Voice of Japan's Beloved Robot Cat 'Doraemon' Passes Away at 90

Photo : AFP

Nobuyo Oyama, the beloved Japanese actress known for voicing the iconic cartoon cat robot "Doraemon," has passed away at the age of 90. Oyama, whose endearing and distinctive hoarse voice became synonymous with the character, lent her vocal talents to Doraemon for 25 years, from the show's inception until 2005. The character, a blue feline from the 22nd century, is famous for its "magic pocket" filled with fantastical gadgets, including a door that allows travel to any location.

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Oyama died on September 29 due to old age. Her funeral was a private affair attended by close family members. Despite her retirement from the role, the impact of her voice continues to resonate with fans, as "Doraemon" remains one of the longest-running anime series in Japan and has garnered immense popularity across Asia and beyond.

"Doraemon" follows the adventures of the lovable robot cat as it travels back in time to assist a lazy schoolboy named Nobita in navigating the challenges of everyday life. Created by the artist Fujiko F. Fujio, the character first appeared in manga strips in 1969 and subsequently transitioned to television and film over the decades.

Although Oyama’s successor has voiced Doraemon for nearly two decades, many fans still associate the character with Oyama’s iconic voice. The show's enduring legacy reflects not only its entertaining storylines but also the affection that audiences have for the characters brought to life by talented actors like Oyama.