was a Japanese voice actress and narrator from Osaka Prefecture. Many of her voice acting roles were older women, young boys, or tomboyish young girls.
She is best known for her voice acting roles as the titular character in Tensai Bakabon, Hanako Hanazawa in Sazae-san, Sunakake Babaa in GeGeGe no Kitaro, Chikako in Himitsu no Akko-chan, the titular character in Ganbare!! Robocon, and Shōta Yamada in Chibi Maruko-chan.
Biography Yamamoto was born in Osaka Prefecture on August 7, 1940.
Ever since she was a child, she wanted to become a singer and graduated from the Department of Home Economics at the Soai Women's Junior College."Tōjō" column in the May 7, 1983 morning edition of Kahoku Shimpō.
"Bitten by the acting bug" during her days as a student, Yamamoto moved to Tokyo after she graduated from college. She, relying on her older brother working as a manager at the Senuza theater troupe at the time, joined the theater troupe,"Star Flash" (in Japanese). Shizuoka Shimbun. where she learned the fundamentals of theater.
Originally Yamamoto wanted to be a live-action actress, but changed her mind and decided to become a voice actress instead, realizing, "as an actress, I would absolutely never get to play beautiful roles" and "with voice acting, your face doesn't matter, and I can even play handsome young boy roles."「テレビ告知板 人気マンガの主人公の"声"は私です」『主婦と生活』 Vol. 25. No. 11 (in Japanese). Shufu to Seikatsu-sha. September 1970. page 123.
She made her anime debut in 1963 as the voice of Wally in Wolf Boy Ken.
After working with the Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Cooperative Society, she participated in the founding of Aoni Production in 1969 and was affiliated with the company up until her death.
Starting in 1972, Yamamoto became the second voice actress of the character Hanako Hanazawa in Sazae-san.
In late 2020, it was announced that Yamamoto would take a hiatus from Sazae-san in order to receive treatment for a leg fracture, with Kazue Ikura serving as her substitute.
In October 2023, it was announced that Yamamoto stepped down from the role of Hanako Hanazawa on Sazae-san after over 50 years. Later that same year, she also stepped down from her role as Shōta Yamada on Chibi Maruko-chan.
Death Yamamoto died from sepsis on April 18, 2024, at the age of 83. Per her family's wishes, her death was not officially announced until July 28 of that year.
Successors Following Yamamoto stepping down from her roles due to her advancing age and subsequent death, the following individuals have taken over some of her voice acting roles. SuccessorCharacterWorkDebutEriko KawasakiHanazawa's mother Sazae-san Broadcast on March 26, 2017Masuo's motherBroadcast on May 12, 2019Takeo's motherBroadcast on September 22, 2019Rumi OchiaiAnago's wifeBroadcast on May 15, 2022Kumiko WatanabeHanako HanazawaBroadcast on November 5, 2023Teiyū Ichiryūsai served as a substitute for the January 5, 2015 broadcast, while Kazue Ikura served as a substitute from the September 20 to October 11, 2020 broadcasts.Yuriko YamamotoMrs. Ōishi Chibi Maruko-chan Broadcast on May 1, 2022Emi MotoiShōta YamadaBroadcast on Feb 4, 2024Mami MatsuiHamaji's motherBroadcast on December 8, 2024Kimiko SaitōWhale Kutan Let's Go! Anpanman Broadcast on January 5, 2024
Filmography Television animation + List of voice performances in television animation Year Title Role Notes Source 1963 Astro Boy Marie 1964 Wolf Boy Ken Wally Big X Hans Engel 1965 Tatakae! Osper Osper Lead role 1966 Osomatsu-kun Choromatsu, Karamatsu, Ichimatsu Substitute voice for Ichimatsu, credited under "Emiko Suzuki" (鈴木恵美子) for first half 1967 Sally the Witch Nakano, Araki, Abe, Yamamoto, Busuo, Shinnyo 1968 GeGeGe no Kitarō Additional voices Cyborg 009 Additional voices 1969 Himitsu no Akko-chan Chikako, Mori, Jiyunpei, Yōta, Take, Norikazu, Santarō, Kanta Mōretsu Atarō Atarō Lead role Tiger Mask Goro, Tsuyoshi, Yoshimizu Saburo, Rota, Gaboten 『タイガーマスク 虎だ! お前は虎になるのだ!!』(in Japanese). Kawade Shobō Shinsha. September 20, 2003. pages 126–127. . Attack No. 1 Kaori Yagisawa Pyunpyun Maru Kemeko Substitute voice 1970 Inakappe Taishō West II 1971 Star of the Giants Additional voices Andersen Stories Young Ib Apatchi Yakyūgun Daikon, Mari's mother Kunimatsu-sama no Otoridai Jirō Shiobara, Nobuotto, Akibo, Boo, Matsukichi, Additional voices GeGeGe no Kitarō Sunakake Babaa Tensai Bakabon Bakabon Lead role 1972 Sarutobi Ecchan Additional voices Lupin the 3rd Part I Shukjo Ep. 14 Mock of the Oak Tree Franco New Moomin Holtdell Sazae-san Hanako Hanazawa, Hanazawa's mother, Mrs. Anago, Masuo's mother, Takeo's mother, Cassie, Additional voices Second voice of Hanako Hanazawa and Mrs. AnagoFirst voice of Hanazawa's mother, Masuo's mother, and Takeo's mother Triton of the Sea Gem Akadō Suzunosuke Akadō Suzunosuke Lead role Devilman Makimura Kensaku/Tare-chan 「女性篇」『声優事典 第二版』(in Japanese). Kinema Junpo Co., Ltd. March 30, 1996. . Mazinger Z Additional voices 1973 Babel II Chii-bou Main role Jungle Kurobe Additional voices Doraemon Sewashi The Gutsy Frog Shinpachi Gotō, Kanpei Yamashita, Tanaka First voice of Shinpachi, Second voice of Kanpei 「富野由悠季フィルモグラフィー（原口正宏）」in『富野由悠季 全仕事』(in Japanese). Kinema-Junpo Co., Ltd. (Kinejun Mook), June 9, 1999. page 416. . Little Wansa Bumble Main role Microid S Shinkichi 『ミクロイドS』DVD-BOX, AVBA-29207〜11（DVD5枚組）(in Japanese). Toei Animation. Avex Inc.. Pony Canyon. March 27, 2009. In enclosed「ガイドブック」page 5. Miracle Girl Limit-chan Nobuko Asami, Jun Kurimoto 1974 Cutie Honey Pochi Heidi, Girl of the Alps Village Child Aim for the Ace! Additional voices Majokko Megu-chan Rabi Kanzaki Getter Robo Koichi, Hiroshi Yoichi Iwasa.「『ゲッターロボ』『ゲッターロボG』ゲスト・キャスト一覧」『ゲッターロボ大全』(in Japanese). Futabasha. October 15, 1998. p. 210. Calimero Buta, Betty, Mrs. Pape First voice 1975 First Human Giatrus Additional voices Maya the Honey Bee Imomushi, Kawagera, Yadoribae, Okera Getter Robo G Katsuya, Kamekichi Ganso Tensai Bakabon Bakabon Lead role 1976 Steel Jeeg Saburo Yamanaka LD『鋼鉄ジーグ VOL.2』. back of the package. Machine Hayabusa Hiroshi Kamikaze Chōdenji Robo Combattler V Kotaro Tobita 「各話解析」『長浜忠夫ロマンロボットアニメの世界 コン・バトラーV ボルテスV ダイモス ダルタニアス大全』(in Japanese). Futabasha. July 15, 2003. 38 pages. Magne Robo Gakeen Additional voices Candy Candy Young Tom Little Lulu and Her Little Friends Tubby 1977 Glacier Warrior Gaislugger Ii Taro Jetter Mars Kōsaku Chōgattai Majutsu Robo Ginguiser Taichi Dino Mech Gaiking Gorō Ippatsu Kanta-kun Santa 1978 Majokko Tickle Fuuko, Tadashi Yoshikawa, Kaoru Yamaya Angie Girl Arthur Ikkyū-san Additional voices 1979 Galaxy Express 999 Boy, Newspaper Woman, Manabu Sunayama, Okamisan, Kikuo Boy in Ep. 30 Gatchaman II Boy A Zenderman Jimmy Cyborg 009 Honko, Chiko Story of the Knights of the Round Table: Blazing Arthur Tom Space Carrier Blue Noah Dr. Sayoko Sakuramachi (Surgeon) 1980 Burn, Arthur: The Prince of the White Horse Pete Fisherman Sanpei Masaharu Kase Main role The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Older Brother Ganbare Gonbe Gonbe Lead role Ganbare Genki Sadakichi's mother, Otaki, Chindonya, Araki Kaibutsu-kun Black Mantle Hag, Funyara, Granny Grimm, Pengu, Puwapuwa, Additional voices Second voice of Granny Grimm Doraemon Toraemon, Motoyama, Tsugeguchi Toraemon in Ep. 433 1981 Astro Boy True, Dolphin True in Ep. 22, Dolphin in Ep. 36 Hello! Sandybell Mrs. Honor Saikyo Robo Daioja 1 Tomkin Debuted in Ep. 6 Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Poop-Boy, Akiko-san, Boku-chin, Kanta Yattodetaman Toyotomi Hideyoshi Debuted in Ep. 8 Bokura Mangaka: Tokiwa-sō Monogatari Landlady, Doraemon Television special 1982 Asari-chan Old woman, Aomori, Grandmother Old woman in Ep. 3, Aomori in Ep. 7, Grandmother in Ep. 47 Ninja Hattori-kun Grandmother Boku Patalliro! Patababa The Call of the Wild Additional voices Two Down Full Base Tatsuo Yamakawa Television film Roly-Poly Pollon – The Story of a Bratty Goddess Eros, Additional voices The Kabocha Wine Masuo Masuda 1983 Kinnikuman Nachiguron, Kinkotsu-Obaba 「ここが聞きたい」 in『ジ・アニメ』(in Japanese). Kindai-Eiga Publications Inc. August 1, 1985. page 141. Magazine code 05317-8. Eagle Sam Eagle Sam Lead role Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger Carmen the 25th Manga Aesop Monogatari Ton 1984 Kinnikuman: Showdown! The 7 Justice Supermen vs. The Space Samurais Nachiguron Television special Gu Gu Ganmo Sudare 1985 Yutaro, Additional voices Lupin the 3rd Part III Queen Gretchen Ep. 43 GeGeGe no Kitarō Jakotsu-Baba, Zashiki-warashi, Akane's mother, Mannen, Old Woman, Sozu-ka-ba, Kasha, Shisa Jakotsu-Baba debuts in Ep. 4 1986 Little Ghost Q-Tarō Yasubee Onegai! Samia-don Additional voices Robotan Additional voices 1987 New Maple Town Stories: Palm Town Chapter Flower Shop Owner, Maggie Ninja Akakage Genta Bikkuriman Tenshi Dan-Jack Main role 1988 Tatakae!! Ramenman Bihun Ep. 13 Himitsu no Akko-chan Chikako, Moko's mother 1989 Kiteretsu Daihyakka Yone Karino, Yachiyo, Ume, Suzuko, Enchō First voice of Yone Karino Dragon Ball Grandma Hakkake 1990 Let's Go! Anpanman Kuutan the Whale, Bakeru-kun First voice of Kuutan the Whale, Second voice of Bakeru-kun Shin Bikkuriman God Emperor Jack Chibi Maruko-chan Shōta Yamada, Mrs. Hamazaki, Mrs. Ōishi Chimpui Kaiser Ep. 18 1991 Dragon Quest: Legend of the Hero Abel Mokomoko's mother Ep. 42 1992 Ultraman Kids: 30 Million Light-Years in Search of Mother Uranaishi Ura Fantasy Adventure: The Adventures of Puss in Boots Additional voices Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai Oba-san 1993 Dragon Ball Z East Kaiō 1994 Mahoujin Guru Guru Magical Obaba 1995 Chibi Maruko-chan Shōta Yamada, Hamaji's mother, Mrs. Ōishi First voice World Fairy Tale Anime First Pig, Cat First Pig in Ep. 9, Cat in Ep. 23 1996 GeGeGe no Kitarō Sunakake Babaa 1997 Shōnen H Ga Mita Sensō Mother 1998 The File of Young Kindaichi Yurie Kimisawa Debuts in Ep. 51 Fushigi Mahou Fan Fan Pharmacy Liliel Himitsu no Akko-chan Chikako, Moko's mother Dr. Slump Ryōta, Akiko-san, Unchi-kun Crayon Shin-chan Ibirida 1999 Shūkan Sutōrī Rando Additional voices Live action/anime variety show 2000 Shinzo Burtle Debuted in Ep. 13 Pipo Papo Patrol-kun Nōbo, Poppy, Kenta, Parabo, Pregnant Woman, Boy Doki Doki Legend Mahō Obaba 2001 Nono-chan Matsuko Yamada 2002 Baby Grandma Koume Jinguji, Ume Jinguji Trotting Hamtaro Devihamukun Kirby of the Stars Escargon's Mother 2003 Kasumin Donabe One Piece Amazon 2004 Great Detective Conan Tatsue Egami, Eri Senju Tatsue Egami in Ep. 363, Eri Senju in Eps 394–396 2005 Zatch Bell! Riou 2006 Nerima Daikon Brothers Director Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori Oba-chan Aria the Natural Oba-san Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z Lil' Arturo Debuts in Ep. 14 2007 GeGeGe no Kitarō Sunakake Babaa, Yashi Otoshi, Shīsā Bokurano Black Koyemshi Shugo Chara! Nobuko Saeki 2008 Negibōzu no Asatarō Additional voices 2011 Nichijou – My Ordinary Life Yūko Aioi's mother Debuts in Episode 9 2015 Kurayami Santa Kotaro, Uchūjin
Theatrical films + List of performances in theatrical films Year Title Role Notes Source Ore ni Tsuite Koi! Yumiko Matsuki Panda's Great Adventure Pinch Puss 'n Boots: Around the World in 80 Days Small Mouse Unico in the Island of Magic Monster Child Kinnikuman Nachiguron Pink: Water Bandit, Rain Bandit Black Dorami-chan: Wow, The Kid Gang of Bandits! Arara Short film Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: N-cha! Clear Skies Over Penguin Village Dodongadon Crayon Shin-chan: Pursuit of the Balls of Darkness Ball King Nakamur Let's Go! Anpanman: The Tears of the Mermaid Princess Sea Witch Let's Go! Anpanman: Gomira's Star Tartan Crayon Shin-chan: Fierceness That Invites Storm! The Battle of the Warring States Yoshino Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys Gonbe (Munchlax) One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island Keroko The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Grandmother Let's Go! Anpanman: Apple Boy and the Wishes for Everyone Kuutan the Whale Chibi Maruko-chan: A Boy from Italy Shōta Yamada Final film role
Video games Popful Mail (1994) (Gaw, PC Engine version) Kingdom Hearts II (2005) (Chicken Little) Dark Chronicle (????) (Future Rin) Super Dodge Ball (1996) (Misuzu)
Tokusatsu