Sumiko Shiratō (白土 澄子, Shiratō Sumiko; June 26, 1935 – November 25, 2015) known professionally as Sumiko Shirakawa (白川 澄子, Shirakawa Sumiko) was a Japanese actress who specialized in voice acting.
She is best known known for her roles as Hiroshi Nakajima in Sazae-san, Hidetoshi Dekisugi in Doraemon, and Ace in Space Ace.
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Biography
Shirakawa was born on June 26, 1935 in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. Being an avid fan of radio dramas, she joined the TBS Radio Drama Troupe after having graduated from the Graduate School of Letters at Keio University. She had been affiliated with Seinen Kobo, Fuji Broadcasting Pro, Tsuchi no Kai, Nanano Kai, and Kawa Troupe throughout her career.
Death
On November 26, 2015, Shirakawa failed to attend a recording session for Sazae-san. Her body was discovered at her home by family members and Sazae-san anime staff. She reportedly died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage at her home in Tokyo the night before on November 25.
She was 80 years old.
Tribute and posthumous releases
A memorial message for Shirakawa was shown during the November 27 broadcast of Doraemon, with her final appearance on Sazae-san being broadcast on November 29.
Her wake was held on December 4, with her funeral and memorial service held at the Yoyohata Funeral Hall in Shibuya a day later, her brother Mitsuharu Shiratō serving as chief mourner.
Miina Tominaga, the voice of Katsuo Isono on Sazae-san, released a statement on Shirakawa's death, "I am very surprised and saddened by the sudden news of her passing. She always spoke to me so kindly at the studio. I will miss her so, so much." She spoke an in-character response to Hiroshi Nakajima's familiar catchphrase, "Hey Isono!", responding with, "Nakajima! Nakajima! We're best friends forever, right?"
Personality
Her voice range was alto.
Successors
Following Shirakawa's death, the following individuals have taken over her voice acting roles.
