Ayumu Murase Graduates From Idolmaster SideM Role as Kanon Himeno
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.