Overview

Hiromi Tsuru (March 29, 1960 – November 16, 2017) was a Japanese voice actress and performer whose career spanned several decades. She became widely known for giving voice to Bulma in the Dragon Ball franchise, a role she performed in television, films and games for more than 31 years. Born in Hokkaido, Tsuru worked across anime, original video animation and video games, earning recognition for both leading and supporting characters.

Career and notable roles

Tsuru's range covered energetic heroines, witty supporting characters and more mature roles. Her voice became closely associated with a number of popular series from the 1980s through the 2010s. She voiced characters that appear regularly in lists of classic anime performances.

  • Bulma (Dragon Ball franchise) — long-running principal role
  • Ukyo Kuonji in Ranma ½ — tomboyish love interest
  • Dokin-chan in Soreike! Anpanman — character in a children's classic
  • Madoka Ayukawa in Kimagure Orange Road — a key romantic lead
  • Miyuki Kashima in Miyuki, Reiko Mikami in Ghost Sweeper Mikami
  • Meryl Stryfe in Trigun, and Naomi Hunter in the Metal Gear Solid videogame series

Artistic style and influence

Tsuru was admired for a bright, expressive delivery capable of comedic timing and emotional nuance. Her performances contributed to character identities that persisted across multiple adaptations and media formats. Long-term associations like her portrayal of Bulma helped shape the public image of several franchises and influenced younger voice actors in Japan.

Death and aftermath

Tsuru died suddenly on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo. Reports at the time indicated the cause was an aortic dissection, a serious medical condition affecting the major artery from the heart. Her passing prompted tributes from colleagues and fans, and productions that featured her regular characters made adjustments while honoring her contribution.

Legacy

Hiromi Tsuru is remembered both for the length of her career and the variety of characters she brought to life. Her voice appears in many anime series and games that remain in circulation, and her work continues to be cited in retrospectives about influential Japanese voice actors. For those exploring classic anime from the 1980s and 1990s, her performances are often recommended viewing.

For more details on specific roles, release histories and cast credits, consult dedicated databases and official franchise materials.