Atsuko Tanaka, Renowned Voice Actress, Passes Away at 61
The anime community mourns the loss of legendary voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, who passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 61. Born on November 14, 1962, Tanaka was celebrated for her iconic roles in anime and gaming.
Best known for her portrayal of Motoko Kusanagi in the Ghost in the Shell franchise, Tanaka's deep, commanding voice brought the character to life, making her a symbol of strength and complexity in anime. She also left an indelible mark with her performances as Caster in Fate/stay night, Lisa Lisa in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Chun-Li in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Bayonetta in the Bayonetta series, and Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Tanaka’s passing is a significant loss for the industry, where her voice became synonymous with powerful, multifaceted characters. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Her former co-star, Koichi Yamadera, who played Togusa in the Ghost in the Shell franchise, shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) about Tanaka’s passing, expressing his sorrow and admiration.
田中敦子さんはかけがえのない友人でした
— 山寺宏一 (@yamachanoha) August 20, 2024
悲しくて悲しくて仕方ありません
攻殻機動隊では沢山の思い出があります
もう「少佐」と呼べないんだね
10日前、直接話せて嬉しかった
最期まで、美しくて、カッコ良くて、優しくて、素敵だったあっちゃん
良く頑張ったね
ありがとう！
Koichi Yamadera on X
As the anime community reflects on her incredible career, Tanaka’s voice and the characters she portrayed will continue to inspire, ensuring her legacy lives on for generations to come.
