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Recently, with the news of the passing of veteran Japanese voice actor Akira Oyama at the age of 90, industry insiders and fans around the world have expressed their deep condolences.
As a legendary figure who voiced Doraemon for 26 years, her passing has attracted widespread attention.
One of the most striking condolences is undoubtedly the feelings and memories of the current Doraemon voice actor, Mizutani Yamaki.
Da Shan Xian Dai’s voice acting career: synonymous with Doraemon
Da Shan Xiandai took over the voice acting work for Doraemon since 1979 and served as the voice for the character until 2005.
Her warm and recognizable voice has accompanied generations of viewers and become a part of countless childhood memories.
Even though she continued to do voice acting for other roles after stepping down in 2005, she gradually faded out of the public eye due to deteriorating health conditions, especially being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2012.
After the news of her passing came out, the production team of the Doraemon anime and Asahi TV immediately contacted the current voice actor of Doraemon, Mizuta Yamaki, for a special interview.
Memories of Shuitian wasabi: Taking over the responsibility of Doraemon
Shuitian wasabi took over the voice acting work for Doraemon at the age of 31 in 2005. Taking over such a classic role, she naturally felt immense pressure.
In an interview, Mizuta Yamakui recalled her interaction with Oyama Gendai when she first entered the voice acting industry, specifically mentioning Oyama’s rigorous attitude towards “correct Japanese pronunciation”.
She shared that as a newcomer, she often discussed improving her lines with the staff to ensure accurate pronunciation of every sentence.
This pursuit of excellence in language deeply influenced Mizuta Yamaki, who also maintained the same rigorous attitude in the process of taking over Doraemon.
Although the connection between Oyama Gendai and Doraemon characters has deeply rooted in people’s hearts, when she stepped down, she generously told the new voice acting team, “You must create your own Doraemon next
Dashan’s words made Shuitian wasabi feel relieved, and also demonstrated Dashan’s majestic and calm character, as if he were Doraemon himself.
Nostalgia and Regret for Da Shan Xian Dai
In the interview, Mizuta Yamaki also sincerely mentioned things she had never said to Oyama Kenshiro. She hopes to reunite with Oyama Gendai through the secret tool “Lie 800” (ソ 800) in Doraemon.
This prop can make people’s lies come true.
Shuitian said that if she could have this prop, she would say ‘I can see Da Shan Xian Dai again’ to fulfill her unfulfilled wish.
Shuitian revealed that after taking over from Doraemon, she had many things she wanted to say to Oyama Kenshiro, but due to her own timidity and fear, she was unable to express her inner thoughts.
Now that Da Shan Xiandai has passed away, Shuitian feels deeply regretful and self blaming, feeling that he can no longer make up for these unspoken emotions.
She also stated that there are many complex and arduous responsibilities behind Doraemon’s voice acting work, and only those who have experienced the same pressure can truly understand her feelings. Therefore, Shuitian hopes to confide his feelings to Dashan again.
Inheritance and Respect for Doraemon Characters
Shuitian wasabi not only inherits the character voice of Doraemon, but also inherits the love and persistence of Daisuke Oyama towards the character.
Dashan’s rigorous attitude of teaching by example, as well as the trust and expectations she passed on to younger generations, became the support for Shuitian in taking over this classic role. Shuitian also admitted that it was Dashan’s tolerance and support that allowed her to gradually let go of her heavy responsibilities and find her own Doraemon voice.
The passing of Da Shan Xiandai marks the end of an era. In the 26 years she voiced Doraemon, she created a deeply ingrained character image and accompanied several generations through their childhood. Her voice will always be an indelible part of Doraemon, and her influence on future generations will continue to be passed down in the voice acting industry.
As Mizuta Yamakui said, Oyama Kenshiro is not only her predecessor, but also the only person who can truly understand the heavy responsibility of Doraemon voice acting work. For the respect, nostalgia, and gratitude of Daisuke Oyama, Mizuta wasabi will continue to convey it to the world through the voice of Doraemon.