Minori Chihara

Minori Chihara (Japanese: 茅原 実里, Chihara Minori; born November 18, 1980 in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan) is a celebrated voice actress and singer known for her versatile performances across anime, video games, and music. Raised in Saitama after moving from her birthplace, she entered the entertainment industry in the early 2000s, first gaining attention as an assistant on Mariko Kōda's radio program and winning the Seiyū Grand Prix Club. Her breakout role came in 2006 when she was cast as Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, a performance that cemented her status among fans and led to appearances in spin‑offs, films, and several musical projects linked to the series. She also voiced Leon in The iDOLM@STER, and has contributed to titles such as Date A Live, Beyond the Boundary, and Violet Evergarden, showcasing a broad vocal range that spans stoic characters to lively personalities. Beyond voice work, Chihara launched a prolific music career, debuting with the album Heroine in 2005 and later releasing hit singles like "Junpaku Sanctuary" and "Melty Tale Storage" under King Records and Lantis. Her live concerts—frequently tied to anime events such as Animelo Summer Live and Haruhi Suzumiya concerts—have drawn large crowds across Japan and abroad, including notable performances in Taiwan, Malaysia, and the United States. In addition to singing, she has hosted multiple radio shows, authored the blog‑turned‑book Minorhythm, and appeared in numerous drama CDs. After announcing her retirement from singing in 2017, she continued voice acting while launching a YouTube channel and staging comeback concerts in 2021 and 2023, demonstrating an enduring commitment to her fans. Personal life details remain private; a 2020 report mentioned a past six‑year relationship with violinist Kōichirō Muroya, but Chihara has not disclosed any marriages or children. Her career, spanning nearly two decades, reflects a dynamic blend of talent, perseverance, and a deep connection to the anime and music communities.