Nobuyo Oyama, the legendary voice behind the beloved character Doraemon, passed away on September 29 at the age of 90, her agency Actors Seven confirmed. Oyama voiced the iconic robot cat in the Doraemon anime series from April 1979 to March 2005, bringing joy and inspiration to millions of fans worldwide. The show remains one of Japan’s longest-running anime series.
Her passing marks the end of an era, with Michiko Nomura, the voice of Shizuka Minamoto, being the only remaining cast member from the original Doraemon team. Oyama’s co-stars, including Noriko Ohara (Nobita Nobi), Kazuya Tatekabe (Takeshi Goda), and Kaneta Kimotsuki (Suneo Honekawa), all preceded her in death. 
In addition to Doraemon, Oyama was also known for voicing Monokuma in the Danganronpa series until 2016. Her role in the series was later taken over by TARAKO, who also passed away earlier in March 2024.
TV Asahi Corporation, the broadcaster of Doraemon, expressed its sorrow in a heartfelt statement:
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by Oyama-san’s passing. Her voice, which felt like a warm embrace, touched the hearts of children worldwide. She brought dreams and hope to life, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.”
Nobuyo Oyama’s unforgettable voice will continue to resonate with fans for years to come, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.
