Nobuyo Oyama with Doraemon cutout

Nobuyo Oyama, Iconic Voice of Doraemon, Passes Away at 90, Leaving a Timeless Legacy


Nobuyo Oyama, the legendary voice of Doraemon for over 25 years, has passed away at 90. Her unforgettable contribution to anime has left a lasting impact on generations.


Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice of Doraemon, passed away at 90, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over 25 years in anime. From 1979 to 2005, she voiced the beloved robotic cat, endearing herself to fans worldwide. Oyama’s work in Doraemon and other anime projects made her a central figure in Japan’s voice acting community. Her passing, only months after fellow voice actress Noriko Ohara, marks the end of an era for many. Her unforgettable contribution to anime continues to inspire new generations of fans.


Nobuyo Oyama: The Iconic Voice Behind Doraemon Passes Away at 90

Nobuyo Oyama, known for her raspy and distinct voice that brought Doraemon, the beloved robotic cat, to life, passed away at the age of 90 on September 29. Her agency, Actors Seven, confirmed the news, stating that her funeral was held privately by her family. Oyama, whose voice was synonymous with Doraemon for over 25 years, left an indelible mark on the world of anime, influencing generations of fans.

The Voice that Defined Doraemon

Nobuyo Oyama became the voice of Doraemon in 1979 and continued her role until 2005. Her performance, characterized by warmth, humor, and a sense of familiarity, endeared her to audiences both in Japan and around the world. Doraemon, created by the cartoonist Fujiko F. Fujio, is a futuristic robotic cat sent from the 22nd century to help a good-hearted yet lazy boy named Nobita. Oyama’s portrayal of Doraemon helped elevate the show’s status, making it one of the most well-loved anime series globally.

The show’s central theme—Doraemon assisting Nobita with futuristic gadgets like the “anywhere door” and “take-copter”—resonated deeply with audiences. Oyama’s voice gave life to Doraemon, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the timeless friendship between Doraemon and Nobita. Her contribution to the anime world, particularly through Doraemon, remains unmatched, as her voice became synonymous with childhood for millions of viewers.

Nobuyo Oyama’s Journey in the Anime World

Born in Tokyo in 1933, Nobuyo Oyama’s career began in the late 1950s. She made her acting debut in a drama on Japan’s NHK public television in 1956 and secured her first voice acting role a year later in the dubbed version of the television drama Lassie. Before lending her voice to Doraemon, Oyama had already established herself as a prominent voice actress. In the early 1960s, she voiced one of the three piglets in a popular children’s puppet show, further expanding her portfolio.

Her raspy voice quickly became her trademark, earning her roles in other significant projects. She also voiced the teenage boy Katsuo in Sazae-san, one of Japan’s longest-running family anime series. But it was her portrayal of Doraemon that catapulted her to iconic status.

Oyama retired from her role as Doraemon in 2005, marking the end of an era for fans of the show. In one of her final public appearances, she expressed her hope that Doraemon would continue to be loved by future generations.

An Enduring Impact on the Anime World

Oyama’s death comes only months after the passing of her close friend and fellow voice actress, Noriko Ohara, who voiced Nobita. Together, they helped create the magic that made Doraemon such a cherished series. Their on-screen bond reflected their real-life friendship, and now, as many fans noted, the two have been figuratively reunited as stars in the sky.

Oyama’s career extended beyond just voice acting. She also had stints as a singer, screenwriter, and TV personality. As the head of a sound arts school, she was known for her remarkable ability to perform her iconic Doraemon voice on the first try, even in later years when she was diagnosed with dementia. Her husband, Keisuke Sagawa, revealed in 2015 that Oyama had developed the condition, yet it never hindered her ability to revisit Doraemon’s voice when needed.

Tributes from the Anime Community

Following the announcement of Oyama’s death, tributes poured in from across the anime industry. Nomura Michiko, who voiced Shizuka-chan in Doraemon, shared heartfelt memories of their time together. “Oyama-san was with me on Doraemon for 26 years. We got along really well, and I have a lot of fun memories of going on trips together,” she said.

Masako Nozawa, the voice of Dragon Ball’s Son Goku, also paid tribute, reminiscing about Oyama’s cheerful personality and their long-standing friendship. “Whenever we met in the studio, I remember her cheerful smile as she called out, ‘Mako?!’ like it was yesterday. I’ll miss her,” Nozawa said.

Wasabi Mizuta, Oyama’s successor as the voice of Doraemon, expressed deep sadness at her passing. “She was such a great actor, and I have received an enormous baton,” Mizuta stated, reflecting on the legacy Oyama left behind.

Even Oyama’s talent agency representative, Morita Yozo, praised her professionalism and dedication, noting how she would meticulously review scripts to ensure there was no inappropriate language. “When Oyama was in charge of Doraemon, she was a serious person who would check the script to make sure there was no foul language. All I can say is that she did a great job.”

Fans Celebrate Oyama’s Unforgettable Contribution

Fans from around the world took to social media to express their grief and celebrate Oyama’s lasting impact. One fan tweeted, “Nobuyo Oyama’s voice brought happiness to countless people through Doraemon. Her legacy will always live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling her “a legend” and “the voice of childhood for many.”

Many also noted the end of an era, as Oyama’s passing marked the loss of one of the most influential figures in anime voice acting. “Most of our childhoods were made because of her iconic voice and the character of Doraemon. Rest in peace!” another fan wrote.

Conclusion: A Timeless Icon

Nobuyo Oyama’s legacy transcends generations, as her voice continues to resonate with fans of all ages. Her portrayal of Doraemon has not only entertained millions but has also helped shape the anime industry as it stands today. Although she may no longer be with us, her work lives on in the hearts and memories of fans worldwide, ensuring that the voice of Doraemon will never be forgotten.

 

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