2024 will be
remembered as a year of great loss in the manga and anime industry, with the
departure of iconic figures who marked generations with their talent and
dedication. Below, we
remember the creators, voice actors, artists, and musicians who left us this
year , leaving an everlasting legacy in
Japanese and international pop culture.
- Akira Toriyama (1955 – March 2024) –
Creator of Dragon Ball , Toriyama was a giant of the
manga and anime industry. His work, especially Dragon Ball ,
became a global phenomenon, influencing millions of fans and artists over
the decades. Toriyama was also responsible for Dr. Slump and
the character designs for video games such as Dragon Quest .
His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of anime fans.
- Atsuko Tanaka (1962 – August 2024) –
Renowned Japanese voice actress, famous for voicing characters such as
Konan in Naruto , Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell ,
and Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen . Atsuko Tanaka not only
brought memorable characters to life, but brought a unique depth and
elegance to her performances. Her voice will remain immortalized in the
hearts of anime fans.
- Shigemi Ikeda (1954 – October 2024) –
A master of visual art, Ikeda served as art director on high-caliber
productions such as One Punch Man , My Hero
Academia , Afro Samurai , Overlord , Inuyasha ,
and Gundam . An Emmy Award-winner, Shigemi Ikeda was a
pioneer in creating mesmerizing visual worlds that brought anime to a new
level of quality and global recognition.
- Nobuyo Oyama (1933 – September 2024) –
Nobuyo Oyama was the original voice of Doraemon , an
iconic character that marked the childhood of millions of people in Japan
and around the world. With her charisma and sweetness, Oyama managed to
make the beloved robotic cat transcend generations, making her one of the
most beloved voices in anime history.
- Emi Shinohara (1963 – September 2024) –
Voice actress who played Kushina Uzumaki in Naruto and
Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon . Emi Shinohara played a
pivotal role in two of anime's most influential franchises, bringing
strength and emotion to her characters. Her passing leaves a great legacy
for generations of fans.
- Ryo Kono (19?? – October 2024) –
Art Director recognized for his work on Mob Psycho 100 , Devilman
Crybaby , Tokyo Ghoul , and Psycho-Pass .
Ryo Kono was a revolutionary artist whose aesthetic vision raised the bar
for many modern productions. His striking visual style and capacity for
innovation continue to inspire new talent in the industry.
- Noriko Ohara (1935 – July 2024) –
Noriko Ohara was the voice of Nobita in Doraemon ,
another key character in anime history. Her talent for playing endearing
and humane characters made her a legend in Japanese dubbing.
- Sayuri (1996 – September 2024) –
Singer known for performing iconic anime themes such as Lycoris
Recoil , Erased , and My Hero Academia .
Her haunting, melancholic voice resonated in every ending theme she
performed, leaving a mark on modern anime music.
These losses are a
reminder of the immense impact these creators and artists had on the industry
and our lives. Their works and voices will continue to inspire future
generations, keeping the worlds and characters we love alive. From
Akira Toriyama to Sayuri, 2024 leaves us with an unforgettable legacy, and we
can only thank these legends for their unparalleled contribution to manga,
anime, and global culture.
