Reiko Katsura, a beloved voice actor in Japan, passed away on February 22 at the age of 89 due to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia. Her passing was announced by her agency, the Tokyo Actor's Cooperative, on March 4. The funeral was held privately among close relatives, with her eldest son Goro Kaneuchi serving as the chief mourner. Katsura was well-known for her long-standing role as Ikura-chan in the long-running anime 'Sazae-san', a character she portrayed since the early broadcasts. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1937, Katsura began her career in voice acting after training at the Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting Theatre Company and the Bungakuza Theatre Company. In 'Sazae-san', she skillfully voiced Ikura-chan, using distinctive phrases like 'Chaan', 'Hai', and 'Babuu' to convey a wide range of emotions. She continued to voice several characters, including Kaori and Rika, until May 2025, when she was expected to retire from her profession. Katsura's contribution to Japanese animation, particularly her role in 'Sazae-san', has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her vibrant character portrayal endeared her to many fans, fostering a lasting legacy in the realm of voice acting and nostalgia among generations of viewers who grew up with the show.