Naruto: Minato Voice Actor Shares Heartbreaking Note Over the Death of Kushina’s Actress

Naruto: Minato Voice Actor Shares Heartbreaking Note Over the Death of Kushina's Actress

As a gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss with the passing of Emi Shinohara. Her contributions to the anime world were nothing short of extraordinary, and her roles have left an indelible mark on countless fans like myself.


As a passionate fan, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of loss upon hearing the heartbreaking news that voice acting legend Emi Shinohara has sadly passed away this month. Known for her remarkable performances in beloved anime series like “Ninja Scholl,” “Cardcaptor Sakura,” “Magic Knight Rayearth,” and “Sailor Moon,” she also left an indelible mark on the world of “Naruto” with her unforgettable portrayal of Kushina, Naruto Uzumaki’s mother.

Born in Fukushima in 1963, Emi Shinohara, whose real name was Watanabe Emiko, had a passion for acting from an early age. Although she gained significant recognition for her roles in anime, she also contributed to the Japanese dubbing of major Hollywood productions. Some of the films she dubbed include “Home Alone,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Clueless,” and “Nikita.” Sadly, Emi passed away during medical treatment on September 8, 2024, at the age of 61. Her talent agency, 81 Produce, announced this news earlier this week with a heartfelt statement expressing appreciation for the support shown to her throughout her life.

Naruto: Minato Voice Actor Shares Heartbreaking Note Over the Death of Kushina's Actress

Minato And Kushina Forever

In his recent statement, voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa (as Minato) shared a heartfelt message about the late Shinohara and their most cherished scene together in the anime ‘Naruto’. He expressed that playing husband and wife remains his most treasured memory. He also extended his gratitude for her hard work, believing they will meet again in the future.

Beyond his portrayal of Minato, Toshiyuki Morikawa has additionally lent his voice to various characters in anime series such as Yoshikage Kira from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Isshin Kurosaki in Bleach, Kagaya Ubuyashiki in Demon Slayer, and Eneru in One Piece. Furthermore, Morikawa has made a significant impact in the video game world by voicing characters like Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil, Sephiroth from Final Fantasy, and Dante from Devil May Cry, among others.

The Anime World Mourns

It’s worth noting that Tohiyuki wasn’t the only one expressing sorrow over Shinohara’s passing. Hiroshi Watari, her husband, posted a tribute on social media as well. In his message, he said, “Generally, I don’t share many pictures of us together. But this time, I made an exception. My beloved wife, Emi Shinohara, passed away on September 8th. Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of swallowtail butterflies around me. It seems to me they might be messengers. Reflecting on the past 26 years, it was a joyful journey. Thank you. May she rest in peace. My gratitude goes out to everyone who stood by us.

In another touching scene, Rika Fukami, who brought Sailor Jupiter to life so brilliantly, and her co-star conveyed their sorrow as they played Sailor Venus, “My dearest, most cherished friend has left us. He was always brimming with energy and optimism until the end. We were both born on the same day. I will forever hold you in my heart.

Shinohara’s final contribution to anime was in the movie “A Whisker Away.” Since then, she hasn’t accepted any new anime roles since 2020. However, her impact on this medium will endure for many years to come due to the memorable characters she brought to life and the skills she generously shared with the industry.

Our thoughts are with Shinohara’s loved ones during this difficult time.

Via X

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2024-09-15 00:10