In a personal update shared with her fans, veteran voice actress Hikasa Youko has announced the end of her decade-long marriage. The news was shared directly by the artist via a heartfelt statement on her official Instagram account.
A Personal Decision for the Future
In her online message, Hikasa addressed the matter with a tone of reflection and gratitude. She explained that the choice was made after considerable thought about the path ahead for both individuals involved.
“After thinking about what lies ahead, we decided to walk our own separate paths,” she wrote, before expressing deep appreciation for the experiences that have shaped her life and career so far. The voice actress closed this part of her message by reaffirming her dedication to her craft, stating, “I will continue to devote myself to my work, and I would be thankful if you would continue to watch over me warmly.”
A Storied Career in Voice and Song
Hikasa Youko’s journey into voice acting was sparked by iconic anime series she watched growing up, such as Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (also known as Sailor Moon) and Shinseiki Evangelion (Neon Genesis Evangelion). After honing her skills at the Nihon Narration Engi Kenkyuujo institute, she made her professional debut in 2007.
Her big break came in 2009 with the role of Mio Akiyama in the smash-hit series K-On!. Not only did she voice the shy bassist, but she also performed as part of the in-anime band Ho-kago Tea Time, showcasing her musical talents. This role catapulted her to widespread fame within the anime community.
Since then, Hikasa has become one of the industry’s most recognizable voices, beloved for a wide range of characters. Some of her most famous roles include:
- Rias Gremory in High School DxD
- Kyouko Kirigiri in Danganronpa
- Shino Amakusa in Seitokai Yakuindomo
- Qiang Lei in Kingdom
Her career extends beyond voice acting into music, notably performing the poignant first ending theme “Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai” for the initial season of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan).
Looking Forward
Hikasa first announced her marriage back in December 2015. Now, nearly ten years later, she has chosen to share this new chapter of her life with the fans who have supported her throughout her career. Her statement emphasizes a forward-looking perspective, focusing on her continued passion for her work in voice acting and music.
Fans and colleagues have been sharing messages of support on her Instagram following the announcement.
Source: Oricon News, Sponichi Annex
