Voice Actor Tomo Sakurai Passes Away at 63

 

Acclaimed Voice Actor Tomo Sakurai, Voice of 'Sailor Jupiter' and Countless Others, Passes Away at 63

Voice Actor Tomo Sakurai Passes Away

TOKYO, Japan – The anime industry is in mourning following the announcement of the passing of veteran voice actress Tomo Sakurai. The artist, beloved for her powerful and nuanced performances in iconic roles such as Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter in the legendary Sailor Moon franchise, died on August 10. She was 63 years old.

The news was confirmed on Saturday by the talent agency Aoni Production, which had represented Sakurai for her entire decades-long career. According to the agency's statement, Sakurai passed away due to complications from a chronic illness. No further specifics regarding her health were disclosed, respecting the privacy of her family.

The announcement has sent waves of grief through the global anime community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow voice actors, production staff, and legions of heartbroken fans whose childhoods and adulthoods were soundtracked by her distinctive and versatile voice.

A Career Defined by Strength and Sensitivity

Tomo Sakurai’s career was a testament to her incredible range. While she will be eternally celebrated as Sailor Jupiter, her body of work encompassed hundreds of characters, each brought to life with a unique emotional depth.

Her breakout role, Makoto Kino, was more than just a Sailor Scout. Sakurai’s performance gave life to a character who was a revolutionary figure for many young viewers—a tall, strong, physically powerful girl who was also deeply kind, nurturing, and longed for romance. Sakurai masterfully balanced Makoto’s formidable battle cries with her tender, sometimes vulnerable, moments, creating one of the most relatable and beloved characters in the anime canon. This role cemented her as a cornerstone of the magical girl genre and a figure of the 1990s anime boom.

However, to define her by a single role would be a disservice to her immense talent. Sakurai’s filmography is a journey through anime history itself. She brought a chilling, cold intelligence to Lust in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. She provided the gentle, supportive voice of Hana, the family’s loving mother, in Wolf's Rain. She showcased incredible comedic timing as the eccentric ninja, Sasame, in Gintama.

Her versatility knew no bounds. She voiced the wise and ancient witch, Dora, in Black Clover, the enigmatic history teacher, Karin Asaka, in When They Cry, and even ventured into Western animation, dubbing characters like Storm from the X-Men animated series into Japanese. Each performance was distinct, a testament to her skill and dedication to her craft.

A Pillar of the Industry and a Mentor

Beyond the microphone, Sakurai was known within the industry as a consummate professional and a kind, supportive presence. In an often demanding field, her experience and steady demeanor provided a grounding force for younger actors. Colleagues and peers have taken to social media to express not just their sorrow, but their gratitude for her mentorship and friendship.

Aoni Production’s statement reflected this, saying, “She poured her heart and soul into every role she was given, and her powerful yet warm performances touched the hearts of many… We are deeply grateful for her tremendous achievements and offer our heartfelt prayers for her soul.”

For fans around the world, the news is profoundly personal. Sakurai’s voice was not just a sound from a speaker; it was the voice of a childhood hero, a comforting presence, and a symbol of inner strength. Social media platforms have been flooded with clips of her most iconic scenes, heartfelt messages of thanks, and artwork honoring her memory and the characters she immortalized.

A Voice That Will Never Fade

Tomo Sakurai’s passing leaves a void in the world of voice acting that cannot be filled. She was part of a pioneering generation of seiyū who helped propel Japanese animation onto the global stage. Her work transcended language and cultural barriers, connecting with audiences on a deeply human level.

While the specific cause of her death reminds us of a private battle fought away from the spotlight, her public legacy is one of unbridled joy, immense strength, and timeless artistry. The characters she gave her voice to will continue to speak, fight, laugh, and inspire for generations to come, ensuring that Tomo Sakurai’s spirit will forever remain alive in the worlds she helped create.

She is survived by her family, whose privacy is requested during this difficult time. Plans for a public memorial service have not been announced.