In Memory of Voice Actress Atsuko Tanaka | Memories of the 2024 Radio Program 'Shinichiro Azumi's Sunday Heaven'

This August, voice actress Atsuko Tanaka passed away.
She was 61 years old. The shock was immense, and the sorrow runs deep.
Since then, every time I hear Ms. Tanaka's voice, her performance remains as powerful as ever, striking a chord in my heart. I think to myself, 'I will never encounter a new work of hers again,' but it still doesn't feel real.

I am not well-versed in voice actors, but even so, her voice left a lasting impression on me through many works, such as her dubbing for Nicole Kidman and her role in Ghost in the Shell.

Furthermore, I have a strong emotional attachment to Ms. Tanaka because I am a listener of the radio program 'Shinichiro Azumi's Sunday Heaven'.

Ms. Tanaka was a listener of this program and had participated in its segments just like any other regular participant.

She appeared so naturally, but the radio name 'Ripe Mango' and the short audio clip she submitted were so clearly 'exuding the scent of a professional' (as Mr. Azumi put it) that it was later revealed to be Ms. Tanaka.

The subsequent interview where she revealed her true identity offered a glimpse into her charming personality, which was a bit different from the sharp and cool characters she played in movies and anime.

With a happy voice, she said, 'I'm taking a break from work to visit Karuizawa, the setting of my favorite drama, Quartet.'

Mr. Azumi's reply, 'Thank you for your incoherent answer delivered in such a beautiful voice,' also makes me smile.

The exchanges starting from Ms. Tanaka's first appearance are compiled in a video on the official TBS YouTube channel. Even now, I sometimes watch this video and tears come to my eyes.

While writing this article, I found myself crying again at the comments from other listeners.

Major, I love you.
May you rest in peace.