Voice actress Youko Hikasa announced on Wednesday that she has divorced, bringing an end to her ten-year marriage. The announcement was made through a personal statement shared on her Instagram account.
In her message, Hikasa explained that the decision was reached after careful consideration of the future, stating, “This is a very personal matter, but I would like to report that I have ended my marriage. After thinking about what lies ahead, we decided to walk our own separate paths.”
She also expressed gratitude for the relationships and experiences that have shaped her so far. “I am thankful for all the connections I have been given so far, and for every encounter and day that helped make me who I am today,” Hikasa wrote. “I will continue to devote myself to my work, and I would be thankful if you would continue to watch over me warmly.”
Hikasa began pursuing a career in voice acting after being inspired by anime such as Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon) and Shinseiki Evangelion (Neon Genesis Evangelion). She trained at Nihon Narration Engi Kenkyuujo (Japan Narration Acting Institute, also known as NichiNare) and made her professional debut in 2007. Hikasa gained widespread recognition in 2009 for her role as Mio Akiyama in K-On!, where she also performed as part of the in-series band Ho-kago Tea Time.
Hikasa is a renowned figure in the anime industry, known for her notable roles including Rias Gremory in High School DxD, Kyouko Kirigiri in Danganronpa, Shino Amakusa in Seitokai Yakuindomo, and Qiang Lei from Kingdom. In addition to her voice acting work, she has pursued a successful music career, performing the first ending theme “Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai” for the first season of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan).
Hikasa previously announced her marriage in December 2015. She concluded her statement by reaffirming her commitment to her professional work and asking for continued support as she moves forward.
Source: Oricon News, Sponichi Annex
