Doraemon’s Nobita’s Voice Actress Noriko Ohara Passes Away at Age 88

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 81 Produce’s official website announced the passing of Noriko Ohara, the voice actress of Doraemon’s Nobita Nobi, at the age of 88. She had been recovering from an illness and her death was believed to have occurred on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Noriko Ohara, alternatively referred to as Noriko Tobe, was born on October 2, 1935 and was affiliated with Production Baobab during her career as a voice actress. She was also the mother of Atsuo Tobe, an animator at Sunrise. Noriko was most renowned for her portrayal of Nobita Nobi in the popular series Doraemon.

Doraemon voice actress Noriko Ohara passed away on July 12

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 81 Produce’s official website announced the passing of Noriko Ohara at the age of 88 on Friday, July 12, 2024. The Japanese voice actress was reportedly recovering from an illness at the time of her death in July. The talent management company has not yet disclosed the reason for her sudden passing.

After her passing, the voice actress’ loved ones organized a funeral service as per the family’s wishes. Additionally, 81 Produce extended their sincerest regrets to the voice actress for the generosity she had displayed towards them throughout her life.

Nobita as seen in the anime (Image via Shin-Ei Animation)

Noriko Ohara gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Nobita Nobi in the TV Asahi adaptation of the Doraemon anime. She lent her voice to the character from the show’s debut in 1979 until 2005, making her a part of more than 30 anime productions.

In addition, she has lent her voice to various characters such as Doronjo in the Yatterman anime, all female lead villains in the Time Bokan Oudou Fukko anime, Conan in Future Boy Conan, Peter in Alps no Shoujo Heidi, and Oyuki in Urusei Yatsura anime.

How Fans Reacted to the Voice Actress’s Death

Nobita as seen in the anime (Image via Shi-Ei Animation)

The voice actress received overwhelming praise from fans who expressed their gratitude for her portrayal of Nobita Nobi in the popular anime, Doraemon. For many, the show was a significant part of their childhood, making her the only Nobita they could imagine. In light of her passing, fans extend their heartfelt condolences and wish for her soul to rest in peace.

“Rip Noriko-san thank you for voicing Nobita. Doraemon is my whole childhood and i enjoyed watching it when i was a kid and there were no Nobita like her,”one fan said.

“rip GOAT. The OG nobita is always the best. Legend!,”another added.

“Its a heartwarming anime. Rip Noriko Ohara,”another fan said.

“Never watched in Japanese but, rest in peace,”another said.

Several other fans shared their sentiments that Doraemon is a heartwarming anime, and were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the Nobita voice actress. One fan also mentioned that although they had never watched the anime in Japanese, they still adored the series and were also sending their condolences for Noriko Ohara’s peaceful rest.

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