Nobuyo Oyama, renowned as the distinctive raspy voice of Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90 on September 29, 2024. Her passing marks the end of an era for millions of fans around the world who grew up with the beloved robotic cat from the future.
Oyama’s role as Doraemon’s voice, spanning over a quarter of a century, left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture and the hearts of anime lovers globally. Her legacy as Doraemon, a blue-and-white robotic cat who aids his friend Nobita with futuristic gadgets, cemented her as a voice acting legend.
The Rise of a Legendary Voice Actress
Born in Tokyo in 1933, Nobuyo Oyama’s journey into acting began in post-war Japan, where she aspired to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Her first break came in 1956, when she debuted in a drama on Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK.
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A year later, she found her calling in voice acting, taking her first role in the Japanese-dubbed version of the popular American TV series, Lassie. Oyama’s early career saw her rising steadily through the ranks of Japanese television and radio, with her voice acting talents becoming increasingly recognized.
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One of her earliest notable roles came in the early 1960s when she was cast in a children’s puppet show as one of three piglets. The show’s success propelled Nobuyo Oyama further into the world of children’s entertainment, and she soon found herself voicing a variety of characters across multiple mediums.
Her unique, raspy voice allowed her to stand out in a field dominated by more traditional and softer voice tones, giving her an edge in character-driven narratives.
Another milestone came when she voiced Katsuo, a mischievous teenage boy in the widely popular family anime series, Sazaesan. This role showcased her versatility as a voice actress, capable of portraying male characters despite being a woman.
Katsuo’s antics in Sazaesan became a regular feature in Japanese households, and Nobuyo Oyama’s voice became increasingly recognizable. Yet, it was her iconic role in 1979 as Doraemon that would define her career for generations to come.
Doraemon: A Cultural Phenomenon
Created by cartoonist Fujiko F. Fujio in 1970, Doraemon was a manga that captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. The story revolved around a robotic cat from the 22nd century who traveled back in time to help Nobita Nobi, a kind-hearted yet lazy and often unlucky boy.
Doraemon’s futuristic gadgets, such as the “anywhere door” and the “take-copter,” became fan favorites, allowing children to imagine endless possibilities.
When the anime adaptation of Doraemon began in 1979, Nobuyo Oyama was chosen as the voice of the titular character. Her casting proved to be a masterstroke. The gentle rasp of Nobuyo Oyama’s voice lent Doraemon a warmth and depth that transcended his robotic exterior, making him a deeply relatable and beloved character.
Nobuyo Oyama’s portrayal of Doraemon wasn’t just about delivering lines — it was about infusing the character with empathy, humor, and wisdom, all while maintaining an unmistakable playful charm.
From 1979 to 2005, Oyama’s voice became synonymous with Doraemon. Throughout these years, Doraemon was not just an anime series but a cultural force in Japan and beyond. It transcended generations, with parents who grew up watching the show introducing it to their children.
The anime and manga have been translated into multiple languages, making Doraemon and Oyama’s voice an international phenomenon. Fans around the globe fell in love with Doraemon’s quirky gadgets and his unwavering dedication to helping Nobita navigate life’s challenges.
Oyama’s portrayal of Doraemon coincided with a period of unprecedented success for the series. Doraemon became a massive hit, with movies, merchandise, and various adaptations being released throughout the years.
The robotic cat became a cultural icon, and Oyama’s voice was an integral part of that legacy. Her raspy, yet comforting, voice helped make Doraemon not just a character, but a symbol of friendship, hope, and imagination.
A Farewell to Doraemon: Retirement and Later Years
After voicing Doraemon for 26 years, Nobuyo Oyama decided to retire in March 2005. Her departure coincided with a major renewal of the anime’s voice cast, marking the end of an era for many longtime fans.
Reflecting on her departure, Nobuyo Oyama expressed her deep connection to the character and her hopes that Doraemon would continue to be a beloved figure for future generations. “I hope Doraemon will still be a beloved character in the distant future,” Oyama said in her farewell message.
Despite her retirement from voice acting, Oyama remained active within the industry, leading a sound arts school where she mentored young voice actors. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of performers spoke to her enduring passion for the world of anime and voice acting.
In 2015, Oyama’s husband revealed that she had been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that marked a difficult period for the once-vibrant voice actress. However, even in her later years, Oyama never lost the spark that made her a legend.
Despite her illness, she was often called upon to reprise her role as Doraemon, and remarkably, she always succeeded on the first try. This testament to her incredible talent and muscle memory left a lasting impression on those who witnessed her performances, even after she had stepped away from regular voice work.
Nobuyo Oyama’s death, announced by her agency, Actors Seven, brought an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Her funeral, held privately by her family, signaled the close of a chapter in the history of Japanese anime, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Noriko Ohara and the Bond Between Doraemon and Nobita
As fate would have it, Nobuyo Oyama’s death came just months after the passing of another key figure from the Doraemon franchise. Noriko Ohara, who voiced Nobita, the boy whom Doraemon was sent to help, died in July 2024.
The timing of their deaths is poignant, as the two were deeply connected through their work on the beloved series. Together, Oyama and Ohara helped bring to life the unique and heartwarming relationship between Doraemon and Nobita.
Their collaboration on the series created one of the most endearing friendships in anime history. Doraemon’s protective, almost parental, attitude toward Nobita, combined with Nobita’s endearing mix of innocence and laziness, made their interactions captivating to audiences.
While Doraemon was often the hero of the story, Nobita’s character, with all his imperfections, was a reflection of the ordinary human struggles that many viewers could relate to.
Both Oyama and Ohara contributed to a legacy that transcended the screen. Their work on Doraemon helped establish a narrative that championed themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of kindness. Their passing within months of each other marks a bittersweet moment for fans, as they remember the voices that shaped their childhoods.
Legacy of Nobuyo Oyama
Nobuyo Oyama’s legacy is one that stretches far beyond the borders of Japan. As Doraemon’s voice, she became a symbol of comfort and imagination for millions of children and adults alike. Her portrayal of the robotic cat was not just a voice acting job; it was the creation of a cultural icon that has endured for decades.
The values Doraemon represents — friendship, ingenuity, and perseverance — were amplified by Oyama’s warm and distinctive voice.
Her work in Doraemon helped set the standard for voice acting in Japan, influencing a new generation of performers. While many actors have taken on the role of Doraemon since Oyama’s retirement, her version remains the definitive portrayal for many long-time fans.
Even though she is no longer with us, the sound of her voice will continue to echo through reruns, films, and the memories of those who grew up with her Doraemon.
In the broader context of anime history, Oyama’s contribution is immeasurable. She was a pioneer in a time when voice acting was still gaining recognition as a vital part of storytelling.
Through her work, she helped elevate the profession and showed that a voice could bring a character to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.
Nobuyo Oyama may have left this world, but her voice will live on forever in the hearts of Doraemon fans.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏