Masako Ikeda, the Voice of Maetel in Galaxy Express 999, Dies at 87

Voice actress and narrator Masako Ikeda passed away on March 3 at 12:27 at the age of 87. The cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage, according to the statement released by her agency, Tokyo Haiyu Cooperative.

The funeral was held privately, attended only by close family members, at the express wish of the family. The agency asked the media and the public to refrain from conducting interviews with those close to her and from offering condolences in person.

Ikeda built a career spanning more than seven decades in the Japanese dubbing industry. Among her most memorable roles are Maetel in Galaxy Express 999, Reika Ryuzaki in Aim for the Ace! , and the Chimera Ant Queen in Hunter x Hunter (2011). She also voiced Hydaelyn in Final Fantasy XIV and was the regular Japanese voice for actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and Meryl Streep.

Her career was recognized with the Merit Award at the first Seiyuu Awards in 2007 and with the Meritorious Service Award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival in 2020.

Originally published on Anitsu by Eduardo Casanova. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is preserved.