The official X account of The Idolmaster SideM has announced that Inou Kouki will be the new voice actor for Himeno Kanon, following the departure of Murase Ayumu. Fans have already begun welcoming him with messages like “Welcome to SideM!”
What is The Idolmaster SideM?
The Idolmaster SideM is a dramatic idol training game that launched in July 2014 as the first male idol production game in the The Idolmaster series. Its concept is “Reasons to be an idol!” Players take on the role of a producer at 315 Production, working with a diverse cast of male idols who come from various backgrounds such as doctors, part-timers, and self-defense officials. The franchise extends beyond the game to merchandise, music, live events, and radio.
Himeno Kanon, previously voiced by Murase Ayumu, is a former child actor idol in the series. He is part of the kids idol unit “Mofumofuen” alongside Tachibana Shirou (CV: Furuhata Keisuke) and Okamura Nao (CV: Yano Shougo).
Murase Ayumu’s Graduation
On August 18, 2026, Murase Ayumu announced his graduation from the role. The official statement described it as an amicable decision reached through discussions between both parties, keeping the future of the character and the work in mind.
New Cast Announcement
The official website later announced: “We would like to thank you for your continued support of The Idolmaster SideM. Regarding the cast change for Himeno Kanon announced on August 18, 2026, we are pleased to inform you that a new cast member has been decided. After auditions, Inou Kouki will take on the role of Himeno Kanon. We hope you will warmly welcome him. A live stream to introduce him is scheduled for September 1, 2026.”
Fans have responded with excitement, commenting: “A completely new person! As expected of iM@S!”, “I don’t know him yet, but his voice sample sounds great!”, “Welcome to SideM!”, “Finally decided! I can’t wait to see what he’s like!”, “He must be under pressure, but I’m rooting for him!”, “Congratulations! Thank you!”
Inou Kouki’s Message
Inou also posted on his own X account: “I will be voicing Himeno Kanon in The Idolmaster SideM. I will do my best while cherishing the history that has been built so far. A live stream to introduce me is scheduled for September 1, so please check it out. Thank you for your support.”
Voice Actor Colleagues Welcome Inou
Several popular voice actors have also sent welcome messages via quote posts.
Tachibana Shin’nosuke, representative of Inou’s agency BLACK SHIP, wrote: “He’s our newbie! I think he will carefully and earnestly take on the role that Murase-kun has built. Please give him your support.”
Sugita Tomokazu posted: “I-nou Battle-kun! It’s I-nou Battle-kun!”
Imai Asami, known for her role as Kisaragi Chihaya, said: “This is Imai Asami, voicing Kisaragi Chihaya. Nice to meet you.”
Yano Shougo, who voices Okamura Nao, wrote: “I’ll be appearing as Mofumofuen! Producers, please look forward to it!”
Karino Shou, voice of Kamiya Yukihiro, posted: “I’m coming out!! Inou Kouki-kun! Nice to meet you! Please take care of me! These are reliable older brothers!!”
Nakamura Shungo, voice of Tendou Akira, welcomed him: “Nice to meet you! Let’s make something great together! Please take care of me!”
