Tributes to Nobuyo Oyama The Voice of Doraemon and Beloved Japanese Voice Actress

Nobuyo Oyama, the cherished voice actress whose vibrant alto and infectious laughter brought life to Doraemon, the iconic blue robot from the beloved anime, passed away on September 29 at the age of 90. Her agency, Actors 7, confirmed her death, noting that she had been battling health issues, including dementia and the aftermath of a stroke since 2008.

For over 25 years, Oyama captivated audiences as the voice of Doraemon, a character that first graced Japanese manga pages in 1969. The plump, earless, cat-like robot is sent from the future to assist his great-great-grandfather, Nobita Nobi, using futuristic gadgets to navigate childhood challenges. Oyama’s portrayal was integral to the show’s longevity and cultural significance in Japan and beyond.

Oyama’s journey to stardom was fueled by her childhood struggles with bullying, where her distinctive voice drew ridicule. Encouraged by her mother, she embraced her unique talent, joining a high school broadcasting club. “My mother was right,” she recalled, embracing her passion for performance. This led her to a successful career in voice acting, where she became a beloved figure.

After stepping away from her role as Doraemon, Oyama received the prestigious Broadcasting Woman Award in 2005. Health challenges, including a diagnosis of rectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, eventually led to her retirement from voice acting. Nevertheless, her influence endures, inspiring a new generation of actors.

A Life of Passion and Resilience

Born on October 16, 1933, in Tokyo, Oyama grew up in a bustling household of 13. Her mother’s encouragement led her to pursue acting despite her father’s disapproval. Oyama faced numerous personal hardships, including miscarriages and health issues, but her resilience shone through.

Her love for Doraemon was instant, as she recalled devouring 15 volumes of the manga in a single night before auditioning for the role. In addition to her work on Doraemon, she also gained recognition for voicing Monokuma in the popular “Danganronpa” video game series.

Beyond her voice acting career, Oyama authored several books on voice work and cuisine, with a best-selling cookbook selling 1.4 million copies in Japan. She viewed acting as a lifelong commitment, stating, “I want to continue studying it for my whole life.”

Nobuyo Oyama’s legacy as a pioneering voice actress and beloved figure in Japanese entertainment will continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Her contributions to the world of anime and voice acting will not be forgotten.