Tokyo International News Agency

Voice actress Asami Yaguchi, widely known for her role as Kuchipatchi in the anime series 'Tamagotchi!', has passed away due to heart failure. Her sudden passing at the young age of 47 has sparked an outpouring of grief and shock among fans and industry insiders on social media. Throughout her career, Yaguchi breathed life into numerous memorable characters in popular anime and video games. In addition to her signature role as Kuchipatchi, she voiced the young Gintoki Sakata in 'Gintama', Kachina Taslasq in the 'Super Robot Wars' series, and Sawyer in 'BLACK LAGOON', among many others. Following the sudden news of her passing, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with heartbroken posts from fans, with comments such as "47 is far too young," "I can't believe it," and "It's devastating to think I won't hear her beloved voice anymore." Co-stars and creators who worked with her also shared tributes mourning her untimely ...

Renowned screenwriter So Kuramoto, who left a massive footprint on the Japanese television drama industry, passed away from multiple organ failure on September 18 at the age of 91. Following the news of his passing, social media has been flooded with tributes and messages of gratitude, with fans recalling iconic works such as his masterpiece 'Kitano Kunikara' (From the Northern Country) to honor his memory. 'Kitano Kunikara' is a national television drama set in Furano, Hokkaido, depicting the growth of Goro Kuroita and his children alongside the bonds of family. Even years after its broadcast, it remains deeply etched in the hearts of many viewers, drawing passionate comments such as 'I'm glad in my life I was able to shed tears watching From the Northern Country' and 'I still love every single series.' Many fans also took to social media to look back at the delicate portrayals and memorable lines from the show. Beyond 'Kitano Kunikara,' Kur...

Bontan Nakata, a member of the legendary manzai comedy duo "Nakata Kausu Botan," passed away on the 14th due to stage 4 lung cancer. He was 78 years old. Since his illness was diagnosed in February 2019, he continued to perform on stage while battling the disease, a way of life that shocked and inspired many fans and industry peers. Alongside his partner Kausu Nakata, he led the Kamigata (Kansai-area) manzai world for many years, appearing on popular programs such as "Young Oh! Oh!"> With numerous stellar performances, the duo won the prestigious "Kamigata Manzai Grand Prize" three times, taking the era by storm with their orthodox conversational comedy style. His exceptional tsukkomi (straight man) timing left a massive impact on younger generations of comedians, earning deep respect from figures like Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and many others. On social media, voices of grief are spreading over the sudden sad news. Tributes honoring the deceased hav...

Actress Yuri Nakamura has passed away at the age of 44 due to rectal cancer, according to an announcement made by her talent agency. The sudden news of her passing has led to a widespread outpouring of grief and disbelief across social media. Reports indicate that Nakamura had been quietly battling cancer since her 30s while continuing her acting career. Fans responded to the unexpected news with profound sorrow, leaving comments such as “This can't be true,” “The shock is too great,” and “She was taken far too young.” Throughout her career, Nakamura captivated audiences in numerous notable productions, including the acclaimed film Pacchigi! LOVE&PEACE and television dramas such as Konya wa Ko no Ji de , Sasameyuki (The Makioka Sisters), and Celeb 3 . Admired for her exceptional acting prowess, dignified beauty, and charming demeanor, she left an indelible mark on viewers. Tributes honoring her work continue to pour in, with admirers writing, ...

Hanayo Sumi (real name Setsuko Takashima), a former top male-role star of the Takarazuka Revue's Star Troupe and an acclaimed actress, passed away from old age at 4:43 a.m. on August 3. She was 94. Her agency, Toho Entertainment, announced her passing. After taking the entertainment world by storm as a Takarazuka top star, Sumi married the late actor Tadao Takashima. Her sons, Masahiro and Masanobu Takashima, are both prominent actors, making her well-known as the matriarch of one of Japan's most celebrated show business families. In a joint statement, her sons paid tribute to her unwavering dignity, writing, "To the very end, our mother remained the grand actress Hanayo Sumi." Following the news of her passing, fans and viewers poured out heartfelt condolences on social media. Many fondly recalled her radiant beauty and commanding stage presence from her Takarazuka era, as well as her cheerful, affectionate television appearances alongside her husband on the popular ...

Former impersonator Ryotaro Shimizu has passed away at his apartment in Tokyo at the age of 37. News of his sudden death has sent shockwaves across social media and online communities in Japan. According to reports, an acquaintance found Shimizu unconscious at his home in Tokyo on the 1st and called emergency services, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police and relevant authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his passing. The third son of veteran entertainer Akira Shimizu, Ryotaro made his acting debut in 2006 before gaining popularity as a monomane (impressionist) talent. He captured many fans with his impressive singing voice and sharp conversational skills, earning high praise even from his legendary father. Just this past June, he had shown his energetic side on stage during a joint impression concert with his father. Coming so shortly after his June performance, the sudden sad news has drawn a flood of condolences on social media, with peopl...

Yukiko Nikaido (real name: Katsuko Yagyu), a distinguished voice actress and stage performer known for iconic roles including the original voice of Fujiko Mine in the Lupin III anime series, passed away from natural causes on July 3 at the age of 87. She was the widow of the late actor Hiroshi Yagyu. The news was shared via the social media channels of the Yatsugatake Club, a facility represented by her second son, Sosuke Yagyu. He expressed his gratitude, stating, 'My mother lived in a nursing home for the past 11 years. Thanks to the dedicated care of the staff, she spent her final years in peace and happiness.' He also confirmed that a private funeral service was held for close family members. Nikaido voiced Fujiko Mine in the first Lupin III television series, which premiered in 1971. With her passing, all main cast members of the original series have now passed away. Fans on social media have expressed deep sadness, with many noting that 'an era has come to a close...

Akiko Hayashi, the celebrated Japanese picture book author and illustrator behind timeless classics like Miki's First Errand ( Hajimete no Otsukai ) and Kon and Aki , passed away on October 1 due to pneumonia. She was 81 years old. Following the announcement of her passing, social media has been flooded with messages of grief alongside deep gratitude for her work. In particular, parents shared heartwarming memories of her book Good Evening, Dear Moon ( Otsukisama Konbanwa ), a bedtime staple for generations of Japanese families. Parents recalled, "We read it almost every night," "My child loved it so much we read it countless times," and "I read it so often I can recite it by heart." Other touchingly personal memories flooded in: "When the moon in the book said 'good evening,' my child would reply with the 'hello' they had just learned," and "This book saved me during bedtime struggles more times than I can count."...

Peabo Bryson, the world-renowned American singer who enchanted millions with his iconic theme songs for Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin , passed away on June 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM. He was 75 years old. His passing came just three days after suffering a stroke. This sudden and tragic news has sparked a wave of grief and heartfelt tributes from fans across the globe, including a profound outpouring of sorrow in Japan. The Voice That Defined Disney's Golden Era Known globally as the "King of Ballads" and the "Master of Duets," Bryson possessed a soulful, sweet, and beautifully resonant voice that defined an era. In 1992, his duet with Celine Dion for the title track of Beauty and the Beast won a Grammy Award. The following year, in 1993, he teamed up with Regina Belle for Aladdin 's theme song, "A Whole New World," which took home the Grammy for Song of the Year. These masterpieces remain timeless classics, continuing to touch th...

On May 17, 2026, it was revealed that illustrator Miwa Miwa, who was active across multiple creative fields, has passed away. On the same day, fellow illustrator BLADE, who was Miwa Miwa’s studio roommate and close friend, shared the news via his social media account on X. BLADE stated, "Recently, my roommate and best friend Miwa Miwa passed away." On behalf of the late artist, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the friends and fans who supported Miwa Miwa’s creative endeavors throughout his life. Miwa Miwa left a lasting impact on the industry through his work on game developer AliceSoft's Rance series, cover illustrations for the magazine COMIC Papipo , and artwork for the Lycee Trading Card Game. His style, characterized by delicate and alluring linework combined with intricate details often rendered in a signature blue-green palette, consistently captivated fans and fellow creators alike. The sudden news of his passing has led to a widespread outpouring of shock an...

Tatsuo Sato, the renowned anime director and storyboard artist celebrated for works such as Martian Successor Nadesico , passed away on April 24 due to liver failure at the age of 61. His management agency, NAGOMI Co., Ltd., officially announced the news on May 7. Throughout his career, Sato spearheaded numerous hit series and cult favorites, particularly within the science fiction genre. His filmography includes Soar High! Isami , Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars , Stellvia , and Bodacious Space Pirates . Notably, his work on the Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture – Prince of Darkness and Bodacious Space Pirates earned him the prestigious Seiun Award in the Media and Dramatic Presentation categories. His unique directorial style and sense of humor left a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Following the news, social media has been flooded with tributes from fans. Many recalled Nadesico as a cornerstone of their youth, while others praised him for teaching them the appea...

It has been learned that actress Junko Igarashi, wife of actor Masatoshi Nakamura and a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry, passed away on April 28 due to a sudden illness. She was 73. Her agency announced the news on May 2, stating, "We are still in the midst of deep sorrow following this sudden event." The announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry and among fans who admired the pair as one of Japan’s most famous "devoted couples." Igarashi debuted in the 1970s and quickly rose to fame for her stunning beauty and refined, graceful charm. She married Masatoshi Nakamura after the two co-starred in a TV drama. While she took a brief hiatus from her career after marriage, she eventually returned to the screen, earning long-standing affection for her elegant and intellectual presence—most notably in her role as the mentor to the protagonist (played by Toshihiko Tahara) in the hit drama series Kyoshi Binbin Monogatari . Masatoshi Nakamura...

It was revealed that voice actress Kana Nojima passed away peacefully on March 9th due to an illness she had been battling. Her passing was reported by her younger sister on her official X (formerly Twitter) account four days later, on March 14th. Her age at death was not disclosed. The post read: "We sincerely thank everyone for always warmly supporting my sister. My sister, who had been battling an illness, passed away peacefully on March 9th. Even after retiring from voice acting in February, she remained positive and faced her final moments with a smile, true to herself. Thank you so much for all your support." This conveyed gratitude to her fans and shared details of Nojima's final moments. Kana Nojima also worked under the name Yukie Maeda for general works and had only just announced her retirement from voice acting in February of this year. The news of her passing, just one month after her retirement announcement, has left many fans heartbroken and in shock. Nojim...

Reiko Katsura, the esteemed voice actress who brought Ikura-chan to life in the beloved, long-running national anime "Sazae-san" for many years, has passed away at the age of 89. Reports indicate the cause of death was respiratory failure due to aspiration pneumonia. The news of Ms. Katsura's passing has prompted an outpouring of sorrow and gratitude from fans across social media. As Ikura-chan, Reiko Katsura skillfully conveyed the adorable character's emotions with just a few endearing words like "Haaai!", "Chaaan!", and "Babu!", capturing the hearts of countless viewers. Comments such as "I loved those replies that communicated so much even without full words" have flooded in, affirming her exceptional acting talent. Her remarkable achievement of portraying a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler for over five decades is truly a monumental feat in the realm of voice acting. Beyond Ikura-chan in "Sazae-san," she also lent ...

Neil Sedaka, a master of American pop music and a singer-songwriter who created numerous global hits, passed away on the 28th at the age of 86. His passing has spread a wave of deep sadness and remembrance among Japanese anime fans, especially those from the Mobile Suit Z Gundam generation. Among Sedaka's significant contributions to Japanese pop culture, the songs he provided as anime theme songs remain timeless masterpieces that resonate deeply with many. For Mobile Suit Z Gundam , Sedaka composed the early opening theme "Z - Toki wo Koete" (Z - Transcending Time) and the ending theme "Hoshizora no Believe" (Believe in the Starry Sky), both sung by Mami Ayukawa, as well as the later opening theme "Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete" (For the Water Planet with Love), which was Hiroko Moriguchi's debut song. "Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete" by Hiroko Moriguchi, in particular, has been lauded as a "divine song" and "a masterpiece am...

The animation world is mourning the loss of popular voice actor Kozo Shioya, who passed away at the age of 71. His death has brought profound sadness to countless anime fans. Shioya was particularly beloved for his role as Chief of Development Kinuta in the TV anime “World Trigger,” where his overwhelming presence and unique performance captivated audiences. Chief Kinuta, initially appearing gruff and blunt, was a character deeply supported by fans for his profound humanity and leadership, shown through his care for young Chika and prioritizing the lives of researchers during enemy incursions. His presence as a reliable adult, who added depth to the story, is etched in the hearts of many viewers. Upon hearing the news, numerous memorial comments flooded social media, such as: “It's truly heartbreaking that we won't hear Chief Kinuta's voice again,” and “Thank you for portraying the strict, yet kind and dependable Chief Kinuta.” Fans have expressed deep disappointment and lo...

Hifumi Kato, a former professional shogi player known as a beloved national icon, passed away on the 22nd at the age of 86 due to pneumonia. Affectionately known as "Hifumin," he was popular among a wide range of generations, not only in the shogi world but also through appearances on television variety shows. Kato was active on the front lines of the shogi world for over 70 years, starting from his junior high school days when he was hailed as "the greatest genius since Emperor Jinmu." He etched his name as a legend in the shogi world, setting numerous records, including holding the record for the oldest active shogi player in history. Even after retiring from active play, his unique character and charming demeanor led him to appear on numerous television programs, including "Out x Deluxe." He served as a judge for the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Festival), making his presence known even to those unfamiliar with shogi, and becoming a household n...

The Shogi world is in mourning following the passing of its revered 'legend,' Hifumi Kato 9-dan, on January 22, 2026. The news has plunged the community into deep sadness, with numerous prominent figures and fans expressing their heartfelt condolences. Notably, Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan, who has long been a leading figure in the Shogi world, posted on his X account: "I offer my deepest condolences upon learning of the passing of Mr. Hifumi Kato. I thank God for the opportunity to have known him. I sincerely pray for his peaceful repose." The use of 'gokiten' (御帰天), a term signifying a return to heaven, specifically chosen to honor Kato 9-dan's Christian faith, prompted reflections on his warm personality and spiritual devotion. Hailed as the 'genius since Emperor Jinmu,' Kato 9-dan captivated countless fans not only with his formidable skill but also with the distinctly loud and elegant sound of his pieces during matches, his 'god-like' performa...

It was revealed today that popular manga artist Kiriko Nananan passed away on December 25 last year at the age of 52. Tokyo News Service made the announcement, stating that, in accordance with her family's wishes, the news was made public one year after her death. The funeral was held privately with close relatives only. Kiriko Nananan garnered strong support from many readers for her vibrant style, which depicted the delicate emotions of adolescence and the daily lives of women. Her representative works include 'blue,' which portrayed the wavering friendships and romances of young girls and was adapted into a live-action film; 'strawberry shortcakes,' which chronicled the distinct love lives of multiple women; and 'Pumpkin and Mayonnaise,' which explored the complex relationship of a cohabiting couple. 'Pumpkin and Mayonnaise' was also adapted into a live-action film, further broadening her recognition. 'blue' in particular resonated deeply ...

The news of popular *Utattemita* singer Luz's passing has sent shockwaves across social media. Many fans and related individuals have expressed their profound shock at the sudden tragedy, posting messages of grief and remembrance. Cries of shock and sorrow, such as "Luz-kun...? Is it true...?" and "No way, Luz-kun, I saw you so many times in XYZ and Hikifes videos...😭 Ahh😭", have flooded social media. Fellow *Utattemita* singer Gero also mourned his passing, stating, "Luz-kun. It's just so sad. I pray for your peaceful repose." Luz captivated many fans with his distinctive singing voice. Deep affection for his voice and songs is evident in comments such as: "I didn't listen to him all the time, but I loved his voice and listened occasionally... It's too shocking to think I can't hear it anymore...", "I loved listening to songs like 'Queen of Heart' and his XYZ tracks. This is so sad.", and "He's th...