On August 20, 2024, Hikaru Tanaka, the son of Atsuko Tanaka, announced that his mother passed away at the age of 61. Atsuko Tanaka was the Japanese voice actress of Lisa Lisa in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: The Animation and related video games.
Atsuko Tanaka was born on November 14, 1962. She had provided the voice to various characters in video games and anime. This includes Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, Konan in Naruto, Caster in Fate/stay night, Reiko Tamura in Parasyte, Hanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, Claudette in Queen’s Blade, Bayonetta in the Bayonetta series, Trish in Devil May Cry, Mary Sera and Chihaya Hagiwara in Detective Conan, and Flamme in Frieren. She also dubbed Nicole Kidman in movies. In addition, she was the voice actress of Violetta Noire in the anime Compass 2.0: Combat Providence Analysis System, scheduled to premiere in 2025.
Hikaru Tanaka’s Announcement
To everyone who has always supported us,
On August 20th, 2024, my mother, voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, passed away.
To all the fans who loved Atsuko Tanaka and to all the industry professionals who supported her during her lifetime, I offer my deepest gratitude on her behalf.
It is with great regret that I must inform you of our relationship as mother and child in this manner.
In accordance with her wishes, I will not disclose the specific illness she battled. I believe that she lived a life—which included nearly a year of battling illness—that was earnest, dignified, and just a bit playful—true to who Atsuko Tanaka was.
I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful mother.
Lastly, I ask that you do not forget the works Atsuko Tanaka was sincerely involved in, the characters she poured her love into, and the voice actress that was Atsuko Tanaka.
With love to a respected actress/voice actress and beloved mother.
August 20th, 2024
Hikaru Tanaka
The official account for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, @araki_jojo, commented on her tragic passing.
Ms. Atsuko Tanaka’s portrayal of Lisa Lisa was dignified, cool, and simply wonderful.
We offer our deepest condolences.
The official account for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime, @anime_jojo, also commented.
Ms. Atsuko Tanaka, who played the role of Lisa Lisa in the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency, has passed away.
We offer our heartfelt condolences and sincerely pray for her soul to rest in peace.
From all of us at the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Production Committee.