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Voice Actress Miyoko Asou Passes Away

The Haikyō agency announced on Monday that voice actress Miyoko Asō passed away on August 25 at 7:23 a.m. from senility. She was 92.

Asou's close relatives held a funeral for her at her family's request.

Asou is best known for the role of Fune Isono, Sazae's mother, in the long-running Sazae-san television anime series. Asou played the role for 46 years, from the show's first episode in 1969 through 2015. She also voiced roles in other anime such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Pinako Rockbell), Ranma ½ franchise (Cologne), Miss Machiko (Machiko's Aunt), Captain (Takao's Mother), and Botchan (Kiyoshi). She also voiced minor roles in such anime as Raccoon Rascal, Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files, Maya the Bee, Master Keaton, Maria Watches Over Us, Galaxy Express 999, The Ancient Magus' Bride: Those Awaiting a Star, and Heidi - A Girl of the Alps, among others.

Midori Katō, the voice actress of Sazae, commented regarding Asou's passing: "When broadcast first started I was the youngest, and no matter what happened after that I could always discuss it with Asou-san; she was a reliable sempai. She had a moodmaker-like existence at recordings, and during Sazae-san and even outside of Sazae-san, if Asou-san was there, I had peace of mind." Kato added that as a sempai, Asou was the landmark for everyone, and stated, "No matter where she is, Asou-san is Asou-san."

Takako Susuga, the voice of Tarao Fuguta in Sazae-san, commented "It is truly unfortunate, and makes me feel lonely... May she rest in peace."

The Sazae-san anime staff also provided a comment, stating, "For the first 46 years of broadcast that Asou-san played Fune, she was lovely as well as being a kind and steady presence, and the pride of the Isono family." The staff added, "we are overwhelmingly grateful to her. The entire Sazae-san staff will treasure Asou-san in our thoughts going forward. Thank you so much."

Sources: Haikyo, Comic Natalie