Ayumu Murase Graduates From Idolmaster SideM Role as Kanon Himeno
The announcement separates the character's future from the actor's, with Bandai Namco signaling a gradual transition rather than an immediate recast, a pattern that lets the franchise manage fan expectations while keeping the door open for new voices.
Key Facts
- Ayumu Murase is graduating from the role of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM, announced on August 18, 2026.
- Murase voiced Himeno for ten years, according to his statement.
- Bandai Namco Entertainment will add one new cast member to support the kids idol unit Mofumofuen, with details to be announced later.
- Audio already released in 315 Production episodes will not be replaced, but some future operations may see partial swaps.
- Murase will continue to voice Himeno in the monthly theme song for Mofumofuen and in certain voice materials for the 11th Stage event.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Denfaminicogamer.
Voice actor Ayumu Murase is leaving the role of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM, Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 18. Murase's personal agency, Astar Nine, confirmed the departure, describing it as an amicable decision reached through discussions between both parties with the character and the franchise's future in mind. Murase expressed gratitude for the ten years spent working on SideM and voicing Himeno. Himeno is a former child model idol and a member of the kids idol unit Mofumofuen. Bandai Namco also announced that a new cast member will join to support Mofumofuen, with details to be revealed later. Audio already released in 315 Production episodes and other content will not be replaced, though some future operations may see partial swaps. Murase will continue to voice Himeno in the monthly theme song for Mofumofuen and in certain voice or sound materials used in the 11th Stage event.
Bandai Namco Entertainment confirmed on August 18 that Ayumu Murase will step down from the role of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM. The decision was made jointly with Murase's agency, Astar Nine, and is described as amicable, reached with the character and the series' future in mind. Murase has voiced Himeno for ten years, a tenure he acknowledged in a statement of thanks.
Himeno is a former child model and part of the kids idol unit Mofumofuen. Bandai Namco announced that a new cast member will be added to support the unit, with specifics to come later. Existing audio in 315 Production episodes and other content will stay as is, but some future operations may see partial replacements. Murase will still appear in the monthly theme song for Mofumofuen and in select voice or sound materials for the 11th Stage event, which is scheduled as part of the franchise's ongoing live series.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.