Atsuko Tanaka, Voice of Major Motoko Kusanagi Passes Away

Atsuko Tanaka, Voice of Major Motoko Kusanagi Passes Away

Highlights

  • Atsuko Tanaka, the iconic voice behind Major Motoko Kusanagi and Chun-Li, tragically passed away at 61.
  • Her son, Hikaru Tanaka, shared her peaceful passing after a year-long battle with an undisclosed illness.
  • Atsuko Tanaka’s legacy as a veteran voice actor will always be remembered through her iconic roles in anime and video games.

As a gamer who has grown up with the iconic characters brought to life by Atsuko Tanaka, I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. Her voice and performances were an integral part of my childhood and continued to be a source of joy and inspiration as I grew older.


Tragically, it’s been confirmed that Atsuko Tanaka, a legendary voice actress who gave life to beloved characters such as Major Motoko Kusanagi, Chun-Li, and Bayonetta, passed away on Tuesday, August 20. She was 61 years old.

In response to a year-long battle with an unspecified ailment, Hikaru Tanaka, who is also an actor and his son, shared a message on X/Twitter, expressing that his mother had passed away tranquilly.

Hikaru Tanaka’s Statement About His Mother, Atsuko Tanaka

Expressions of Gratitude For Support and a Sincere Request

Atsuko Tanaka, Voice of Major Motoko Kusanagi Passes Away

Voice actor Hikaru Tanaka thanked everyone who admired him and those in the industry who supported him throughout his journey. He regretfully shared that Atsuko Tanaka, his mother, was the one he had kept private until now. He chose not to disclose the specifics of her illness as she wished for privacy. In the year she battled her condition, Hikaru described her as a woman who embodied typical qualities of Atsuko Tanaka – sincere, dignified, and possessing a touch of playfulness.

1. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been raised by an exceptional woman like Atsuko Tanaka. Let’s remember the dedicated efforts she put into her work, the heartfelt characters she brought to life, and the gifted voice actress she was – Atsuko Tanaka.”

About Atsuko Tanaka

Early Life, Her Career, and Legacy

Born on November 14, 1962, in the city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Atsuko Tanaka was a celebrated voice actress and narrator, prominently associated with Mausu Productions. She gained immense popularity for her portrayal of Major Kusanagi Motoko in the Ghost in the Shell series, a creation of Masamune Shirow. After completing her education at the Tokyo Announcement Academy and Ferris University, she tied the knot and became a mother to voice actor Hikaru Tanaka. Her close friend among voice actors was Kikuko Inoue.

With a career spanning over three decades as a seasoned voice actor, Atsuko Tanaka has an impressive roster of roles under her belt – from anime to video games. Often cast as semi-mature action heroines, she left an indelible mark on the industry. May she find eternal peace now, and may solace be found by her family in the enduring legacy Atsuko Tanaka has created during her lifetime.

Atsuko Tanaka’s Most Iconic Voice Acting Roles
Character Name Title Media Type
Motoko Kusanagi Ghost in the Shell franchise Anime | Videogame
Bayonetta Bayonetta series Videogame
Lisa Lisa JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency Anime
Chun-Li Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Videogame
Poison Various Street Fighter games, including Street Fighter x Tekken Videogame
Hanami Jujutsu Kaisen Anime | Videogame
Lara Croft Tomb Raider series Videogame
Claudette Queen’s Blade Anime | Videogame
Trish Devil May Cry Anime | Videogame
Flamme Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Anime

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2024-08-22 17:33