Hiromi Tsuru, Prolific Japanese Voice Actress, Dies At 57

Hiromi Tsuru, a prolific Japanese voice actress, died on November 16. She was 57.

HIROMI TSURU PASSES AWAY AT 57

At approximately at 7:30 p.m., Tsuru was found unconscious in her car at Chuuoko, Tokyo. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment, but she was confirmed to be dead shortly thereafter. Authorities are investigating the cause of her death.

Her most iconic role is Bulma from the Dragon Ball multimedia franchise, having voiced the character since the show’s premiere episode back in February 26, 1986. She’s continued to voice her character over the years, appearing most recently in Dragon Ball Super’s ninety-sixth episode. Unless she has pre-recorded lines for episodes that have yet to air, Bulma’s words of encouragement to her friends will be Tsuru’s final appearance as Bulma in animation.

Bulma is slated to have a role in the hotly anticipated Dragon Ball FighterZ video game, which could be the final piece of media in which she portrays the series’ feisty heroine.

Tsuru’s fans are affected by the loss, expressing their sadness through social media:

Some of her other noteworthy anime roles include Ukyou Kuonji from Ranma 1/2, Yubel from Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Dokin-chan from Anpanman. Moreover, video gamers will likely recognize her as Naomi Hunter from Konami’s Metal Gear series.