Voice of Maetel in "Galaxy Express 999," Masako Ikeda, Dies at 87
It is a very sad day for the anime world as we have just received news that the legendary voice actress Masako Ikeda has passed away. She was best known for her iconic role as Maetel in the classic series "Galaxy Express 999". According to reports, she died due to a cerebral hemorrhage at 12:27 PM on March 3rd. She was 87 years old at the time of her passing. This news has really come as a shock to fans who grew up listening to her elegant and dignified voice.
The announcement regarding her death was made by her agency, the Tokyo Actors' Consumer's Co-op, which is also popularly known as the Haiku Association. On their official website, they posted a very touching comment thanking everyone for the support, guidance, and encouragement they provided to Masako Ikeda over her very long and successful career. It was also mentioned that her wake and funeral were already held, but it was kept very private, attended only by her close relatives as per the family's wishes.
A Legendary Career in Voice Acting
Masako Ikeda was born on January 1, 1939, in Tokyo. She started her journey in the entertainment industry quite early as a child actor in 1949. Over the decades, she became one of the most respected names in the business. While many fans know her for the galaxy express 999:-a timeless journey through the stars – anime and manga guide that her character Maetel led, she had so many other famous roles too. She was the voice of Reika Ryuzaki, who was also known as Mrs. Butterfly, in the sports anime "Aim for the Ace!". She also played the Phoenix in the series "Phoenix" and was even the Japanese voice for the Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn in many foreign films.
Her contribution to the industry was massive. Because of her hard work and talent, she was honoured with several prestigious awards during her lifetime. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Distinguished Achievement Award: She received this at the very first Voice Actor Awards back in 2007.
- Honorable Mention in Anime Contribution: This was awarded to her at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2020.
- Lifetime Achievement: Portraying Maetel for over 40 years, becoming a symbol of grace in Japanese animation.
The Legacy of a Timeless Voice
For many of us, her voice wasn't just a performance; it was a part of our childhood. The way she brought Maetel to life made the character feel real, kind-hearted, and mysterious all at once. Even her co-stars, like Masako Nozawa (who voiced Tetsuro), have expressed how deeply they will miss her. She was truly a "comrade-in-arms" in the industry. As we look back at the galaxy express 999:-a timeless journey through the stars – anime and manga guide, it is clear that her legacy will live on forever through the characters she voiced. Her dignified presence and that wonderful smile will be missed by everyone in the anime and manga community. We hope she is now on her own peaceful journey across the stars.
