Renowned Japanese voice actress Reiko Katsura (real name: Reiko Kanauchi) passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 89 due to aspiration pneumonia. Her passing was announced on March 4, and her funeral was held privately with only close family in attendance.

Katsura is best known as the original voice of Ikura-chan in the long-running, iconic anime Sazae-san, which has been a staple of Japanese television since 1969. She brought to life the adorable and playful child character using three distinct phrases – “Haai,” “Chaan,” and “Baboo” – creating a voice that generations of viewers instantly recognized.

Early Life and Career

Reiko Katsura was born in 1937 in Fukuoka, Japan. From an early age, she aspired to work in theater and voice acting. She began her professional career in the 1960s, gradually establishing herself as one of Japan’s respected voice actresses.

Throughout her career, she voiced a variety of memorable characters across anime series, including:

• Kaori-chan — Katsu’s classmate in Sazae-san
• Rika-chan — Friend of Tara-chan in Sazae-san
• Chorobou — Time Bokan series
• Priscilla — Calimero
• Omocchama — Yatterman

Her versatility and gentle vocal tone made her beloved among both children and adult audiences.

Ikura-chan and Sazae-san — A 54-Year Legacy

• Sazae-san* holds the record as the world’s longest-running animated television series. Reiko Katsura began voicing Ikura-chan in 1971 and continued until 2025, spanning over five decades. Ikura-chan, the mischievous yet endearing son of Norisuke, captured the hearts of viewers nationwide with his playful speech and childlike charm.

In 2025, Katsura handed over the role to Sachie Hirai, ending her long tenure with the character. She also stepped down from her other roles in the series, including Kaori-chan and Rika-chan, leaving behind a legacy of voices that shaped the show’s early decades.

Tributes from Fans and Colleagues

Following the announcement of her passing, fans flooded social media with tributes and messages of remembrance. Many shared nostalgic memories of Ikura-chan, expressing gratitude for the warmth her voice brought to their childhoods. Common messages included: “Her voice was unforgettable,” “Thank you for all the joy you gave us,” and “Ikura-chan will always live in our hearts.”

Co-stars from Sazae-san also paid tribute. Sayaka Kobayashi, who voices Ikura-chan’s mother, Taiko Hamano, commented, “Reiko Katsura had a unique voice that could not be replicated. Her tone gave the characters life in a way that only she could achieve.”

A Lasting Impact on Japanese Animation

Reiko Katsura’s passing marks the end of an era in Japanese animation. Her contributions to Sazae-san and other beloved anime series have left an indelible mark on the industry. Her performances demonstrated the power of voice acting to bring animated characters to life, making them memorable for generations.

Even as the series continues with new voice actors, Katsura’s interpretation of Ikura-chan remains iconic, serving as a benchmark for character portrayal in Japanese animation. Her voice will continue to resonate through episodes of Sazae-san, forever etched in the memories of viewers.

Remembering Reiko Katsura

Reiko Katsura’s long and influential career is a testament to the artistry of voice acting. She gave life, personality, and warmth to every character she portrayed, particularly Ikura-chan, whose playful innocence became a defining feature of Sazae-san.

Her legacy will endure not only in recordings and episodes but also in the hearts of countless viewers who grew up listening to her work. Reiko Katsura’s voice was a cultural treasure, and her contributions to animation will be remembered with gratitude and admiration.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and honor her enduring impact on Japanese entertainment and animation.