuring Doraemon became a hit not only in Japan but also internationally, including in India where it was dubbed and broadcast.
Emotional tributes
Fans mourn Oyama's death, remember her fondly
News of Oyama's death has triggered an avalanche of tributes on social media. Fans have been expressing their deep sorrow and sharing fond memories of growing up with Doraemon.
Many recognized Oyama's voice as a soothing presence during their childhoods.
One fan wrote, "Her voice was the voice of my childhood, and she will be dearly missed." Another shared, "Ms. Nobuyo Oyama, we will never forget your voice as Doraemon...Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart."
Career end
Oyama's other notable roles and retirement
Beyond Doraemon, Oyama also voiced several other popular characters, including Monokuma from the Danganronpa video game series.
She officially retired from the role of Doraemon in 2005 due to health concerns but remained a beloved figure in the industry.
Her contribution to Japanese pop culture and the global entertainment industry will be remembered for generations to come.