On September 10, Otaku USA shared the sad news that veteran voice actress Emi Shinohara, who played Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon and Naruto’s mom in Naruto, had died. She was 61 and had been battling an illness that has not been made public. Condolences have come from fans and colleagues, including in the form of posts on social media. But one post that’s especially getting attention came from Shinohara’s own son, who put his emotional note directly on her X (Twitter) page.
皆様へ pic.twitter.com/db53rEMQVF
— 篠原恵美 (@Emi_shinohara) September 10, 2024
SoraNews24 supplied this translation:
This is Emi Shinohara’s son.
As explained in the statement from her talent agency, my mother, Emi Shinohara, passed away on September 8.
To all of the fans who showed her so much love for so many years, and to everyone in the industry who supported her, I would like to take this moment to, on her behalf, express my deep, heartfelt appreciation.
Taking my mother’s feelings into consideration, I will refrain from mentioning the name of her illness. However, having been by her side as she continued to act as she always did, so full of life so as not to appear ill at all, it is still hard for me to believe that she has passed away.
The characters my other played, and the works she was involved in, will always remain. As long as we all remember her, the actress Emi Shinohara will live forever.
And last, to you, Mom. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You did so much for me. Rest well.
– From your loving son
Hiroshi Watari, who was married to Shinohara, also posted a message online.
https://twitter.com/watari164/status/1833450608239505682
I don’t usually post many photos of us together, but this time I made an exception.
My wife, Emi Shinohara, passed away on September 8.
There have been a lot of swallowtail butterflies flying around me lately.
I felt like they were some kind of messenger.Looking back, it was a wonderful 26 years.
Thank you. Rest in peace
Thank you to everyone who supported us.
Source: SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.