Nobuyo Ōyama: The Voice That Shaped Generations




Nobuyo Ōyama, the iconic voice behind the beloved cartoon character Doraemon, passed away on September 29 at the age of 90. Her raspy, robotic delivery brought the blue cat from the future to life for millions of Japanese viewers over five decades.
Born in Tokyo in 1933, Ōyama's career in entertainment began with a bang. At the age of 23, she landed the role of Doraemon in the 1979 anime series. Her unique voice became synonymous with the character, and she continued to voice him for over 25 years.
Ōyama's talent extended beyond voice acting. She was also a gifted singer, essayist, and television personality. Her warm and approachable demeanor made her a favorite with viewers, and she was often called the "mother of the nation."
In addition to her iconic role as Doraemon, Ōyama also voiced a number of other popular characters, including Konatsu in Crayon Shin-chan and Obotchaman in Obotchaman. She also wrote several books and essays, and her autobiography, "My Life as Doraemon," became a bestseller in Japan.
Ōyama was more than just a voice actress. She was a cultural icon who touched the lives of generations of Japanese people. Her legacy will live on through her iconic performances and the countless memories she created for her fans.
Here are some of the qualities that made Nobuyo Ōyama such a remarkable artist:
  • Her unique voice, which perfectly captured the character of Doraemon
  • Her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level
  • Her dedication to her craft, which she pursued for over 50 years
Ōyama's passing is a great loss for the world of entertainment, but her voice and her characters will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.