Voice actress Tomo Sakurai, best known to anime fans as Cynthia in Pokémon and Makimachi Misao in Rurouni Kenshin (1996), has passed away at the age of 53. Her agency confirmed that she died on August 13 following complications from multiple-organ cancer, after being hospitalized earlier this month on August 4.
She starred as Mylene Flare Jenius in Macross 7, Meimi Haneoka in Kaito Saint Tail, and Makimachi Misao in Rurouni Kenshin. After briefly retiring from voice work in 2016 due to health concerns, Sakurai returned in 2019 and continued to contribute to anime until her illness worsened. In more recent years, fans could hear her as Sinnoh Champion Cynthia in the Pokémon anime.
Her agency expressed deep gratitude for the many messages of support. While her funeral will be private, they also note that a public memorial for fans is being considered and may be held at a later date.
The statement also notes that the account will remain active for the time being in order to share some saved photos and stories. You can read the full statement below:
Notice of Tomo Sakurai’s Passing
Tomo Sakurai, who had long been undergoing treatment for multiple organ cancer, was urgently hospitalized on August 4 due to worsening symptoms. Unfortunately, despite treatment, her condition did not improve, and she peacefully passed away on August 13.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the many messages of support and encouragement she received during her lifetime.
Tomo Sakurai always remained positive and gave her utmost effort in treatment together with us, aiming for a full recovery. It is truly heartbreaking and regrettable that it has come to this outcome, and we are filled with grief. To all of her fans who continued to support her, we sincerely apologize.
The funeral will be held privately with only close relatives present. We kindly ask you to refrain from making inquiries or requests for interviews regarding the funeral. A farewell gathering with her fans is being considered and may be held at a later date.
– Feathered Co., Ltd. (Tomo Sakurai’s agency)
Regarding this account, it will remain active for the time being. We would like to share saved photographs and stories from those times with you.
SAKURAI TOMO PHOTOCLUB
In connection with the cancellation of “TOMO Summer 2025 Live!” scheduled for August 17th, we have sent emails to all ticket purchasers with instructions for refunds. However, there are still some who have not yet responded. We kindly ask you to check the information.
– Tomo Sakurai Merchandise Management Department
Source: Feathered Co., Ltd. (Tomo Sakurai’s agency) via X/Twitter
Participate In Discussions