Mari Mashiba is a veteran Japanese voice actress born on November 21, 1959, in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. She is affiliated with the talent agency Production Baobab. Her real name is Mariko Sugiura. Mashiba is best known for her long-standing and dual role in the nationally beloved anime series Crayon Shin-chan, where she has voiced the characters Tōru Kazama and the Nohara family dog, Shiro, since the series began in 1992. Her association with the Crayon Shin-chan franchise extends to numerous theatrical films, including Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Shinkon Ryokō Hurricane, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan: Gachinko! Gyakushū no Robo Tō-chan, and Crayon Shin-chan: Otakebe! Kasukabe Yasei Ōkoku, as well as spin-off series like Super Shiro, in which she reprises her role as the heroic canine protagonist.

Her career is marked by a talent for portraying strong-willed and often comedic young male characters, a niche she established early on. A prime example is her work in the 1988 version of Osomatsu-kun, where she provided the voices for both Karamatsu and Hatabō. This ability to embody distinct personalities within the same series continued in 21 Emon, where she voiced the character Rigel.

A significant and notable deviation from her typical roles came with her performance as Cima Garahau in the Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory OVA series and its related productions, including The Mayfly of Space and The Afterglow of Zeon. This character, a complex and ruthless antagonist, is considered one of the few instances in her career where she voiced a sensual adult woman, demonstrating her range as a performer. She has also lent her voice to other diverse projects, such as the role of Merry Pingpong in Itoshi no Betty Mamonogatari, KinPika in the Netflix series Dino Girl Gauko, and Billy JJ in Wrestler Gundan Ginga-hen Seisenshi Robin Jr..

Throughout her extensive career, Mashiba has become a familiar presence in Japanese animation, recognized for her consistency and ability to connect with audiences across generations through her long-running roles.