Rihoko Yoshida

Rihoko Yoshida (吉田 理保子, born January 24, 1949) is a Japanese voice actress and businesswoman whose career spanned almost four decades, beginning in the early 1960s and concluding with her retirement from voice work in 1998. She was born in Nerima, Tokyo, and quickly entered the burgeoning anime industry, gaining recognition for her versatile vocal range and ability to portray both youthful heroines and complex supporting characters. Among her most iconic performances are the spirited title character in Majokko Megu‑chan, the brave Monsley in Future Boy Conan, and the gentle Maria Grace Fleed in UFO Robo Grendizer, roles that cemented her status as a beloved figure in classic 1970s and 1980s anime. Yoshida also delivered memorable portrayals such as Michiru Saotome in Getter Robo and its sequel, the shy Klara Sesemann in Heidi, Girl of the Alps, and the mischievous Kurama in Urusei Yatsura, showcasing her adaptability across genres from magical girl series to sci‑fi epics. In addition to television work, she contributed voices to numerous theatrical films, including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie, as well as an extensive catalog of original video animations and dubbing projects for Western live‑action films, where she voiced characters such as Sarah Connor in Terminator 2 and Clara Clayton in Back to the Future Part III. After stepping away from voice acting, Yoshida transitioned into the business sector, leveraging her industry experience to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, though specific details of her business activities remain less publicized. Her legacy endures through the lasting popularity of the series she helped bring to life, and she continues to be celebrated by fans and scholars of Japanese animation for her contributions to the medium's golden age.