The world of anime has lost a cherished voice, as Noriko Ohara, the voice actress behind Nobita Nobi in the iconic Doraemon series, passed away on July 12, 2024, at the age of 88. Her passing was publicly announced on July 23, marking the end of an era for many fans who grew up listening to her distinct voice.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Noriko Ohara’s journey with the Doraemon series began in 1973, where she initially voiced Tamako Nobi, Nobita’s mother, in the first adaptation of the series. This initial series, although groundbreaking, has many episodes that are now classified as lost media. However, in 1979, Ohara took on the role that would define her career—voicing Nobita Nobi, the clumsy yet endearing protagonist of the series. Her portrayal of Nobita spanned from 1979 to 2005, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans.
The 1979 adaptation of Doraemon, featuring Ohara as Nobita, became the most recognized and widely broadcast version of the series. It gained immense popularity, not just in Japan, but also across Asia, including countries like India. This adaptation solidified Doraemon’s place in popular culture, with Noriko Ohara’s voice becoming synonymous with Nobita for generations of viewers.
In 2005, a new adaptation of Doraemon was introduced with a fresh voice cast, yet Ohara’s legacy as Nobita remains unparalleled. Beyond Doraemon, Ohara’s illustrious career included voicing characters like Conan in “Future Boy Conan,” Doronjo in “Yatterman,” and Oyuki in “Urusei Yatsura,” showcasing her versatility and talent in the voice acting industry.
Her passing was a result of an illness she had been battling, with her family opting for a private funeral, as reported by Anime News Network. Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the joy her voice brought to their lives.
Noriko Ohara’s contribution to anime will forever be remembered. Her voice brought life to some of the most beloved characters, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of voice actors. The world of Doraemon and beyond has lost a true legend, but her work will live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.
