Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Famous voice actress Minori Matsushima passed away on April 8 at the age of 81 due to pancreatic cancer. She debuted her career as voice actress in the original Astro Boy anime series in 1963.

Legendary Japanese voice actor Akira Kamiya said on Twitter: “I can’t find a word to express my feelings right now. Minori was an older sister who looked at me kindly. I pray for your soul.”

松島みのりさんの訃報が届きました。今、気持ちを表す言葉が見つかりません。数年前、キン肉マンのイベントでお目にかかった時にはお元気でしたのに。ミート君は可愛いくて頼り甲斐のある弟のような存在。でも、みのりさんは、ボクを優しく見つめてくれるお姉様でした。謹んでご冥福をお祈りします。 pic.twitter.com/gsXOLSr7i0

— 神谷明 (@kamiyaakira29) April 12, 2022

Takashi Shimada, co-creator of Kinnikuman said on Twitter: “I can’t believe it. At the Kinnikuman 40th anniversary party 3 years ago Minori-san said: ‘If there is a next Kinnikuman anime, I’ll do Meat-kun.’ … I’m sad and can’t think of anything anymore. I would like to hear Minori Matsushima’s ‘Oh-jii’ voice again. I would like to express my deepest condolences to Minori Matsushima.”

信じられない、3年前のキン肉マン40周年パーティみのりさんおっしゃいましたよね「キン肉マンアニメの次回作あったら、わたしミートくんやるわよ」て………もう悲しくて何も考えられない。松島みのりさんの「おお〜じぃ」の声がまた聞きたかった　松島みのりさん、心からお悔やみ申し上げます。 pic.twitter.com/k3ttljU6iW

— ゆでたまご嶋田 (@yude_shimada) April 12, 2022

The late voice actress was known for her roles in many anime series such as: Sayaka Yumi in Mazinger Z, Candy in Candy Candy, Meat-kun in Kinnikuman franchise & Tsuru in One Piece, Dororo in the original Dororo (1969) anime series as well Little Lulu in Little Lulu (1976) anime series.

Matsushima also voiced the Japanese dub over for the character Uhura in the original Star Trek series, and she was known for her narration work in multiple TV shows and commercials.