The anime and gaming world is in mourning following the passing of renowned voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, at age 61. The news was announced by her son, Hikaru Tanaka, who shared a touching letter thanking fans and colleagues for all the support his mother received throughout her career.
Atsuko Tanaka was one of the most iconic voices in the Japanese entertainment industry, bringing to life iconic characters that marked generations. Among her most famous roles, her portrayal of Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell , a landmark in cyberpunk science fiction, stands out, as well as Konan in Naruto and Bayonetta in the eponymous game series.
Born on November 14, 1962, Tanaka began her career in the late 1980s and quickly became one of the most sought-after voice actresses in Japan. Her versatility led her to portray complex and powerful characters in several successful franchises. In addition to the roles already mentioned, she also voiced Lisa Lisa in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure , Caster in Fate/Stay Night , Trish in Devil May Cry , and Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen .
In recent years, Tanaka continued to work actively in the industry, with her most recent contribution being in Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master . She was also slated to participate in #Compass 2.0 , scheduled for 2025. However, the voice actress had been battling an undisclosed illness for over a year, a battle she faced with courage, humor, and strength, as her son shared in a message to fans.
Atsuko Tanaka's legacy goes beyond her unmistakable voices. She brought depth, emotion, and humanity to every character she portrayed, winning fans around the world and leaving an indelible mark on the voice acting industry. Her work will continue to live on in the memory of fans and on screens, where her voice will continue to resonate for a long time.
Rest in peace, legend.
