Atsuko Tanaka, renowned for being the Japanese voice of Chun-Li and Bayonetta, has passed away

The renowned Japanese voice actress, Atsuko Tanaka, who lent her voice to well-known characters such as Street Fighter’s Chun-Li, Lara Croft, and Bayonetta, along with the character Tess in the Japanese adaptation of The Last of Us, has died at age 61.

She was celebrated not only for her contributions to video games, including depicting Nier Replicant’s Kaine, but also for her significant roles in anime and television. Her performances include Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost of the Shell and parts in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

The news of Tanaka's passing was initially shared by her son, Hikaru Tanaka, also a voice actor. According to Hikaru, she succumbed to an unidentified illness on August 20, as he confirmed in a statement.

Expressing his emotions, Hikaru remarked, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the fans who loved Atsuko Tanaka, and to the industry people who took care of her during her lifetime," as translated from a report by Oricon News.

He continued, “It is very unfortunate that we have to announce the parent-child relationship in this way.

"At her request, we will not reveal the specific name of the disease, but aside from her year-long battle with illness, I think she lived a life that was typical of Tanaka: serious, dignified, and a little playful.

"I am truly blessed to have such a proud mother."