Atsuko Tanaka (田中 敦子), the esteemed voice actress celebrated for her role as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the “Ghost in the Shell” (攻殻機動隊) series, has passed away at the age of 61. Her son, Hikaru Tanaka (田中光), also a voice actor, confirmed the news through his official Twitter account. Hikaru shared that his mother had been battling illness for about a year before her passing on 20th August 2024.
In his announcement, he said, “On behalf of Atsuko Tanaka, I would like to thank all her fans and everyone in the industry who supported her throughout her life. My mother lived a life full of sincerity, dignity, and a touch of humour, remaining true to herself until the end.” The specific details of her illness were not disclosed to respect her wishes. Atsuko’s career spanned over three decades, leaving a significant mark on the industry. While her role as Major Kusanagi is the most celebrated, she also had a diverse portfolio of memorable roles. Below, we highlight some of her notable anime appearances that might surprise you.
1. Major Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)
Her performance as Major Kusanagi made her a household name both in Japan and internationally. The official Instagram account for “Ghost in the Shell” paid tribute to her remarkable contribution, “Atsuko Tanaka, who played the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi in the “Ghost in the Shell” anime series, has passed away. Since the release of the original “Ghost in the Shell” in 1995, Tanaka brought the unique and powerful character of Major to life with a serene and commanding presence. We express our deepest gratitude for her immense contribution and offer our sincere condolences.”
2. Flamme (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
In “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” (葬送のフリーレン), she voiced Flamme, an ancient mage whose role is central to the series’ narrative. Her warm and introspective voice provided Flamme with a sense of profound wisdom and emotional depth. Her performance enriched the character’s interactions and helped drive the story’s emotional and thought-provoking elements, contributing to the show’s acclaim as one of the top anime currently available.
3. Hanami (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Atsuko’s portrayal of Hanami in “Jujutsu Kaisen” (呪術廻戦) was both eerie and captivating. Hanami, a powerful and sinister cursed spirit, required a voice that could convey dread and unease. The voice actress’ chilling and unsettling performance brought the character’s dark and imposing presence to life, enhancing the series’ tense atmosphere and making Hanami a memorable antagonist in the world of Jujutsu sorcery.
4. Lisa Lisa (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)
In “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 スターダストクルセイダース), she voiced Lisa Lisa, a pivotal character known for her sophistication and strength. As the mentor to Caesar Zeppeli and Joseph Joestar, Lisa Lisa is both elegant and formidable. The late voice actress’ portrayal imbued the character with a commanding presence, blending grace and authority seamlessly. Her performance highlighted Lisa Lisa’s intelligence and determination, making her an essential and memorable part of the series.
5. Bayonetta (Bayonetta Series)
Her impact extended beyond anime with her role in the “Bayonetta” (ベヨネッタ) franchise. She voiced the lead heroine in both “Bayonetta 2” and “Bayonetta 3”, as well as in the Japanese versions of Super Smash Bros. games. Her portrayal of Bayonetta showcased her ability to blend strength, charisma, and elegance, making the character an iconic figure in the gaming world. Her performance helped define Bayonetta’s dynamic and powerful persona, further cementing her versatile talent across different media.
Honourable Mention: Rhinedottir (Genshin Impact)
The late voice actress also lent her voice to Rhinedottir in Genshin Impact, a character whose presence has been felt even though she has yet to appear in the game. Rhinedottir, a skilled alchemist with mastery over the elusive Art of Khemia from Khaenri’ah, is an intriguing figure in the game’s lore. Her character is connected to the adventurer Alice, though the details of their long-standing friendship and the timeline of their acquaintance remain shrouded in mystery. Despite never having had a physical appearance in the game, the voice actress added depth and intrigue to the character. Unfortunately, she will not have the opportunity to bring Rhinedottir to life in-game should she ever make an appearance.
Sources: Twitter, tokyohive, FandomWire
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
