Anime Legend Tomo Sakurai, Voice of 'Macross 7's Mylene, Passes Away at 53

The anime world is deeply saddened by the passing of Tomo Sakurai, the celebrated voice actress whose iconic portrayal of Mylene Flare Jenius in Macross 7 resonated with fans worldwide. Sakurai passed away on August 13, 2025, at the age of 53, following a courageous battle with multiple organ cancer. Her health had rapidly deteriorated after a hospitalization on August 4, which tragically led to the cancellation of her highly anticipated 'TOMO Natsu 2025 Live' concert. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2023, she had been undergoing continuous treatment, but her condition ultimately worsened. Her funeral was a private affair, attended by close relatives, while discussions are underway regarding a public farewell event to honor her immense contributions.

Sakurai's illustrious career spanned decades, beginning in 1987 as a member of the idol group Lemon Angel before she transitioned to become one of anime's most recognizable voices. Beyond her indelible role in Macross 7, her versatile talent brought to life a multitude of beloved characters. Fans will forever remember her as the spirited Misao Makimachi in Rurouni Kenshin, the formidable Champion Cynthia (Shirona) in the Pokémon TV series and games, the mischievous Shayla-Shayla in El Hazard - The Magnificent World, the elegant phantom thief Meimi Haneoka in Saint Tail, and the captivating Hinowa in Gintama.

Her extensive filmography also includes significant contributions to series such as Shakugan no Shana, Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture, and Gall Force: The Revolution. After a brief hiatus in 2016 due to vocal difficulties, Sakurai made a triumphant return to the industry in 2019, much to the delight of her devoted fanbase.

Her artistic footprint extended beyond voice acting into the realm of music, where she lent her voice to theme songs for popular series like Super Doll Licca-chan and My-Otome. The news of her passing has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the global anime community, with fellow creators, colleagues, and countless fans expressing heartfelt condolences. Tomo Sakurai's extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and the unforgettable characters she brought to life have left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture and the history of anime. Her voice, a cherished melody to millions, will continue to echo through her timeless performances, ensuring her legacy remains vibrant and immortal.