Eiko Masuyama (増山 江威子, Masuyama Eiko; born Tomoko Masada (政田 知子, Masada Tomoko), April 22, 1936 – May 20, 2024) was a Japanese actress and narrator. She was affiliated with Aoni Production at the time of her death. She was most known for originating the roles of Fujiko Mine in Lupin III, Honey Kisaragi in Cutie Honey, and Bakabon's Mama in Tensai Bakabon.
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Biography
Early life
Eiko Masuyama was born on April 22, 1936, the youngest of four sisters. When she was young she spoke slowly. Her teacher told her "You can't talk properly". At age 12, she joined the Children's Theater Company to improve her speech. She studied under Miyoko Asō, overcoming the complex. She later became interested in acting.
Career
When Masuyama was too old for the children's company, Sanno theatrical company was launched by actors Sandayū Dokumamushi and Yasushi Inayoshi.
She became a member of Aoni Production in the 1960s. She began to focus on voice acting because of its scheduling flexibility, to balance childcare and work.
Masuyama focused on narration, but in anime works she sometimes reprised the voices of earlier characters.
Final years & death
In 2017, she was awarded the "Anime Outreach Category" at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2017.
In 2021, she won the "Merit Award" at the 15th Seiyu Awards.
Masuyama died of pneumonia on May 20, 2024, at the age of 88. Her death was announced a month later by Aoni.
Filmography
Dubbing
The Sound of Music (Baroness Elsa von Schraeder (Eleanor Parker))
Josie and the Pussycats (Melody Valentine)
