Renowned voice actress Junko Hori, best known for her roles as Ninja Hattori (Kanzō Hattori) in Ninja Hattori-kun and Jerry in Tom and Jerry, passed away from natural causes on November 18 at the age of 89. Her agency, Production Baobab, shared the news on November 25.

A Lifetime of Iconic Performances

Born on February 2 in Tokyo, Junko Hori brought to life some of the most beloved characters in animation. Her career spanned decades, featuring roles in classic series such as:

Ninja Hattori-kun (Kanzō Hattori)
Tom and Jerry (Jerry)
Moomin (Little My)
Woodpecker (Woody Woodpecker)
New Obake no Q-Taro (Q-Taro)
Chimpui (Chimpui)
New Do-konjo Gaeru (Gorō)
The Simpsons (Bart Simpson, Japanese dub)
HappinessCharge PreCure! (Nobuko Mitsuya)
Her distinctive voice and incredible range captivated audiences both in Japan and internationally.

Dedication to Peace and the Stage

In addition to her voice acting, Hori was deeply committed to anti-war activism. She performed a solo play titled Asachan, delivering 292 performances out of her ambitious goal of 500. Her agency shared that even in her final days, she was preparing for the next performance scheduled for November 22.

The agency expressed their gratitude for her enduring passion and work ethic, stating:

"Thanks to the support of colleagues, fans, and everyone involved, she remained active until the very end of her remarkable life."

Agency Statement

"Our actor Junko Hori passed away on November 18, 2024, due to natural causes at the age of 89. We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to her during her lifetime and humbly notify you of her passing.

As per the wishes of the deceased and her family, the funeral service was held privately with close relatives. We kindly ask for your understanding regarding the lack of prior notice and the family's request to decline condolences or offerings."

Source : ORICON NEWS