Eiko Masuyama, a renowned anime voice actor, has passed away, according to an official announcement from her talent agency, Aoni Production.
Masuyama was celebrated for her role as the original voice of Fujiko Mine in the Lupin III anime franchise, starting with the 1969 Lupin the Third: Pilot Film.
Masuyama died on May 20, 2024, due to pneumonia. She had been receiving medical treatment for her condition prior to her passing.
Aoni Production disclosed that Masuyama’s family requested a private wake and funeral. As a result, these ceremonies were attended solely by her close relatives.
Eiko Masuyama’s legacy in the anime industry, particularly through her iconic role in Lupin III, remains significant. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on fans and the voice-acting community.
Eiko Masuyama, born in Tokyo in 1936, began her career in the anime industry in the 1960s. Her early roles included voicing Lucia and Kipiah in the pioneering anime Astro Boy (Mighty Atom).
She also contributed to several significant early anime titles, such as Osamu Tezuka’s Kimba the White Lion, Sally the Witch, and the titular character in 1973’s Cutie Honey.
Despite her extensive work, Masuyama is best known for her role as Fujiko Mine in the Lupin the Third anime adaptations.
Her portrayal of Fujiko Mine started with a guest appearance in Part 1 and continued in various TV and film productions from Part 2 onward, solidifying her legacy in the anime community.
Following her passing, the official Lupin the Third anime account was posted on X (formerly Twitter) to honor Masuyama.
The post acknowledged her death on May 20 and celebrated her contributions to the series, expressing gratitude for her many years of service and offering condolences.
Eiko Masuyama’s impact on the anime industry is profound, with her work on iconic series like Lupin the Third earning her a special place in the hearts of fans and industry professionals alike.
Her legacy endures through her memorable performances and significant contributions to early anime history.
Fellow voice actors and staff from the Lupin franchise have paid tribute to Eiko Masuyama, including Kanichi Kurita, who has played the titular role since 1995.
Kurita expressed deep admiration for Masuyama, stating, “Fujiko-chan was truly the only one in the world.”
Kurita praised Masuyama’s elegance and mentioned how much he admired her. He also lamented the loss of several colleagues from his first recording of Lupin, including Naya-san, Monkey-sensei, Inoue-san, Kobayashi-san, and now Masuyama-san.
Reflecting on these losses, Kurita conveyed his determination to honor their legacies by continuing to work hard.
He emphasized his commitment to carrying on the feelings and contributions of Masuyama and the other departed members of the Lupin team.
Masuyama’s impact and the respect she garnered from her peers underscore her significance in the anime industry.
Her portrayal of Fujiko Mine remains a cherished part of the Lupin series, and her legacy continues to inspire those who worked with her.
Eiko Masuyama was the last surviving member of the original main voice cast of the Lupin III anime. Rest in peace, Eiko Masuyama.
