Minori Chihara

is a Japanese voice actress and singer who has had roles in several anime series. She is well known for her voice role as Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Leon in The iDOLM@STER, while in her musical career, she has been signed under King Records and Lantis. She was born in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi and was raised in Saitama. In October, she was chosen as one of the top 4 finalists for Pony Canyon, Inc.'s Voice Artist & Singer Audition「VSオーディション2003」 sponsorship contest, but did not win the grand prize. 2004 From April to September, debuted her voice acting career as Aya Natsume in Tenjho Tenge. In December, she began her blog "minorhythm" and at the same time, released her album Heroine 2005

In April, she began work as a host personality for the internet radio program Oshiyaberi Yattemasu along with Masaya Onosaka and Miyu Matsuki as the Thursday group. In May, she began hosting both radio programs Avex presents Chihara Minori no Makenai Radio and Avex presents Chihara Minori no Ikenai Radio. 2006 Her book minorhythm, based on her blog of the same name, is published in March. Chihara voiced the role of Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya for the first time. On July 8, she performed with Aya Hirano and Yūko Gotō at Animelo Summer Live 2006 Outride concert. In July, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiyas ending theme single "Hare Hare Yukai" sung with Aya Hirano and Yūko Gotō reached gold status. In November, received the Radio Kansai Award along with Yūko Gotō

2007 On January 24, released the single "Junpaku Sanctuary", ending a two-year hiatus from her personal singing career. On March 18, performed in the Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou concert. In May, began the radio program in conjunction to her blog called Radio Minorhythm on Wednesdays as part of the Lantis web radio lineup. On June 6, released the single "Kimi ga Kureta Anohi". From June 29 to July 2, appeared at Anime Expo 2007 along with Aya Hirano and Yūko Gotō at Long Beach, California as a guest of honor. On July 7, performed in the Animelo Summer Live 2007 Generation-A concert. On August 16, held a press conference that was broadcast to 115 storefronts across Japan to announce three important news items: the release of her new album Contact on October 24, her tour Live opening on November 18 as part of her birthday concert, and the release of her PV collection DVD slated for December 2007. On December 26, released the PV DVD Message 01. A follow-up track to the album Contact titled "Contact 13th" was bundled with the DVD as an extra CD.

2008 On March 26, released the single "Melty Tale Storage". On April 1, her official fanclub m.s.s. (Minori Smile Seasons) was opened. On August 6, released the single "Ameagari no Hana yo Sake" On August 30, performed at Animelo Summer Live 2008 – Challenge day 1, including a duet with Masami Okui. On November 5, released the single "Paradise Lost" On November 26, released the album Parade On December 7, performed in the Dream Stage concert at the Fancy Frontier convention held in Taipei, Taiwan. 2009 On March 29, performed in the Lucky Star Concert Called Lucky Star in Budokan -Anata no Tame Dakara- / らき☆すた in 武道館 あなたのためだから. From April to October, she again played the role of Yuki Nagato in the Rebroadcasting of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. On April 29, performed at the held at Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan with music by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Philip Chu as conductor. On May 3, performed at Ga-Rei Zero – The Live at Shibuya-AX. On June 3, released the single "Tomorrow's Chance". On July 12, performed in her first ever South East Asian concert in DaiCon 「DaiCon-大コン-」, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya in Malaysia. On August 22, performed at Animelo Summer Live 2009 Re:Bridge day 1, including a duet with Yui Horie. On December 23, released the single "Precious One". 2010 On February 4, released the PV DVD Message 02. On February 6, she once again played the role of Yuki Nagato in The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. On February 17, released the album Sing All Love. On February 24, released the single "Yasashii Bōkyaku" On April 10, released the PV DVD Message 03. On July 21, released the single "Freedom Dreamer" On August 7, released the limited single "Ittōsei" On August 29, performed at Animelo Summer Live 2010 Evolution day 2, including a duet with May'n. 2011 On February 9, released the singles "Defection" and "Key for Life" On April 4, released the PV DVD Message 04 On July 6, released the single "Planet Patrol" On August 27, performed at Animelo Summer Live 2011 rainbow day 1, including a duet with Yukari Tamura. On October 19, released the single "Terminated" 2012 On February 29, released the album D-Formation On March 21, released the single "Celestial Diva" On July 11, released the single "Zone//Alone" On August 26, performed at Animelo Summer Live 2012 Infinity day 2, including a duet with Chiaki Ishikawa. On October 24, released the single "Self Producer" 2013 From October to December, played the role of Mitsuki Nase in Beyond the Boundary. 2014 From April to June, played the role of Miku Izayoi in Date a Live II. 2015 On April 3, she once again reprised the role of Yuki Nagato in the spin-off series The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan. On April 8, she played the role of Kaori Nakaseko in Sound! Euphonium. 2021 On April 3, she announced her retirement from singing. On December 26, she performed her last concert Minori Chihara the Last Live 2021 Re:Contact. 2022 On March 31, she announced that she has left HoriPro International. On April 1, she opened the YouTube Channel Minorhythm. 2023 On August 4, she performed her resume concert Chihara Minori LIVE 2023 We are stars!. 2025 On March 1, her resume digital single "Message" was released.

Personal life

In May 2020, Weekly Flash reported that Chihara was in a six-year relationship with violinist , who was married at the time. Muroya and Chihara admitted to the relationship, though Muroya claimed they ended their relationship in 2016.

Filmography

Anime (films, TV, and web) Samurai Gun (2004), Ohana Tenkuu Danzai Skelter Heaven (2004), Ayaka Matsumoto Space Symphony Maetel: Galaxy Express 999 (2004), Arena Tenjho Tenge (2004), Aya Natsume Reprised in Tenjho Tenge: Ultimate Fight (2005) Mars of Destruction (2005) Kurita Aoi My-Otome 0~S.ifr~ (2005–2006), Raquel Mayol The Law of Ueki (2005–2006), Memory Fushigiboshi no Futagohime (2005), Lulu Major (2005), Ayane Binbō Shimai Monogatari (2006), Unnamed girl Humanoid Monster Bem (Remake) (2006), Mitsuki Kisaragi Lemon Angel Project (2006), Erika Campbell Lovedol: Lovely Idol (2006), Hina Hōjō The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006–2009), Yuki Nagato - Reprised in Lucky Star OVA (2008) Nyoro~n Churuya-san (2009) Suzumiya Haruhi chan no yûutsu (2009) The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (2010) The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan (2015) Murder Princess (Unnamed girl) Kyo no Gononi (2007), Tsubasa Kawai Claymore (2007), Awakened Being in Ep. 12 Da Capo II (2007–2008), Shirakawa Nanaka Dragonaut -The Resonance- (2007), Toa Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight! (2007), Band leader in Ep. 11 Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny (2007–2014), Chouhi Ekitoku Reprised in Ikki tousen: Extravaganza Epoch (2015) Lucky Star (2007) - multiple roles Minami Iwasaki Herself in Ep. 12 Waitress, Yuki Nagato in Ep. 16 Minami-ke (2007–2009, 2013), Chiaki Minami Over Drive (2007), Takeshi Yamato's little sister Saint October (2007), Seiran in Ep. 6 Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica (2007), Matia Machiya Venus Versus Virus (2007), Sumire Takahana Wellber no Monogatari: Sisters of Wellber (2007), Rio Ga-rei -Zero- (2008), Kagura Tsuchimiya Reprised in Tokyo ESP (2014) The Tower of Druaga (2008–2009), Coopa Needless (2009), Kuchinashi Saki (2009), Tōka Ryūmonbuchi Umineko no Naku Koro ni (2009), Sakutarou Chu-Bra!! (2010), Nayu Hayama The Qwaser of Stigmata (2010–2011), Teresa Beria Occult Academy (2010), Mikaze Nakagawa Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional (2010), Maize Mitsudomoe (2010–2011), Airi Ogata Asobi ni iku yo! (2010), Lawry Nurarihyon no Mago (2010), Sewagakari no Medanuki Rio: Rainbow Gate! (2011), Dana A Channel (2011), Kimiko Kitō Reprised in the OVA A Channel +smile Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!! (2011), Ran Yatagai Horizon on the Middle of Nowhere (2011–2012), Horizon Ariadust C³ (2011), Konoha Muramasa Hyōka (2012), Yuri Kōnosu Busou Shinki Moon Angel (2012), Strarf Mk.2/02 Queen's Blade Rebellion (2012), Yuit Saki Achiga-hen episode of Side-A (2012), Tōka Ryūmonbuchi So, I Can't Play H! (2012), Dalnia Earheart Busou Shinki – (2012), Strarf Mk.2/Hina Oniichan dakedo Ai sae Areba Kankeinai yo ne! (2012), Anastasia Nasuhara Sparrow's Hotel (2013), Sayuri Satō Beyond the Boundary (2013), Mitsuki Nase - Reprised in the movies: Beyond the Boundary: I'll Be Here – Past (2015) Beyond the Boundary: I'll Be Here – Future (2015) Phi Brain: Puzzle of God (2013), Rätsel Saki (2014), Tōka Ryūmonbuchi Nobunaga the Fool (2014), Ichi-hime Date A Live (2014–2022), Miku Izayoi Rail Wars! (2014), Noa Kashima Cross Ange (2014), Miranda Campbell Girl Friend Beta (2014), Mahiro Natsume Hibike! Euphonium (2015), Kaori Nakaseko Violet Evergarden (2018), Erica Brown My Hero Academia (2018–2020), Camie Utsushimi Princess Connect! Re:Dive (2020–2022), Tomo / Tomo Mikuma Smile of the Arsnotoria the Animation (2022), Lidel

Game Avalon Code (Neaki) Azur Lane (Z46) Busou Shinki BATTLE RONDO (Strarf) étude prologue ～Yureugoku Kokoro no Katachi～ (Asami Hagiwara) Granblue Fantasy (Orchis) Final Fantasy Type-0 (Cater) Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (Cater) Haruhi Suzumiya series as Yuki Nagato: The Promise of Haruhi Suzumiya (PSP) The Perplexity of Haruhi Suzumiya (PS2) The Excitement of Haruhi Suzumiya (Wii) The Series of Haruhi Suzumiya (NDS) The Parallel of Haruhi Suzumiya (Wii) The Idolmaster One For All (Leon) Ikki Tousen series as Chouhi Ekitoku: Ikki Tousen: Shining Dragon (PS2) Ikki Tousen: Eloquent Fist (PSP) Lucky ☆ Star: Ryōō Gakuen Ōtōsai (Minami Iwasaki) Lux-Pain (Natsuki Venefsukja) Mars of Destruction (Aoi Kurita) Memories Off No. 5 encore (Akina Ichijo) Shōkan Shōjo -ElementalGirl Calling- (Uzuki) Summon Night X: Tears Crown (Phara Mir Celestia) Tenkuu Danzai Skelter Heaven (Ayaka Matsumoto) The Kōshōnin (Lina Hanashita) Blaze Union: Story to Reach the Future (Eater, Lapis) Princess Connect! Re:Dive (Tomo) Rune Factory 3 (Sofia) Final Promise Story (Sasha) Gloria Union (Raspberry, Eater) Otomedius Excellent (Strarf) Chaos Rings II (Lessica) Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (Barbara) Date A Live: Ars Install (Miku Izayoi) Another Eden (Cynthia) Kirara Fantasia (Mint) Girls X Battle (Matador) Pokémon Masters EX (Courtney)

Drama CD

B Gata H Kei (Kyouka Kanejyou) Dragon Nest: Prelude~ Awakening of Fate (Goddess Altea) Franken Fran (Veronica Madaraki) Lovedol: Lovely Idol (Hina Hōjō) The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: Sound Around (Yuki Nagato) My-HiME Destiny (Mayo Kagura) Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (Tanikawa Yuzu)

Radio Kōda Mariko no GM (April to September 2003) avex presents Chihara Minori no Makenai Radio (JOQR, Ended) avex presents Chihara Minori no Ikenai Radio (JOQR, Ended) SOS Dan Radio Shibu (Ended) Oshaberi Yattemasu Thursdays (Graduated) Chihara Minori radio minorhythm (Still running)

Chihara Minori's fans Contact (A&G Super RADIO SHOW 〜AniSuper〜: October 6, 2007, to October 27, 2007) Ga-rei -Zero- Supernatural Disaster Countermeasure Radio Room (Lantis web radio: October 18, 2008) Busou Shinki It is the radio for master. (Onsen web radio: September 24, 2012, still running)

Live events Debut 1st Anniversary Commemoration Event: Minorin Spring Celebration 2005 (April 10, 2005) Birthday Event: Minorin Birthday Celebration 2005 (November 20, 2005) Debut 2nd Anniversary Commemoration Event: Minorin Spring Celebration 2006 (April 22, 2006) Love Live 2006: Minori Chihara Birthday (November 18, 2006) I Melody: Minori Chihara Birthday Live 2007 (November 18, 2007) Starchild Presents: Starchild Collection Minori Chihara 1st Live Tour 2008: Contact/Re:Birth (March 9, March 16, March 22, March 23) Minori Chihara Live Tour 2009: Parade (February–March 2009) Minori Chihara Live at DaiCon (Malaysia) 「DaiCon-大コン-」 (July 11–12, 2009) Minori Chihara Live 2009 "Summer Camp" (August 1–2, 2009) Minori Chihara Final & Countdown Live 2009–2010 (December 31, 2009) Minori Chihara Live 2010 "Sing All Love" (April 10 – May 30, 2010) Minori Chihara Live 2010 "Summer Camp 2" (August 11–12, 2010) Minori Chihara Live 2010 "Invasion Tour" (October 9, 2010) Minori Chihara Xmas Party 2010 (December 25, 2010) Minori Chihara Film Live (February 9, 2011) Minori Chihara Live 2011 "Key for Defection" (May 2–8, 2011) Minori Chihara Live 2011 "Summer Camp 3" (August 5–7, 2011) Minori Chihara Final & Countdown Live 2011–2012 (December 31, 2011) Minori Chihara Acoustic Live "A-Formation" (February 29, 2012) Minori Chihara Live 2012 "D-Formation" (April 7 – May 27, 2012) Minori Chihara Ultra Formation/Party Formation (June 16–17, 2012) Minori Chihara Live 2012 "Summer Camp 4" (August 4–5, 2012) Minori Chihara Birthday Live (November 18, 2012)

Additional work Blister Pack V♀ices

True Love: Winter Best Songs (Commercial narration) True Love: Spring Memorial Songs (Commercial narration) Natsu Monogatari: Summer Best Songs (Commercial narration)

Discography Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPN JPNHot Heroine Released: December 22, 2004 Label: King Records Formats: CD — — Contact Released: October 24, 2007 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 11 — Parade Released: November 26, 2008 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 16 — Sing All Love Released: February 17, 2010 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 6 — D-Formation Released: February 29, 2012 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 3 — Neo Fantasia Released: December 11, 2013 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 10 — Innocent Age Released: April 6, 2016 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 11 16 Spiral Released: September 26, 2018 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 22 24 "—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Compilation albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPN JPNHot Minori Chihara B-side Collection Released: March 13, 2013 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 29 — — Sanctuary ~Minori Chihara Best Album~ Released: September 10, 2014 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 9 — — Sanctuary II ~Minori Chihara Best Album~ Released: February 5, 2020 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 16 18 26

Cover albums Title Album details Peak chart positions JPN Reincarnation Released: March 23, 2015 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 23 Minori with Strings Quartet ~弦楽四重奏の調べ~ Released: December 28, 2017 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming — "—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Extended plays Title Album details Peak chart positions JPN JPNComb. JPNHot Re:Contact Released: November 18, 2021 Label: Lantis Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 26 43 28

Singles Date releasedSingle name January 13, 2005 January 24, 2007 June 6, 2007 March 26, 2008 Melty Tale Storage August 6, 2008 November 5, 2008 Paradise Lost June 3, 2009 Tomorrow's Chance December 23, 2009 Precious One February 24, 2010 July 21, 2010 Freedom Dreamer August 7, 2010 February 9, 2011 Defection February 9, 2011 Key for Life July 6, 2011 Planet Patrol August 5, 2011 October 19, 2011 Terminated March 21, 2012 Celestial Diva July 11, 2012 Zone//Alone August 11, 2012 October 24, 2012 Self Producer April 24, 2013 October 30, 2013 February 26, 2014 Fool the World July 23, 2014 April 22, 2015 June 24, 2015 November 18, 2015 January 31, 2018 June 6, 2018 Remained dream / Hopeful "SOUL" September 4, 2019 December 4, 2019 Christmas Night

Character singles Date released Title September 29, 2004 January 25, 2006 Angel Addict February 22, 2006 Smile Means Love May 10, 2006 July 5, 2006 November 1, 2006 November 22, 2006 December 6, 2006 Candy (Bitter&Sweet) March 21, 2007 March 21, 2007 Only Lonely Rain July 25, 2007 Fragment: Shooting star of the origin September 26, 2007 October 24, 2007 October 31, 2007 November 21, 2007 December 26, 2007 Lucky ☆ Star Re-Mix002 December 26, 2007 D.C. II: Da Capo II Vol.0 January 23, 2008 January 23, 2008 February 6, 2008 February 27, 2008 D.C. II: Da Capo II Character Song Vol. 3 April 23, 2008 January 23, 2009

DVD Message 01, released December 26, 2007 Minori Chihara 1st Live Tour 2008 Contact DVD, released June 25, 2008 Message 02, released February 4, 2009 Minori Chihara Live Tour 2009 Parade DVD, released June 24, 2009 Message 03, released April 10, 2010 Minori Chihara Live Tour 2010:Sing All Love DVD, released November 10, 2010 Minori Chihara Summer Camp 2 DVD, released February 23, 2011 Message 04, released April 4, 2012

Book Minorhythm, published March 30, 2006 Minori Chihara Live Tour 2009 〜Parade〜 Live Photobook, published June 24, 2009 Chihara Minori First photobook Crescendo, published October 23, 2009 Minori Chihara Live Tour 2010 〜Sing All Love〜 Live Photobook, published October 27, 2010 Memories, published September 6, 2011 MINORI CHIHARA 10th ANNIVERSARY ARTIST BOOK LOVE LETTER, published November 18, 2014 Minorin Collection published July 29, 2016 Chihara Minori photobook minoreal published March 18, 2020