Atsuko Tanaka, Voice of Ghost in Shell’s Major, Has Died

Japanese voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, known for her role as Motoko Kusanagi in the drama Ghost in the Shell anime, passed away at the age of 61.

Tanaka’s son, Hikaru Tanaka, announced his death on Twitter, revealing that the voice actor passed away on August 20.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the fans who loved Atsuko Tanaka, as well as the industry of people who cared for her during her life. It is very unfortunate that we have to publicize the mother-daughter relationship in this way,” Hikaru wrote, according to a translation machine from Oricon News.

“At his request, we won’t disclose the specific name of the disease, but including his year-long battle with illness, I think he lived a life like Tanaka, strong, dignified, and playful,” Hikaru continued. . “I am very happy to have such a proud mother.”

みれお世話 ましますますまたへ pic.twitter.com/rfzWhMbsIl

— 田中光 (Hikaru Tanaka) (@HikaruTanaka_va) August 20, 2024

Even if this is the first time you read Tanaka’s name, you may have heard her voice before, seeing how she makes her career voicing the coolest women in anime and manga. Aside from his famous role as Major Kusanagi, he has played since the original 1995 film adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s manga, including everywhere. Standalone Complex and its follow-up, Tanaka once again voiced Konan in the middle NarutoBayonetta in the Bayonetta series, Lisa Lisa in JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureCain Nier Replicantand recently Flamme in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endjust to name a few of his epic roles.

アニム『葬送のフリーレン』のフランメ役・田中敦子さんとししししししししししししししししししししししししししししししした, 2024年年月20202020]『葬送のフリーレン』したごごごますます ​​and that 演技に改して御礼をまするすををりお祈り#フリーレン#friends pic.twitter.com/JDBsH7S2Cl

— 『葬送のフリーレン』アニム公式 (@Anime_Frieren) August 20, 2024

Social media accounts of Frieren, NarutoStudio Pierrot, Nieragain Ghost in the Shell he wrote obituaries in his honor.

“Since it was released Ghost in the Shell In 1995, Atsuko Tanaka worked in many films, including Ghost in the Shell: A Stand Alone Complex,” a message from Ghost in the Shell the account reads in part. “Many of them Ghost in the Shell series, he played the unique character of The Major who has a quiet and powerful presence and is full of beauty. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and deepest sympathy.”

The new adaptation of the manga, developed by Science Saru and Production IG, is currently set to be released in 2026– it is not known if Tanaka would reprise his role as Major, or if the series will now have to be relaunched as a continuation of the anime. .

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