2024 has been marked by the passing of many notable figures from various fields, each leaving behind a legacy cherished by their fans and communities. Among these luminaries was Nobuyo Ōyama, the voice behind Japan’s beloved cartoon character Doraemon. Ōyama, who died at the age of 90 on September 29, provided the iconic blue cat's voice from 1979 to 2005, enchanting audiences with her "charming, gurgling voice" (The Japan Times). Her portrayal was so impactful, it was famously noted by the original character's creator, Fujiko F. Fujio, who exclaimed, "Doraemon sounded just like this!"
The literary scene lost Rieko Nakagawa, celebrated children’s author, on October 14 at the age of 89. Best known for her enduring work, Guri and Gura, co-authored with her sister Yuriko Yamawaki, Nakagawa's storytelling legacy shaped the imaginations of countless children. Following her passing, NHK News reflected, "With the passing of Rieko Nakagawa, the children’s literary world has lost one of its great storytellers."
On October 17, the film and television industry mourned the loss of actor Toshiaki Nishida at 76. He is fondly remembered for his roles spanning genres from the comedy series Fishing Fool’s Diary to dramatic performances in historical dramas. Nishida’s humor and warmth left lasting impressions on audiences, as noted by The Mainichi: "Toshiaki Nishida embodied the essence of Japanese humor through various roles across film and television."
Manga artist Kazuo Umezu, who passed away on October 28 at the age of 88, was another giant, known for works like Drifting Classroom and Makoto-chan. Umezu defined the horror manga genre with his vivid imagination and storytelling prowess. Nikkei Asia honored his contributions by stating, "Kazuo Umezu’s horrors and depths of imagination defined generations of manga."
Tragedy struck internationally with the untimely passing of Liam Payne, former member of the global sensation One Direction. Payne died at the age of 31 on October 16 after falling from his hotel balcony in Argentina, shocking fans worldwide. Billboard remarked, "Liam Payne was more than just one-fifth of One Direction; he was an artist who shaped the modern pop scene."
The corporate world also felt the loss when Tsunekazu Katsumata, the former chairman of the Tokyo Electric Power Company, passed away at the age of 84 on October 21. Known for his significant role during the Fukushima disaster, Katsumata faced immense challenges, as described by Reuters: "Tsunekazu Katsumata played a pivotal role during the Fukushima incident, facing challenges head-on."
These varying individuals not only shaped their respective fields but also left marks on broader society with their unique contributions. Their legacies serve as reminders of the diverse talents and influences these figures had throughout their lives. 2024 has underlined how fleeting life is, yet how deeply impactful these artists, actors, writers, and leaders remain even after their passing. Remembering them encourages us to appreciate the gifts they shared and the memories they created with us all.