Nobuyo Oyama, the legendary voice actress behind Doraemon, one of anime’s most beloved characters, has passed away at the age of 90. Her agency announced the news, which quickly spread across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). Oyama, who had been living in a retirement home since 2016 due to dementia, passed away on September 29, 2024.
Oyama was best known for her iconic role as the voice of Doraemon, the futuristic robotic cat who became a cultural symbol in Japan and across the globe. She voiced the character in a staggering 2,338 episodes over more than 25 years, helping Doraemon become one of the most recognizable faces of modern anime. Oyama’s work as Doraemon was instrumental in making the character as legendary as Astro Boy, another foundational figure in Japanese pop culture.
In 2005, Oyama retired from voicing Doraemon, handing the role over to Wasabi Mizuta. However, her influence on the series and the anime industry remained strong. Beyond Doraemon, she was also well known for voicing Jin Kappei in the 1970s mecha anime Zambot 3.
Oyama’s range extended to more sinister characters as well. She voiced the psychopathic bear mascot Monokuma in the popular Danganronpa series, which garnered a cult following in both Japan and the United States. Her portrayal of Monokuma added a memorable layer to the character, helping the series gain widespread recognition in the gaming and anime communities.
Interestingly, Nobuyo Oyama was an avid gamer herself. She was particularly fond of the classic arcade game Arkanoid, and her personal Arkanoid cabinet has reportedly been preserved at Mikado, a renowned arcade in Tokyo. The news of her death led to Arkanoid trending on Japanese social media, as fans fondly remembered her gaming passion.
Following her death, tributes poured in from fans worldwide. Social media was flooded with old photos and clips of Oyama’s work, along with messages of gratitude for her years of contribution to anime. “Oyama Nobuyo-san, thank you for lending your voice to one of the most iconic anime characters and making my childhood enjoyable,” one fan posted. “You will truly be missed.”
As anime fans reflect on Oyama’s immense contributions to the industry, her legacy continues to live on through the unforgettable characters she brought to life.
