Isamu Tanonaka

Isamu Tanonaka

Deceased · Born: Jul 19, 1932 · Died: Jan 13, 2010

Personal Details

BornJul 19, 1932 Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Biography

Japanese voice actor, celebrated for his remarkable versatility and exceptional ability to seamlessly adapt to a diverse array of roles, was born in the vibrant Taitō district of Tokyo, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fast-paced lifestyle.

He gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his iconic portrayal of Medama Oyaji, a character that has become synonymous with the beloved manga and anime series, GeGeGe no Kitarō, created by the legendary Shigeru Mizuki. Throughout his illustrious career, spanning decades, he has consistently demonstrated his remarkable range and talent, effortlessly bringing to life a wide variety of characters, each with their unique personalities, traits, and quirks.

Noted thespian, renowned for his remarkable versatility, was a stalwart presence within the esteemed ranks of various illustrious theatre companies, such as Gekidan Tōgei and Theatre Echo, prior to his association with Aoni Production at the time of his passing.

Despite the natural resonance of his voice, which might have suggested a predilection for roles that leveraged his deep timbre, he instead achieved widespread acclaim for his uncanny ability to convincingly portray high-pitched characters, imbuing them with a remarkable precision and subtlety that left audiences in awe.

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**Person Biography**

Full Name:

Born:

Nationality:

Occupation: Voice Actor

Active Years:

Notable Roles:

Awards and Nominations:

Beyond his legendary portrayal in GeGeGe no Kitarō, this renowned individual made substantial and lasting impacts on a wide range of influential anime and manga series, extending far beyond his iconic role.

Notably, he lent his talents to the production of Tensai Bakabon, a beloved and enduring series that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Furthermore, his impressive body of work includes the classic Mazinger Z, a groundbreaking and highly influential anime that has left an indelible mark on the medium.

In addition, he brought his unique skillset to Paul's Miraculous Adventure, a fantastical and action-packed series that has enthralled fans of all ages.

Moreover, his contributions to Magical Princess Minky Momo, a charming and whimsical anime, have helped to cement its place as a beloved classic.

Akuma-kun, a dark and thrilling series, also benefited from his expertise, as did Dr. Slump & Arale-chan, a hilarious and offbeat anime that has become a staple of the genre.

He also played a significant role in the creation of Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken, an epic and fantastical adventure that has captivated fans worldwide.

Finally, his memorable performance as Igor in the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series has solidified his place as a master of his craft.

Career

{"id":224948,"title":"Persona 3 the Movie: #4 Winter of Rebirth","year":"2016","character":"Igor (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/persona-3-the-movie-4-winter-of-rebirth","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224948.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224948.jpg"},"released":1}
2016
{"id":99262,"title":"PERSONA3 the Movie #3 Falling Down","year":"2015","character":"Igor (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/persona3-the-movie-3-falling-down","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_99262.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_99262.jpg"},"released":1}
2015
{"id":224949,"title":"Persona 3 the Movie: #2 Midsummer Knight's Dream","year":"2014","character":"Igor (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/persona-3-the-movie-2-midsummer-knights-dream","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224949.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224949.jpg"},"released":1}
2014
{"id":25945,"title":"Persona 3 the Movie: #1 Spring of Birth","year":"2013","character":"Igor (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/persona-3-the-movie-1-spring-of-birth","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_25945.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_25945.jpg"},"released":1}
2013
{"id":2084,"title":"Persona 4: The Animation","year":2011,"character":"Igor (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/persona-4-the-animation","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/db2ulf7ge340.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/db2ulf7ge340.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
{"id":103846136,"title":"Graveyard Kitaro","year":2008,"character":"Medama Oyaji (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/graveyard-kitaro","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103846136.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103846136.jpg"},"released":1}
2008
Graveyard Kitaro
Graveyard Kitaro as Medama Oyaji (voice)
{"id":103842341,"title":"Gegege no Kitar\u00f4","year":2007,"character":"Medama Oyaji","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/gegege-no-kitaro","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842341.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842341.jpg"},"released":1}
2007
Gegege no Kitarô
Gegege no Kitarô as Medama Oyaji
{"id":103844611,"title":"Twin Princess of Wonder Planet","year":2005,"character":"Omendo","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/twin-princess-of-wonder-planet","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103844611.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103844611.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
{"id":52609,"title":"Slayers Premium","year":"2001","character":"Master (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/slayers-premium","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_52609.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_52609.jpg"},"released":1}
2001
Slayers Premium
Slayers Premium as Master (voice)
{"id":216349,"title":"One Piece: Clockwork Island Adventure","year":"2001","character":"Boo Jack (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/one-piece-clockwork-island-adventure","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/35kv8815ms80.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/35kv8815ms80.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":103842506,"title":"Dragon Quest: Great Adventure of Dai","year":1991,"character":"Gramps Brass","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/dragon-quest-great-adventure-of-dai","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842506.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842506.jpg"},"released":1}
1991
{"id":103852687,"title":"Dragon Warrior","year":1989,"character":"Yogi (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/dragon-warrior","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103852687.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103852687.jpg"},"released":1}
1989
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Warrior as Yogi (voice)
{"id":103846365,"title":"Tatakae! R\u00e2menman","year":1988,"character":"\u30ad\u30e7\u30f3\u30d4\u30fc","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/tatakae-ramenman","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103846365.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103846365.jpg"},"released":1}
1988
Tatakae! Râmenman
Tatakae! Râmenman as キョンピー
{"id":103852526,"title":"Transformers: Ch\u00f4jin Master Force","year":1988,"character":"Donq (Humans)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/transformers-chojin-master-force","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103852526.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103852526.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":103842998,"title":"Gegege no Kitar\u00f4","year":1985,"character":"Medama-oyaji","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/gegege-no-kitaro-1985","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842998.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842998.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
Gegege no Kitarô
Gegege no Kitarô as Medama-oyaji
{"id":27639,"title":"Unico","year":"1981","character":"God 3 (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/unico","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_27639.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_27639.jpg"},"released":1}
1981
Unico
Unico as God 3 (voice)
{"id":103842067,"title":"Dr. Slump","year":1981,"character":"Gala (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/dr-slump","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842067.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842067.jpg"},"released":1}
Dr. Slump
Dr. Slump as Gala (voice)
{"id":103853054,"title":"Hoero! Bunbun","year":1980,"character":"Big (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/hoero-bunbun","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103853054.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103853054.jpg"},"released":1}
1980
Hoero! Bunbun
Hoero! Bunbun as Big (voice)
{"id":103852688,"title":"Witch Girl Tickle","year":1978,"character":"Ago","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/witch-girl-tickle","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103852688.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103852688.jpg"},"released":1}
1978
{"id":103852829,"title":"P\u00f4ru no mirakuru daisakusen","year":1976,"character":"Doppe","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/poru-no-mirakuru-daisakusen","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103852829.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103852829.jpg"},"released":1}
1976
{"id":103842768,"title":"UFO Robo Grendizer","year":1975,"character":"Mucha","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/ufo-robo-grendizer","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842768.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842768.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
{"id":103852435,"title":"Steel Jeeg","year":1975,"character":"Ootone","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/steel-jeeg","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103852435.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103852435.jpg"},"released":1}
Steel Jeeg
Steel Jeeg as Ootone
{"id":103842145,"title":"Mazinger Z","year":1972,"character":"Mucha","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/mazinger-z","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103842145.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103842145.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Mazinger Z
Mazinger Z as Mucha
{"id":81758,"title":"Animal Treasure Island","year":"1971","character":"Cat Sailor C (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/animal-treasure-island","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_81758.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_81758.jpg"},"released":1}
1971
Animal Treasure Island
Animal Treasure Island as Cat Sailor C (voice)
{"id":103842338,"title":"Tomorrow's Joe","year":1970,"character":"Miss Oyama","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/tomorrows-joe","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/6v67h3keqi90.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/6v67h3keqi90.jpg"},"released":1}
1970
Tomorrow's Joe
Tomorrow's Joe as Miss Oyama
{"id":224729,"title":"Puss in Boots","year":"1969","character":"Killer Cat B (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/puss-in-boots-1969","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_224729.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_224729.jpg"},"released":1}
1969
Puss in Boots
Puss in Boots as Killer Cat B (voice)
{"id":103846197,"title":"The Genie Family","year":1969,"character":"Papa","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/the-genie-family","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103846197.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103846197.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":103846370,"title":"M\u00f4retsu atar\u00f4","year":1969,"character":"Kokoro no Kopun B","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/moretsu-ataro","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103846370.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103846370.jpg"},"released":1}
Môretsu atarô
Môretsu atarô as Kokoro no Kopun B
{"id":103846362,"title":"Gegege no Kitar\u00f4","year":1968,"character":"Medama Oyaji (voice)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/gegege-no-kitaro-1968","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_103846362.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_103846362.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
Gegege no Kitarô
Gegege no Kitarô as Medama Oyaji (voice)