Atsuko Tanaka, a popular Japanese-language anime voice actress, best known for voicing characters such as Ghost in the ShellMotoko Kusanagi has died at the age of 61. It was revealed that she had been suffering from an undisclosed illness for about a year.
Tanaka's son and fellow voice actor Hikaru Tanaka announced that Atsuko passed away on August 20, 2024. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), her son said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the fans who loved Atsuko Tanaka and the people in the industry who cared for her during her life. It is truly a shame that we have to announce the relationship between mother and daughter in this way.”
Hikaru continued, “Due to her wishes, we will not reveal the specific name of the disease, but including her year-long battle with the disease, I think she lived a typical Tanaka life, serious, dignified, and a little playful. I am truly happy to have such a proud mother. Last but not least, please do not forget the works that Atsuko Tanaka was sincerely involved in, the characters she poured her love into, and the voice actress that Atsuko Tanaka is. With love to a respected actress/voice actress and a beloved mother.”
Tanaka was a veteran voice actress, behind some of anime's most iconic characters. Her roles include Ghost in the ShellMotoko Kusanagi, Coffee from Cowboy Bebop, Naruto ShippudenKonan, Lisa Lisa from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Jujutsu KaisenHanami of, and FryFlamme. He recently voiced Omurasaki no Omae in the ongoing film YATAGARASU: The crow does not choose its masterOutside of anime, Tanaka has voiced over 20 roles for Nicole Kidman and several for Hollywood stars such as Rachel Weisz and Jennifer Lopez.
Rest in peace, Atsuko Tanaka.
Source: Hikaru Tanaka via X (formerly Twitter)