Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice behind Doraemon, the futuristic robotic cat beloved by generations, has passed away at the age of 90. She died of natural causes on September 29, as confirmed by her agency, Actors Seven.
Oyama lent her distinctive raspy voice to Doraemon for over 25 years, from 1979 until her retirement in 2005, becoming synonymous with the character during her long tenure.
Her voice brought life and charm to the character, helping solidify Doraemon’s status as a cultural phenomenon in Japan and around the world.
Doraemon, created by cartoonist Fujiko F. Fujio in 1970, revolves around the titular robotic cat who travels back in time from the 22nd century to assist a young boy named Nobita.
The series became immensely popular for its heartwarming stories and imaginative gadgets, such as the “anywhere door” and “take-copter,” which Doraemon used to help Nobita navigate life’s challenges.
Oyama’s portrayal of Doraemon played a crucial role in the show’s success, with the character and its stories reaching millions of fans globally and being translated into multiple languages.
Born in Tokyo in 1933, Oyama pursued a career in acting and made her debut in 1956 on NHK public television. Her voice acting career began the following year, with a role in the dubbed version of the TV drama “Lassie.”
She gained recognition for her distinct voice, which became a favorite in anime and children’s shows. Before taking on the role of Doraemon, she voiced various characters, including one of three piglets in a popular children’s puppet show and Katsuo, a teenage boy in the long-running family anime series “Sazaesan.”
After voicing Doraemon for more than two decades, Oyama retired in March 2005, coinciding with a cast renewal for the show’s main characters. Upon her departure, she expressed her hope that Doraemon would continue to be cherished by future generations.
Her performance had left a lasting legacy that contributed significantly to the character’s enduring popularity.
Even after stepping away from the role, her voice remained a nostalgic memory for fans who grew up watching the series.
In 2015, Oyama’s husband revealed that she had been diagnosed with dementia. Despite her condition, she continued to demonstrate her skill as a voice artist, often being able to perform Doraemon’s voice flawlessly on the first attempt when asked.
She also served as the head of a sound arts school, where her contributions to the field of voice acting extended beyond her performances.
Her dedication to her craft left a mark on the anime industry and inspired many aspiring voice actors.
Oyama’s death followed the passing of Noriko Ohara, who voiced Nobita, in July of the same year, marking the end of an era for the original “Doraemon” voice cast.
Her agency announced that a private funeral had been held by her relatives, honoring her life and legacy away from the public eye.
With her passing, fans around the world mourn the loss of a voice that had brought joy and comfort to so many through the adventures of Doraemon and Nobita.
