'Doraemon' Voice Actress Nobuyo Ooyama Dies at 90

Nobuyo Ooyama, the iconic voice actress who brought life to Doraemon, died on September 29 in Tokyo at the age of 90. Her agency, Actors Seven, confirmed the news, stating that Ooyama had been suffering from dementia in recent years. She had also battled other health issues, including a stroke in 2008 and a diagnosis of rectal cancer in 2001.

Ooyama's voice acting career took off in 1957 with a role in the dubbed version of the television series Lassie, but she became a household name in 1979 when she took on the role of Doraemon, a character from the future sent to help a young boy, Nobita, solve his daily problems with gadgets from his magic pocket. Her portrayal of the plump, earless robot resonated with audiences for over two decades, making her a central figure in one of Japan's longest-running and globally recognized anime series.

From 1979 to 2005, Ooyama voiced Doraemon with a distinctive alto voice and vibrant energy, helping the series reach millions of fans worldwide. The franchise's success extended beyond television, spawning numerous films, video games, and translations into over 50 languages. In 2008, the Japanese government appointed Doraemon as an anime ambassador, a testament to the character's cultural significance.

After stepping down from the role in 2005, Ooyama received Japan's Broadcasting Woman Award. She continued her voice work, notably returning in 2010 to voice Monokuma in the Danganronpa video game series, but by 2012, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Out of concern for the public image of Doraemon, she kept her diagnosis private until her husband, actor Keisuke Sagawa, revealed it in 2015. Ooyama then retired from voice acting and moved to a nursing home in 2016.

Ooyama's career spanned decades, with notable roles beyond Doraemon, including Punch in Hustle Punch and Kappei Jin in Muteki Choujin Zanbot 3 (Invincible Superman Zanbot 3). She also contributed as a singer, screenwriter, and essayist, receiving industry recognition for her extensive work.

Her passing marks the end of an era for Doraemon fans and the anime community at large, but her legacy as the voice behind one of Japan's most cherished characters will continue to resonate for years to come.

Source: NHK News, Oricon News