Japanese voice actress Noriko Ohara (小原 乃梨子), best known for her role as Nobita Nobi in the beloved anime series “Doraemon” (ドラえもん), has passed away at the age of 88. Her agency, 81 Produce, announced her death on 23rd July 2024, revealing that she passed away peacefully on 12th July after bravely fighting an illness.
In a statement on their website, 81 Produce shared, “Our actress Noriko Ohara passed away peacefully on July 12th after battling illness. She was 88 years old. In accordance with her family’s wishes, the funeral service was held privately. We extend our deepest gratitude for your support during her lifetime.” To honour her memory, here are some of her greatest achievements that highlight her remarkable career:
1. She voiced Nobita Nobi in “Doraemon”
One of Noriko’s most notable achievements was voicing Nobita Nobi in the beloved anime series “Doraemon” for 26 years, from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Her portrayal of the kind-hearted but struggling 10-year-old boy became iconic in Japanese pop culture, making her voice synonymous with one of Japan’s most cherished animated characters.
2. She was involved in several acclaimed anime series
She also gained acclaim for her roles in several celebrated anime series, such as Doronjo in “Yatterman”, Lana in “Future Boy Conan”, and Heidi in “Heidi, Girl of the Alps.” Her performances in these series demonstrated her versatility as a voice actress, capturing the essence of diverse characters and contributing to the success of these influential anime.
3. She dubbed famous actresses in popular Japanese-dubbed Western films
In addition to her anime roles, she made a significant impact through her voice work in Japanese-dubbed Western films, including roles as Ann-Margret in “The Musketeers”, Jane Fonda in “Barbarella” and Shirley MacLaine in “Only You Tonight”. Her voice work introduced Japanese audiences to celebrated Western actresses and helped bridge cultural gaps in cinema. This aspect of her career expanded her influence beyond anime and showcased her adaptability as a voice actress.
4. She is the mother of famous animator Atsuo Tobe
The voice actress was also the mother of animator Atsuo Tobe (戸部敦夫), who is known for his exceptional work in character design and animation. Atsuo has made significant contributions to anime through his work on series such as “Slayers”, “Brain Powered”, “Turn A Gundam”, and “Inuyasha.” His clear character drawings and dynamic action sequences reflect the artistic influence of his mother, continuing the legacy of creativity and excellence in the anime industry.
5. Received prestigious awards from Anime Grand Prix and Seiyu Awards
Throughout her career, Noriko received awards from the Anime Grand Prix and Seiyu Awards, recognising her exceptional voice-acting performances. These awards honoured her significant contributions to the anime industry and celebrated her talent and impact.
As she leaves behind her husband and son, her legacy will forever resonate with fans and colleagues, who will remember the joy and life she brought to so many beloved characters.
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
