Reiko Katsuragi, the voice of Ikura from 'Sazae-san', and her 60-year journey: In memory of her artistic partner, Kikuo Kaneuchi

The other day, over drinks with an editor, the conversation turned to how there seem to be fewer actors these days with voices that truly resonate. You know the kind – voices with such warmth you can almost feel their breath through the screen. Their owners are quietly stepping back from the limelight. It got me thinking about the voice of Reiko Katsuragi. Yes, that voice we've all heard since childhood on 'Sazae-san' – Ikura-chan's adorable "Boku, Ikura!". More than that, it made me ponder the "timeless power" her voice holds.

Achieving the state of 'unconscious' performance

Comments made by Reiko Katsuragi on an interview programme last month are still quietly resonating within the industry. She mentioned that throughout her nearly 60-year career, the most important thing she's valued in her performances is "not overthinking it". The more she tried to immerse herself in a role, the more unnatural it became. True freedom in a role, she explained, comes when she stops thinking and simply surrenders to the character's world, allowing her body to move naturally.

She shared an anecdote about her long-standing role as Rika-chan in 'Sazae-san' in recent years. The more she tried to recall how she had played the part in the past, the more elusive that feeling became. This perfectly encapsulates her acting philosophy. From an analyst's perspective, it's clear she has, through decades of experience, achieved a perfect balance between conscious thought and unconscious instinct. It's less a technique and more a state of being.

The significance of her husband and comrade, Kikuo Kaneuchi

Any discussion of her career must include her husband, the actor Kikuo Kaneuchi. When he sadly passed away in 2020, we lost an actor who commanded the stage with gravitas, primarily with the Haiyuza theatre company, while also etching himself into our memories as a superb character actor in countless films and dramas.

Their relationship transcended mere marriage; they were true "artistic partners". They began their careers together in the radio drama troupe of Fukuoka's local KBC (Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting) station. Remarkably, they even shared a joint pen name, "Reiko Shiratori", when hosting a radio programme. A story still told to illustrate their bond is that when invited by Kiyoshi Takagi to join Haiyuza, Kaneuchi immediately asked her, "Why don't you audition too?" – and together they embarked on that new chapter.

• Reiko Katsuragi's real name is Reiko Kaneuchi. At the very core of her identity lies the bond with Kikuo Kaneuchi.
• The unguarded innocence she brings to Ikura-chan was surely nurtured by having a comrade at home, someone also navigating the demanding world of theatre, with whom she could share and grow artistically.
• Her later confession that she "struggled to get into character for a while after caring for my husband at the end of his life" speaks volumes about the depth of their connection.

More than just 'Ikura-chan': A legacy of iconic roles

While the public overwhelmingly associates Reiko Katsuragi with 'Sazae-san', those of us in the industry know her career is so much more. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, she voiced numerous lead characters in classic anime.

A particularly notable role is Omotchama from the legendary Tatsunoko Production's iconic 'Time Bokan' series. His mechanically delivered lines, always uttered beside the bumbling Doronbo gang, somehow made him endearing – a characterisation that only Reiko Katsuragi could have pulled off. That voice, blurring the line between machine and human, left a powerful impression on children of the time and still enjoys cult status among dedicated fans in their 40s and 50s today. Furthermore, her portrayals of girls – like Sayo-chan in 'Ikkyū-san' or Alois in 'A Dog of Flanders' – set a certain standard for voice acting in the industry for years to come.

The market value of a fading 'Showa-era sound'

Let's look at this from a slightly more business-oriented perspective. In recent years, the nostalgic consumption of anime and tokusatsu from the Showa and early Heisei eras has solidified into a reliable revenue stream in the entertainment market. Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are finding that offering these "retro anime" acts as a powerful draw for specific demographics.

Within this context, the value of a "living legend" like Reiko Katsuragi extends far beyond simple content. Her voice itself is a unique asset that physically embodies abstract brand values like "trustworthiness" and "warmth." For instance, there's immense potential for her voice to be used in commercials for food companies that pride themselves on "traditional methods" or housing manufacturers whose theme is "family togetherness." A perfect example from the past was her role as the baby kangaroo in Nissan's "Notte Kangaroo" campaign, which brilliantly linked her familiar, gentle voice with product safety.

Marketing professionals should be analysing more seriously the data behind the "cross-generational reassurance" her voice provides. Content that doesn't just evoke nostalgia, but subtly overlays an image of the "idealised Showa-era family" onto the diverse family structures of today, holds the potential to command premium advertising rates.

In conclusion: To the eternal Ikura-chan

Having lost her beloved husband and artistic comrade Kikuo Kaneuchi in 2020, and now in her 80s, her voice shows no sign of fading. If anything, I can't help but feel that the "pure innocence" in Ikura-chan's voice carries even more weight now, enriched by a life lived with all its nuances.

We are, right now, witnessing living voice acting history from the Showa and Heisei eras. As long as her voice continues to flow from our television sets, that warm, familiar atmosphere of the Showa era will continue to have a place in our Reiwa-era living rooms. Within that lies a significant business opportunity, and also, a comfort for our hearts.