Beloved voice of Ghost in the Shell, Atsuko Tanaka, dies at 61

Legendary voice actress Atsuko Tanaka has passed away at the age of 61 after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed illness. The news was shared by her son, Hikaru Tanaka, who expressed gratitude towards her fans and colleagues. Atsuko Tanaka was renowned for her iconic role as Kusanagi Motoko in the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. Over her 30-year career, she provided voices for numerous impactful shows, movies, and video games including Devilman Crybaby, Cowboy Bebop, and the Yakuza series. Such versatility has established her as a beloved figure in the industry, with contributions to major franchises like Final Fantasy, Fire Emblem, and even voicing Lara Croft in early Tomb Raider games. Her legacy in voice acting will continue to resonate with fans around the world.

Atsuko Tanaka lent her voice to a variety of games including Yakuza, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, and she was significantly involved in horror franchises like Resident Evil. She also portrayed key characters such as Yennefer in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Bayonetta, showcasing her exceptional range as a voice actress.