Reiko Katsura, Original Voice of Ikura in Sazae san, Dies at 89

Voice actress Reiko Katsura (JP: 桂 玲子), best known as the original voice of Ikura in the long running anime Sazae san, has passed away at the age of 89. The announcement was made on March 4 through the official website of her talent agency.

According to the statement, Katsura died at 9:33 a.m. on February 22 due to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia. She was 89 years old.

The agency stated that funeral services were held privately with close relatives in accordance with the wishes of the family.

In its message, the agency expressed gratitude for the support Katsura received throughout her career. It also asked that the media refrain from contacting or visiting the bereaved family.

Reiko Katsura’s Voice Acting Career

Reiko Katsura was born in 1937 and built a long career as a voice actress. She is widely known for voicing Ikura in the 1971 anime Sazae san, becoming the character’s first voice actor. She also voiced the first versions of characters such as Kaori chan and Rika in the series.

Beyond Sazae san, Katsura appeared in many classic anime. Her roles included Priscilla in Calimero, Chorobo (C robot) in Time Bokan, and Omotchama in Yatterman.
The role of Ikura in Sazae san is currently voiced by Yoshie Hirai, who took over the part in June 2025.

Full Statement from the Talent Agency

The following is the full statement released by the agency:

Reiko Katsura, an actor affiliated with our organization, passed away at 9:33 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, due to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia. She was 89 years old.

The wake and funeral services were held privately with close relatives in accordance with the wishes of the family.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported, guided, and encouraged actor Reiko Katsura throughout the many years of her career.

We hereby express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to her during her lifetime and respectfully share this notice.

We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting or visiting the bereaved family.

Source : ORICON NEWS