Voice actress Asami Yaguchi dies at 53; was active two weeks prior

Japanese voice actress Asami Yaguchi died on September 26 from acute heart failure, her agency Ken'yū Office announced on September 28. Yaguchi, born July 31, 1973, was from Saitama Prefecture and debuted as a voice actress in 2002. She provided voices for numerous anime series including "Gintama" (young Gintoki Sakata), the "Tamagotchi!" franchise (Kuchipatchi), "Doraemon" (Haruo), and "Black Lagoon" (Sawyer), as well as roles in stage productions. Ken'yū Office, which Yaguchi had supported since its founding, released a statement describing her as bright and caring, and noting she was a particular favourite of late voice actor Kazuya Tatekabe.

Two weeks before her death, on September 14, Yaguchi posted on Instagram a photograph of herself in traditional festival attire while carrying a portable shrine (mikoshi), showing no apparent signs of serious illness. The sudden announcement prompted immediate reactions from fellow voice actors. Ryūtarō Okiazawa, who had worked with her on the 2006 anime "Super Robot Wars OG -Divine Wars-", expressed shock and grief. Satoshi Seki, who had recently recorded dialogue with her, recalled their shared enthusiasm for hero-themed entertainment and said "you'll always be my classmate."

Funerals will be held privately with family only, at the request of Yaguchi's relatives. Ken'yū Office representative and voice actor Masao Horiuchi stated: "We have no words. Please do not forget Asami Yaguchi, a wonderful actress."