Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice behind the beloved Japanese anime character Doraemon, has passed away at the age of 90. Her agency, Actors 7, confirmed the news on Friday, revealing that Oyama had succumbed to old age on September 29. The agency expressed gratitude for the support extended to Oyama during her lifetime and announced that a private funeral attended by relatives had been held.
Oyama gained widespread recognition for voicing Doraemon in the television show that aired from 1979 to 2005. The Doraemon franchise, which includes animated films, video games, music albums, and manga series, became a global sensation, particularly in markets like Hong Kong and Vietnam.
The storyline of Doraemon revolves around a robotic cat from the 22nd century who travels back in time to assist a young boy named Nobita. Equipped with futuristic gadgets, Doraemon helps Nobita overcome his challenges and obstacles.
Prior to her role as Doraemon, Oyama was part of NHK's puppet show 'Boo Foo Woo' from 1960 to 1967. However, it was her portrayal of Doraemon that propelled her to international fame, with the 1979 show often referred to as the 'Oyama edition.'
Following the news of Oyama's passing, fans worldwide took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary voice actress. Messages of condolences and gratitude flooded various platforms, with many reminiscing about the impact Oyama had on their childhoods through her portrayal of Doraemon.
Notable figures from the anime industry also expressed their sorrow over Oyama's death, highlighting her significant contributions to the world of voice acting. The loss of Oyama comes shortly after the passing of Noriko Ohara, the voice behind the character Nobita.
