Nobuyo Oyama, the renowned voice actress most famous for portraying Doraemon in the beloved anime series Doraemon, passed away on September 29 at the age of 90.
Her death was announced by her agency, Actors Seven. Doraemon is one of Japan’s longest-running anime, and Oyama played a key role in its success.
She voiced Doraemon from April 1979 until March 2005, marking her contribution to the anime’s 25-year anniversary before the main cast was replaced.
Following Oyama’s death, only Michiko Nomura, the voice of Shizuka Minamoto, remains from the original cast, as Noriko Ohara (Nobita Nobi) passed away in July 2024, Kazuya Tatekabe (Takeshi Goda) in 2016, and Kaneta Kimotsuki (Suneo Honekawa) also in 2016.
Aside from Doraemon, Oyama was also recognized for voicing Monokuma in the Danganronpa series.
However, in 2016, she stepped down from the role, and TARAKO, best known for voicing Maruko in Chibi Maruko-chan, took over. Sadly, TARAKO passed away earlier in March 2024.
Oyama’s legacy extends beyond just one character, as she had a remarkable impact on Japanese pop culture, lending her voice to characters that entertained and inspired multiple generations.
TV Asahi, the station that has broadcasted Doraemon in Japan, expressed deep sorrow over Oyama’s passing.
The network released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging her immense contribution to the success of the anime.
They praised her portrayal of Doraemon, noting how her warm and comforting voice left a lasting impression on children not only in Japan but all over the world.
Her role, they said, brought dreams and hope to millions of young viewers for over two decades. In their tribute, TV Asahi emphasized their gratitude for Oyama’s incredible achievements and expressed their heartfelt prayers for her to rest in peace.
Her work in Doraemon continues to resonate with fans globally, making her one of the most iconic voices in anime history.
