The anime community mourns the loss of one of its most celebrated voices, Atsuko Tanaka, who passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 61. Known for her iconic roles, including Motoko Kusanagi in the Ghost in the Shell franchise, Tanaka left an indelible mark on the world of anime through her powerful and evocative performances.
Tanaka’s passing was announced by her son, Hikaru Tanaka, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his message, Hikaru expressed deep sorrow, gratitude, and pride in his motherβs legacy. He revealed that Atsuko Tanaka had been battling an undisclosed illness for over a year, facing it with the same grace, strength, and humor that defined her career and life.
“She fought bravely, just as she livedβresilient and passionate about her craft,” Hikaru wrote. He emphasized that Tanaka’s legacy lies not only in the characters she brought to life but also in the profound connection she made with her fans and colleagues.
Atsuko Tanaka’s career spanned decades, during which she voiced numerous beloved characters. Besides Motoko Kusanagi, she portrayed Konan in Naruto, Bayonetta in the Bayonetta series, Flamme in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, CasterΒ Medea in the Fate series, Lisa Lisa in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Karura in Utawarerumono, and Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen. Each of these roles showcased her exceptional range and ability to imbue characters with depth and emotion.
Hikaru Tanakaβs tribute highlighted his motherβs devotion to her work and the joy she found in her roles. He urged fans to remember her not just as a voice actress but as a remarkable woman who poured her heart and soul into every character she portrayed.
Atsuko Tanakaβs death marks the end of an era in the anime industry. Her voice, filled with strength and emotion, will continue to resonate in the hearts of anime fans worldwide. As we honor her memory, her contributions to the art of voice acting will undoubtedly remain a lasting legacy in the world of anime.
