Original Fujiko Voice Actress From ‘Lupin III’ Passes Away

Masuyama Eiko, 88, has passed away. As Fujiko in Lupin III, she voiced one of the most recognizable female anime characters in history.

By Noah Oskow

As the original anime femme fatale, there have been few more legendary characters in the history of Japanese animation than Mine Fujiko. The sometimes adversary, sometimes lover of master thief Arsène Lupin III, Fujiko has been an enduring presence in Japanese pop culture since her debut in the late 1960s. Now, the voice actress who lent Fujiko her iconic, sultry voice for most of the character’s history had passed away. Masuyama Eiko, an icon of Japanese-language voice acting, was 88. Her death was announced via the official Lupin III Twitter account.

Masuyama originated the voice of Fujiko back in 1969, voicing the character in the first Lupin III TV pilot, an adaptation of the action manga by author Monkey Punch. While another actress was chosen for the role when the pilot went to series in 1971, Masuyama returned as Fujiko in the 2nd (and arguably most iconic) Lupin series, airing from 1977–78. She continued to voice the character for another 33 years, including in the 3rd Lupin series (’84-’85) and nearly 30 theatrical and TV anime films. Among these is 1979’s beloved Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro, the theatrical directorial debut of master…