Nobuyo Oyama, the legendary voice actor of Doraemon, passed away on September 29, 2024 at the age of 90 due to old age, according to his agency, Actors 7. Oyama is widely recognized as the voice behind the 22nd century robot cat character Doraemon, which he portrayed from 1979 to 2005. Oyama's voice gave life to the character, making him one of the most memorable voice actors in anime and video game history.
Career History of Nobuyo Oyama
Nobuyo Oyama's career began in 1957 when he was involved in a voice-over project for the dubbed version of the TV series Lassie. However, the role that made his name known worldwide was Doraemon, which he performed with his distinctive voice for more than two decades. Prior to voicing Doraemon, Oyama had also been involved in puppet shows Boo Foo Woo and anime Hustle Punch. Aside from voice acting, Oyama's career also includes roles as an actor, singer, screenwriter, and essayist. His dedication to the entertainment industry has seen him receive awards from Society of Japanese Women in Radio and Television in 2005.
In 2001, he was diagnosed with rectal cancer, but continued to voice Doraemon until he retired in 2005.
Doraemon and its Impact on the Gaming World
The Doraemon franchise has evolved into more than just anime and manga. With Oyama's role as Doraemon, the character is also recognized in the gaming world. His iconic voice is present in various Doraemon video game adaptations released on various platforms. These games are favorites among gamers in Asia, and Doraemon remains a relevant cultural icon in the entertainment world.
Aside from Doraemon, Oyama is also famous for his role as Monokuma in Danganronpa. Monokuma is the main antagonist in the game, and Oyama's distinctive voice adds to the uniqueness of the character. In this role, Oyama again captured the attention of the gamer community, expanding his impact beyond his role as Doraemon.
Nobuyo Oyama's legacy
After Nobuyo Oyama's death, many tributes came from fans and colleagues. Kazuhiko Inoue, the voice of Kakashi in Naruto, remembered Oyama sincerely, saying, "Ms. Nobuyo Ōyama... She was someone who supported me since the beginning of my career. Thank you so much for all the hard work you've done over the years. I really appreciate it." This tribute reflects how much influence Nobuyo Oyama has had in the entertainment world, not only as the voice of Doraemon but also as an important figure among fellow voice actors.
Fans also shared their grief on social media, with many remembering Oyama's voice as an integral part of their childhood. "When I think of Doraemon, Nobuyo Oyama's voice immediately comes to mind," wrote one user on the X platform. Oyama's death, just months after the passing of Noriko Ohara, Nobita's voice actor, was a moving moment for Doraemon fans.
Nobuyo Oyama has left a deep legacy in the world of anime and gaming. From Doraemon to Monokuma, his voice has brought to life iconic characters that will continue to be remembered by fans around the world. Despite his passing, Nobuyo Oyama's legacy will remain eternal, and his contributions to the world of entertainment will continue to be cherished by generations to come.
