Japanese voice actor Tomita Kosei, best known for being the original voice actor of Doraemon, the titular character of the iconic Japanese anime series, has passed away at the age of 84. According to Japanese media, he died after suffering a stroke on September 27.

Kosei, who’d graduated from Chuo University’s law faculty with a degree in political science, got his start in voice acting in 1963. He first voiced Doraemon when the series debuted on television in 1973. He also lent his talent to a number of other productions like Detective Conan and Astro Boy.

While Kosei was the OG voice actor for Doraemon in 1973, he was replaced by Japanese voice actress Masako Nozawa, who stepped in for the latter half of the season.

The decision baffled a lot of fans at that time, and caused a considerable uproar. However, the reason for the switch was never revealed.

Doraemon was subsequently dropped as an anime after its first season. It was only in 1979, when a second anime adaptation was produced, did it grow in popularity.

Kosei was also a voice actor in a number of Hollywood films dubbed for Japanese audience, like Kung Fu Panda and While You Were Sleeping.

In 2009, he was honoured with the Merit Award at the 3rd Annual Seiyū Award.

Photos: Weibo, Cartoon Research