Nobuyo Oyama, the voice of Japan’s beloved robot cat ‘Doraemon,’ dies at age 90
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
A Japanese actress who was the voice of “Doraemon”, a cartoon cat robot beloved by children in Japan and other countries has died, her agency said on Friday (Oct 11). Nobuyo Oyama was 90.
For a quarter of a century until 2005, Oyama lent her endearingly hoarse voice to the titular blue feline from the 22nd century with his “magic pocket” and its supply of fantastical gadgets, including a door that lets you travel anywhere.
She “passed away on Sep 29 due to old age”, her talent agency told AFP. Her funeral was attended by close relatives, it said.
“Doraemon” is still on air as one of the longest-running Japanese anime series, popular across Asia and farther afield.
While Oyama’s successor has played the role for nearly two decades, her voice remains the definitive sound of the robot for many who grew up hearing it.
In “Doraemon”, the cuddly robot cat with its huge smile travels back in time to help a lazy schoolboy called Nobita overcome the trials of everyday life.
SEE ALSO
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
Created by the artist Fujiko F Fujio, the character first appeared in manga strips in 1969, making the transition to the small and big screen over the following decades. AFP
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
