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Naruto’s influence on the 90s and 2000s kids has been unmatched. Being one of the Big Three of anime, the franchise became one of the most loved anime ever. Naruto Uzumaki’s journey to become the Hokage has been inspiring. People shared their joys and sorrows with the characters and accepted them as part of their lives.
For two decades, the fans have been religious following the anime, and after its conclusion, the popularity has only increased. However, nothing lasts forever. Recently, one of the popular voice actors, Emi Shinohara, passed away. She was the voice actor of Kushina Uzumaki. Fans were sad to hear the news, but after Minato Namikaze’s voice actor left an emotional message, everyone broke down.
Minato Namikaze Truly Loved Kushina Uzumaki
Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki’s love story was one of the best things to happen in theNarutofranchise. Even though it was short-lived, they were always together and cared for each other. Kushina’s fiery nature and Minato’s calmness completed each other. However, the only regret they had was not getting to spend any time with their child.
minato’s VA message for kushina’s VA passing truly broke me 🥺🥺💔💔pic.twitter.com/IWDFSl74RG
Toshiyuki Morikawa wasMinato Namikaze’s voice actor, andEmi Shinoharawas Kushina’s. Even though they were not a real-life couple, their voices complimented each other and brought out the best of the duo. Working together, they formed a bond, and it helped them create a better connection. Unfortunately, on August 22, 2025, Emi Shinohara passed away. The voice actor had been undergoing treatment for an unknown illness during her final days.
Minato’s voice actor, Toshiyuki Morikawa, left a message for the late Emi Shinohara. He said,“I sincerely pray for the repose of Emi Shinohara’s soul. Playing a married couple with her in Naruto, that iconic scene remains my fondest memory even now. You truly worked hard. I believe we’ll meet again someday.”Everyone was emotionally moved to see Morikawa leave such a heartbreaking message for his co-worker. It shows how strong their connection was beyond their profession.
Fans React To Emi Shinohara’s Death
Emi Shinohara’s sudden death shocked the entireNarutofandom. Kushina is one of the loved characters of the franchise, and to see his voice actor passing away is truly saddening. After the voice actor’s death, fans took social media by storm. Everyone was touched by Morikawa’s words, and countless people commented on social media.
Bless every naruto VA. Honestly, every voice actor because I’m seeing alot are passing recently
yes i believe he was definitely talking abt that 🥺💔pic.twitter.com/HkoEbXjPrU
OH MY GOD 😭
What is this water in my eyesssss 😭😭
Hope she’s in a better place rest in peace 😭🙏
Kushina and Minato’s screentime was quite less compared to other side characters, but being the parents of the protagonist, they always held a special place in everyone’s hearts. The couple sacrificed themselves to save the village and their child from the Nine-Tails and the Masked Ninja (Obito Uchiha). They set an example for others to follow, and Toshiyuki Morikawa followed it in real life.
Narutois currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Priyanko Chakraborty
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :883
Priyanko is an aspiring economists who is a secret member of the anime world. Unfortunately, he is a Manchester United fan. He has watched multiple anime only to leave them halfway between. His day goes by playing video games, scrolling through reels, watching anime, and rarely opening his books.
