Masako Sugaya

Masako Sugaya (菅谷政子, Sugaya Masako; August 21, 1937 – February 25, 2021) was a prolific Japanese voice actress whose career spanned more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the anime industry. Born in Tokyo, Japan, she entered the entertainment world in the mid‑1960s, quickly becoming known for her versatile vocal range and ability to bring youthful characters to life. Her early work included roles such as Chappy in Space Boy Soran (1965) and Ganko in Perman (1967), establishing her reputation as a reliable talent for both child and animal characters. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sugaya contributed to countless series, from the heartfelt Dog of Flanders (1975) where she voiced Paul, to the iconic Astro Boy (1980) as the beloved robot girl Uran. Her performance as Mary in Laura, a Little Girl on the Prairie (1975) and Remi in Nobody's Boy: Remi (1977) showcased her skill in portraying complex emotional arcs, earning her respect among peers and fans alike. In addition to television anime, Sugaya lent her voice to several feature films, including a cameo as Girl A in Hayao Miyazaki's critically acclaimed Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and the mischievous tanuki Oshima in Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love (1985). She also participated in original video animations such as Aim for the Ace! (1988), reprising the role of Maki Aikawa. Beyond domestic productions, Sugaya contributed to Japanese dubs of Western live‑action movies, providing the Japanese voice for characters like Andy Barclay in Child's Play 2 and the resourceful Data in The Goonies. Represented by Arts Vision, she remained active until shortly before her passing in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to inspire new generations of voice actors.