Legendary Japanese voice actress Nobuyo Oyama (大山 のぶ代), best known for voicing the beloved character Doraemon (ドラえもん) from the iconic childhood anime series, has sadly passed away at the age of 90 due to natural causes. While reports indicate that she passed on 29th September, the official announcement was only made recently. Her passing comes shortly after the death of Noriko Ohara (小原 乃梨子), the voice actress for Nobita in the same series, who passed away this July earlier.
In a statement released by her agency, Actors Seven, they shared, “Our actor Nobuyo Oyama passed away peacefully due to old age on 29th September 2024, at the age of 90. In light of current circumstances, a private funeral was held with only close family members. We sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and support during her life. We deeply apologise for the delay in this notification.” To honour her incredible legacy, we reflect on four of Nobuyo’s most popular anime roles throughout her career:
1. Doraemon (Doraemon)
The most iconic anime character she voiced is undeniably the blue robotic cat, Doraemon, from the anime of the same name. It is a popular Japanese anime and manga series about a blue robotic cat from the future who travels back in time to help a young boy named Nobita. Equipped with futuristic gadgets, Doraemon assists Nobita in navigating everyday challenges, often leading to humorous and heartfelt situations.
Starting in 1979, she voiced the character for over 25 years until 2005. Even after being diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2001, Nobuyo continued to voice Doraemon, bringing any necessary equipment with her to record from her hospital bed, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the role. This work had a profound impact on many people’s childhoods, making her an unforgettable part of anime history.
2. Monokuma (Danganronpa)
In the more modern anime “Danganronpa” (ダンガンロンパ), Nobuyo voiced a key character named Monokuma, a robotic bear with a half-white, half-black design. As the series’ antagonist, Monokuma leads the killing game in the fictional school, Hope’s Peak Academy, serving as a disguise for one of the characters. Nobuyo’s distinct voice left a lasting impression on the character, adding to the evil teddy’s iconic status in the series.
3. Kappei Jin (Invincible Superman Zambot 3)
In the 1977 anime “Invincible Superman Zambot 3” (無敵超人ザンボット3), Nobuyo had a significant impact by voicing one of the main characters, Kappei Jin. As the pilot of the Zambot 3 mecha, Kappei is a brave and energetic young boy who plays a crucial role in defending Earth from alien invaders. Nobuyo’s dynamic and expressive voice brought Kappei’s character to life, making him a memorable and beloved figure in the world of mecha anime.
4. Norakuro (Norakuro)
“Norakuro” (のらくろ) is another classic anime released in 1970, to which Nobuyo lent her voice talent. In this series, she voiced the main character, Norakuro, a black and white dog serving in the military, whose adventures are filled with both humour and bravery. Her unique voice brought out the comedic charm and determination of the character, making Norakuro’s mischievous yet brave nature relatable and entertaining. The character was even the mascot for the Physical Training School of the Japan Self-Defence Forces after gaining popularity.
As she passes, her legacy will be remembered by fans and colleagues, who will always appreciate the joy and energy she brought to many beloved characters.
Sources: AnimeHunch, DoraemonWiki, IMDb
Alia contributed to this article.
