Koki Ino Takes Over Kanon Himeno Role in The Idolmaster SideM
The transition is handled as a formal cast change with a dedicated live stream, signaling that the character Kanon Himeno will continue with new audio rather than being retired, a decision the sources frame as amicable and forward-looking.
Key Facts
- Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 28, 2026 that Koki Ino will voice Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM.
- Ayumu Murase graduated from the Kanon Himeno role, with the decision announced on August 18, 2026.
- A live reveal stream is scheduled for September 1 at 19:00 JST on YouTube and Niconico Live.
- Existing audio in 315 Production episodes will not be replaced for now, but some audio may be replaced in future operations.
- Koki Ino will appear in 315 Production presents FANTASIC BATTLE FES ~Wanna step in~ performances and related content.
Reporting from 3 sources: 4Gamer.net, Denfaminicogamer, Anime Anime.
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced on August 28, 2026 that voice actor Koki Ino will succeed Ayumu Murase as the voice of Kanon Himeno in The Idolmaster SideM. Murase's graduation from the role was announced on August 18, following amicable discussions between both parties about the character's future. Ino expressed his intention to cherish what has been built so far while giving his best in the role. A special live stream to welcome Ino is scheduled for September 1 at 19:00 JST on YouTube and Niconico Live. The stream will feature Shugo Nakamura as Teru Tendo, Sho Kano as Yukihiro Kamiya, Shogo Yano as Nao Okamura, Keisuke Furuhata as Shiro Tachibana, and Ino as Kanon Himeno. During the program, staff will announce Kanon Himeno's future voice schedule and share details about the event 315 Production presents FANTASIC BATTLE FES ~Wanna step in~. The announcement notes that existing audio in 315 Production episodes will not be replaced for now, though some audio may be replaced in future operations. Ino will appear in the upcoming FES performances and related content announced after August 28.
- Koki Ino posted his own comment on X, saying he was appointed to voice Kanon Himeno and will "give my best while cherishing what has been built so far," and asked fans to watch the September 1 stream.
- The August 18 graduation notice came from Murase's office Aster Nine, which said the split followed "discussions between both parties with an eye toward the future of the character and the work."
- Murase had voiced Kanon Himeno for roughly 10 years.
- The cast change notice on August 18 also mentioned adding one new cast member to support Mofumofuen.
- Schedule details from the announcement: Murase stays on the monthly theme song for P@SSION CHALLENGE We are 315! and on some audio from the 11th STAGE ~EVER EVER@FTER~ production; Ino appears in the F@NTASY BATTLE FES ~Wanna step in~ performances, linked stories, and any new voice content announced after August 28.
- Staff plan to announce Kanon Himeno's future voice schedule on the stream, along with the latest details on the FES event.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.