Iconic Voice of Doraemon, Nobuyo Oyama, Passes Away at 90

Nobuyo Oyama, the Japanese actor who lent her iconic voice to the beloved cartoon character Doraemon, has passed away at the age of 90, her agency announced on Friday. Oyama voiced the endearing blue robot cat from 1979 to 2005, captivating audiences in Japan and beyond with Doraemon’s distinctive voice and imaginative gadgets.

Oyama “passed away on September 29 due to old age,” her talent agency informed AFP. Her funeral was a private ceremony attended by close family members.

Doraemon, a robot cat from the 22nd century, continues to be a mainstay of Japanese anime, popular across Asia and around the world. Equipped with a “magic pocket” filled with futuristic gadgets, Doraemon uses these tools to help a young boy named Nobita navigate life’s challenges. The character first appeared in manga in 1969, created by the artist Fujiko F. Fujio, and later became a staple of television and film.

While Oyama’s successor has voiced the character for nearly two decades, her portrayal remains definitive for many who grew up with Doraemon. Oyama’s husky, warm voice brought Doraemon to life, making the character a cherished figure across generations.

As one of Japan’s longest-running anime series, Doraemon continues to air, maintaining a strong following both domestically and internationally.

Key Points:

1. Passing of Nobuyo Oyama: Japanese actor Nobuyo Oyama, who voiced the anime character Doraemon, passed away at age 90 due to old age on September 29, as confirmed by her talent agency.
2. Legacy as Doraemon’s Voice: Oyama was the voice of Doraemon from 1979 to 2005, endearing the character to audiences with her unique, hoarse voice and bringing to life the 22nd-century robot cat with his iconic gadgets.
3. Doraemon’s Continued Popularity: Despite Oyama’s departure from the role nearly two decades ago, her portrayal remains iconic, and the Doraemon anime continues to be broadcast, maintaining its popularity across Asia and beyond.
4. Character Background: Doraemon, created by Fujiko F. Fujio, first appeared in manga in 1969 and became an anime that follows the adventures of a robot cat aiding a boy named Nobita with gadgets from his “magic pocket.”
5. Private Funeral: Oyama’s funeral was a private ceremony, attended by close relatives.
6. Impact on Anime Culture: As one of the longest-running anime series, Doraemon holds a significant place in Japanese pop culture and remains beloved by fans worldwide.