Renowned voice actress, Atsuko Tanaka, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 61.
Tanaka’s son and fellow voice actor, Hiraku Tanaka, announced the news on Tuesday through a statement on his X/Twitter account. Mausu Promotion also announced the news on their website the same day.
“From my heart, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the fans who loved Atsuko Tanaka and to all those in the industry who took care of her during her life.“, he said, as translated by Anime Corner. “I’m very sorry to have to inform you of our family relationship in this way.”
Hiraku said that his mother had been battling illness for over a year, and mentioned that per her wishes, the disease remains undisclosed.
“I am truly happy to have a mother as strong as she was.”
“Last but not least, I hope you will never forget the works that Atsuko Tanaka has been sincerely involved in, the characters she has lovingly created and the voice actor Atsuko Tanaka herself.”
Atsuko’s career spans over 30 years, and has worked on numerous movies, tv-shows, and video games. She is best known for portraying Motoko Kusanagi in the Ghost in the Shell series, as well as other characters suck as Bayonetta in the Bayonetta series, Lisa Lisa in Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure, Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, Konan in Naruto, Coffee in Cowboy Bebop, Chun-Li in numerous Street Fighter games, and more.
As mentioned by Tokyo Weekender, Tanaka also provided the dubbed voice of Angelina Jolie in the Tomb Raider series, and has dubbed for other Hollywood actresses such as Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez.
Koichi Yamadera, who voices Togusa in Ghost in the Shell, took to X/Twitter to pay tribute to his former co-star.
“Atsuko Tanaka was an irreplaceable friend. I’m so sad. I have so many memories of Ghost in the Shell. Regrettably, I won’t be able to call you Major anymore,” said Yamadera. “Ten days ago, I was so happy to speak to you in person. A-chan, you were beautiful, cool, kind and wonderful until the very end. You did a great job. Thank you.”
“In the numerous “Ghost in the Shell” series, she played the unique character “The Major” with a presence that is both quiet and powerful and full of charm,” said the official X/Twitter account for Ghost in the Shell. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and our deepest condolences.”
The official X/Twitter account for Jujutsu Kaisen also honored Tanaka as well, saying, “We would like to offer our deepest condolences and pray for the repose of the deceased’s soul.”
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