Nobuyo Oyama, the beloved Japanese actor who voiced the iconic robot cat “Doraemon,” has passed away at the age of 90, her talent agency announced on Friday.
Oyama was the voice behind Doraemon, a character cherished by children in Japan and across the world, for 25 years until 2005. Known for her distinctively hoarse voice, she brought life to the blue robot cat from the 22nd century, famous for his “magic pocket” full of futuristic gadgets.
Her agency confirmed that Oyama died on September 29 due to old age, with her funeral being a private ceremony attended by close relatives.
“Doraemon” remains one of the longest-running anime series, continuing to air and captivate audiences worldwide. Despite a new actor taking over the role nearly two decades ago, Oyama’s voice is still regarded as the definitive sound of the character for many fans who grew up watching the show.
Created by artist Fujiko F. Fujio, Doraemon first appeared in manga in 1969, eventually becoming a staple in both television and film. The character’s time-traveling adventures alongside a schoolboy named Nobita continue to entertain generations of viewers.
