Bayonetta Voice Actress Atsuko Tanaka Passes Away

Atsuko Tanaka, the Japanese voice of Bayonetta, has passed away after an unnamed illness she had lived with for more than a year. She was 61 years of age.

Her Son Pays Tribute

The news of her passing was shared by her son Hikaru Tanaka on social media earlier this week. He said she “fought… with grace, humour and strength” during her illness.

I believe it was a life that was truly characteristic of Atsuko Tanaka, her son wrote. I feel truly blessed to have had such a proud mother.

PlatinumGames Pays Tribute

This morning, Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames shared its own sadness on hearing of Tanaka’s death.

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Atsuko Tanaka, who provided the Japanese voice of the titular character in the Bayonetta series, PlatinumGames wrote. We are extremely grateful to her for breathing life into the character of Bayonetta, and offer our deepest condolences to her loved ones at this difficult time.

Atsuko Tanaka’s Legacy

In addition to her role as Bayonetta, Tanaka is also known for her portrayal of Ghost in the Shell’s Kusanagi Motoko, as well as a number of video game series, including Lara Croft in earlier Tomb Raider games, Yennefer in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Trish in Devil May Cry 5.

Atsuko Tanaka will be deeply missed by fans all around the world.