9-3-2024 (TOKYO) TARAKO, the iconic voice behind the beloved anime character Maruko in “Chibi Maruko-chan,” has passed away at the age of 63, stunning fans and colleagues alike. The news of her unexpected death was disclosed on March 8, leaving a void in Japan’s anime industry. TARAKO, a native of Gunma Prefecture whose real name remains undisclosed, had been a vital presence in the world of anime for 35 years.
The cause of her death has not been announced, but her family has informed both Fuji TV and her agency of the sad news. A private funeral service will be held to bid farewell to the renowned voice actress, who had left an indelible mark on the hearts of anime enthusiasts.
Colleagues at Fuji TV, upon receiving news of TARAKO’s passing, shared that she had been unwell since the beginning of the year. Despite her health challenges, TARAKO continued to participate in voice recording sessions until recently. The sudden loss has left many at a loss for words. TARAKO was also part of the cast for the upcoming anime movie “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction,” scheduled for release on March 22. In February, when the cast was announced, she had expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m all in! I’ll perform with all my life.”
TARAKO’s unique stage name originated from her friends, who likened her way of speaking to Tarachan from the anime “Sazae-san” during her student days. Her career began in 1981 with a role as a kindergartner in the anime “Urusei Yatsura.” Beyond her voice acting career, TARAKO was deeply involved in theatre, leading the theatrical group “WAKU Produce” and also holding the title of singer-songwriter.
However, TARAKO’s most iconic role came with “Chibi Maruko-chan,” where she voiced the character Maruko from its first broadcast on January 7, 1990, spanning 35 years. Initially, another voice actress was assigned the role, but the manga’s creator, Momoko Sakura, insisted on a voice more akin to her own for Maruko, leading to TARAKO’s selection. Her distinctive voice became synonymous with Maruko, making her a national celebrity.
The sudden deterioration in TARAKO’s health has left many in shock. In an interview last summer, she discussed her views on life and death, expressing that the sudden deaths of her parents made her unafraid of dying, anticipating a reunion with loved ones in heaven. TARAKO also shared her wishes for her funeral, preferring normal attire over mourning clothes and expressing a desire for a play she wrote to be performed in her memory.
Upon Momoko Sakura’s death in 2018, TARAKO sent a message saying, “When I join you, let’s talk a lot with voices similar to ours.” With their reunion, one can only imagine the conversations between these two legendary figures in the anime world.
