The voiceover actress, who voiced Anna in the dubbed Japanese version of Disney's film, is pronounced dead by doctors following 'probable suicide' attempt in a hotel in Sapporo.
- Dec 21, 2021
AceShowbiz - Sayaka Kanda has passed away. The voiceover actress, who voiced Anna in the dubbed Japanese version of Disney's "Frozen", was found dead after falling from a hotel room in Sapporo. She was 35 years old.
According to the statement posted on the "Idoly Pride" voiceover star's website, which had replaced all previous content with the notice of her death, the actress "died suddenly" on Saturday, December 18. The statement, which was written by the CEO of Robe Co., Kamaichi Mitsuhisa, also said that an investigation into her death is still being conducted.
"We are very sorry to give such a report to all the fans who supported us and all the people who took care of us," Kamaichi stated. The CEO of Sayaka's agency went on calling the situation "unbelievable and unacceptable." He concluded, "We are still unable to accept her passing and are trying to cope with it."
Local news outlet Kyodo News reported that Sayaka was found lying in an outdoor space on the 14th floor of the hotel she was staying at after falling from a height. The "Convenience Store Boyfriends" star was rushed to hospital unconscious but she was then pronounced dead by doctors. The news outlet also stated that the police are investigating her death as a "probable suicide" but are not ruling out foul play.
At the time of her death, Sayaka was about to perform in the musical "My Fair Lady". Producers told the news outlet that the "Star Blazers 2202" star was at the show's Friday rehearsal. However, she did not show up for the Saturday afternoon performance of the musical at the Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater, where she was playing Eliza Doolittle.
Sayaka's co-star Takako Matsu, who voiced Elsa in the Japanese "Frozen" version, voiced her heartbreak over the shocking death. Takako also pointed out that she was "speechless" over the heartbreaking news. She said, "The time we spent together is an irreplaceable treasure for me."
Sayaka is survived by her parents, actor Masaki Kanda and singer Seiko Matsuda.
