Voice Actress Masako Ikeda, Galaxy Express 999's Maetel, Dies at 87
The anime industry mourns the loss of veteran voice actress Masako Ikeda, beloved for voicing the iconic character Maetel in the classic Galaxy Express 999 series.
Voice Actress Masako Ikeda, Galaxy Express 999's Maetel, Dies at 87
The anime community has lost a legendary voice actress with the passing of Masako Ikeda at age 87. Ikeda was best known for bringing life to Maetel, the mysterious and elegant blonde companion in the beloved Galaxy Express 999 franchise.
Galaxy Express 999, created by manga legend Leiji Matsumoto, follows young Tetsuro and the enigmatic Maetel as they travel through space aboard a steam locomotive-like train. The series became a cornerstone of classic anime, running from 1978 to 1981, with additional films and specials that continued the story.
Ikeda's portrayal of Maetel was central to the series' emotional core. Her warm yet mysterious voice perfectly captured the character's maternal guidance and hidden depths as she helped Tetsuro on his journey to become stronger. Maetel became one of anime's most recognizable characters, and Ikeda's performance was instrumental in making her so memorable.
The voice actress's career spanned decades in the anime industry, contributing to the golden age of space opera anime that helped define the medium. Her work on Galaxy Express 999 remains a testament to the power of voice acting in bringing animated characters to life.
Fans across generations have grown up with Ikeda's voice as Maetel, making this loss particularly poignant for the anime community. Her legacy lives on through the timeless appeal of Galaxy Express 999 and the countless viewers who were touched by her performance.