'Macross 7' Voice Actress Tomo Sakurai Dies at 53

by Vindstot
Aug 17, 2025 10:52 PM | 15 Comments

Voice actress Tomo Sakurai, best known for her roles in Macross 7 and Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (Rurouni Kenshin), died on August 13 after a battle with multiple organ cancer. She was 53.

The news was announced by her agency, Feathered, through her official X (formerly Twitter) account. Sakurai had been urgently hospitalized on August 4 after her condition worsened, and subsequently canceled her "TOMO Natsu 2025 Live" concert, which had been scheduled for August 17 at Shibuya, Tokyo.

"Sakurai Tomo was striving for a full recovery from her illness, and always worked hard and proactively with us on his treatment. However, this outcome has come to this, and we are deeply saddened and heartbroken," Feathered stated. The agency added that her funeral will be held privately by only close relatives in attendance, and they are considering organizing a farewell event for fans at a later date. Her official X account will continue to operate, sharing photos and memories from her life.

Born in Chiba Prefecture in September 1971, Sakurai made her major debut in 1987 with her first role as herself in Cream Lemon: Lemon Angel (Lemon Angel). She also performed the third ending themes for Choujin Gakuen Gowcaizer: The Voltage Fighters (Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer) and Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai (The World God Only Knows). In September 2016, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry due to vocal difficulties, but later returned in June 2019.

Over the course of her career, Sakurai voiced many memorable characters including Mylene Flare Jenius from Macross 7, Misao Makimachi from Rurouni Kenshin, Shirona from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Hinowa from Gintama, and Meimi Haneoka from Kaitou Saint Tail (Mysterious Thief Saint Tail).

Source: Oricon News, Sponichi Annex

News submitted by nirererin

Seiyuu Life Event

15 Comments Recent Comments

Rest in peace, we lost a great one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdGJzd0-fS0

Aug 18, 2025 9:03 PM by RippleLover

She was terrific as Mylene in Macross 7 and a great singer. It's tragic to hear this, Rest in Peace.

Aug 18, 2025 5:23 PM by KurokamiPhantom

May she rest in peace, she was so young :'(

Aug 18, 2025 4:16 PM by Illyricus

Rest in peace.. :(

Aug 18, 2025 3:27 PM by Hirax

Fuck cancer. RIP.

Aug 18, 2025 11:09 AM by thebrentinator24

Yeah...
This year many passed away,
and in Japaneese animation also...

Aug 18, 2025 7:29 AM by ssvmdh

Cancer is just awful. At least Sakurai is no longer suffering. May family and friends and everyone that knew her find comfort during this time. 💐

Aug 18, 2025 5:04 AM by -PiVi-

Rest in peace lady.

Aug 18, 2025 4:57 AM by Absurdo_N

Rest in peace Tomo Sakurai and condolences to her family.

Aug 18, 2025 4:39 AM by ToumaTachibana

I only knew a few of her characters and I don't remember her voice anymore, but it's just sad. People shouldn't die at 50, it's too early. My condolences to her family and fans. I won't get around to her roles in Macross, Gintama or Pokemon anytime soon, but maybe I should try Kaitou Saint Tail where she had a major role? It looks like a cute little shoujo anime.

Aug 18, 2025 3:51 AM by RobertBobert

First Aku Toyosaki's husband, now this. VA industry is suffering so many loses lately.

Aug 18, 2025 12:54 AM by Piromysl

Surprised she was planning to hold a concert despite having cancer.

Aug 17, 2025 11:58 PM by LeonhartAugust

rip tomo-san
she was great in lemon angel too, great VA

Aug 17, 2025 11:22 PM by Catalano

"Marine from Akazukin chacha"
damn, poor _-_Sally_-_ That was one of her favorite characters
anyway, Rest in peace

⎧ᴿᴵᴾ⎫𓇢🥀🕯️

Aug 17, 2025 11:21 PM by MichaelJackson

rip death news like this gives an impression how young the anime industry people dies despite japan is known for having high average lifespan globally

Aug 17, 2025 11:14 PM by deg