Legendary ‘Chibi Maruko-Chan’ Anime Voice Actress Tarako Dies At Age 63 From Undisclosed Illness
Amidst the Japanese entertainment industry’s processing of the untimely passing of Dragon Ball mangaka Akira Toriyama death, the anime world was hit with the devastating news that iconic anime voice actress Tarako has died from an undisclosed illness.
Son Goku: Right…
Son Goku and Maruko-chan swap clothes in an original illustration drawn by ‘Dragon Ball’ creator Akira Toriyama for ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ creator Momoko Sakura as presented in Momoko Sakura’s Technicolor World (1996), Shueisha. Translation provided by SaiyaJedi for Kanzenshuu.
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Battling an illness since the beginning of 2024, on March 8th, Tarako’s agency announced on their official website (translated via DeepL) that the voice actress passed away before dawn just four days earlier as a result of a sudden change in her condition.
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to her many fans and all those involved for their kindness and support during her life,” they said. “We will refrain from disclosing details of her death due to the nature of her personal information. We ask for your understanding. The funeral service was held in a family-style service for close relatives only. A farewell party will be held at a later date.”.
According to comments given by Chibi Maruko-chan‘s production team, Tarako “was always eager to record in the hospital ward until the end of her life, and she always showed great affection toward Chibi Maruko-chan.”
“We cannot hide our surprise at the sudden news of her passing, but we will continue to warmly and carefully portray Chibi Maruko-chan as she played the role of Maruko” they added. “Thank you very much, Tarako-san, for all your hard work over the years. I pray from the bottom of my heart that you may rest in peace.”
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Starting as the voice of Sugar in 1981’s Urusei Yatsura, Tarako lent her voice to a number of beloved anime characters over the course of her career including Inuyasha‘s Kirara, Danganronpa‘s Monokuma, and, of course Chibi Maruko-chan‘s Momoko Sakura, a role which she provided for 34-years.
Most recently, Tarako voiced Zazie the Beast in 2023’s Trigun: Stampede as well as an undisclosed-role in the upcoming Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction anime adaptation, which is currently set to release in Japanese theaters on March 22nd.
Offering his own statement on Tarako’s passing via Twitter, Trigun Stampede producer asserted, “In such sudden passing, Tarako-san, who gave voice to Zazie in Trigun Stampede has passed. She gave huge love to Zazie and their world. As widely, she gave voice to Chibi Maruko-chan, a show that our generation’s values were heavily influenced we feel close to heart with. There is only appreciation to what she has achieved.”
Dead Dead Demons Dedestruction‘s production team also paid their respects to the late voice actress, tweeting via the project’s official Twitter account, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Tarako.”
“She passionately played the role of Debeko in Dead Dead Demons Dedededede Destruction, they added. “We would like to express our gratitude to him in memory of his achievements and wish him a happy rest of life.”
Fuji TV will broadcast Tarako’s final episode of Chibi Maruko-chan, Maruko, Can You Taste the Water? on Sunday, March 24th.
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