Minori Chihara

Biography

Minori Chihara (茅原 実里, Chihara Minori; born November 18, 1980) 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. She was affiliated with the talent agency HoriPro International.

Career

2003
From April to September, Chihara served as the assistant to Mariko Kōda's OBC radio program Kōda Mariko no GM, a position she gained through an audition. She won first place at the Seiyū Grand Prix Club and the right to work in the avex artist academy.
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×HEROINE22 December 2004 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1魔女っ子メグちゃん3:312jellybeans3:453マリオネット3:594傘の下3:505涙の記念日3:596NAKED HEART4:057Emotional3:378粉雪～long distance～5:239マリオネット (remix)4:51
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 Suzumiya's 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×Contact24 October 2007 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Contact3:282詩人の旅4:153ふたりのリフレクション4:504純白サンクチュアリィ4:535Dears ～ゆるやかな奇跡～6:376Cynthia4:447sleeping terror5:138too late? not late...4:289夏を忘れたら4:4610mezzo forte4:5211君がくれたあの日5:3412truth gift5:54 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×Melty tale storage26 March 2008 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 5 tracks1Melty tale storage5:502Sandglass～記憶の粒子5:093Echo of Melty tale storage -red strings ver.-7:494Melty tale storage -off vocal-5:515Sandglass～記憶の粒子 -off vocal-5:08".
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×Paradise Lost5 November 2008 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Paradise Lost4:432勇気の鼓動5:103Paradise Lost (off vocal)4:434勇気の鼓動 (off vocal)5:07"
On November 26, released the album Parade×Parade26 November 2008 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1透明パークにて1:502Voyager train5:153Prism in the name of hope4:204Fairy Tune4:285Lush march!!4:416そのとき僕は髪飾りを買う5:497Melty tale storage5:508蒼い孤島4:329光5:0410Paradise Lost -at next nest-5:1711FUTURE STAR4:5612雨上がりの花よ咲け5:0013花束6:3914everlasting...5:35
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 Suzumiya Haruhi no Gensō (涼宮ハルヒの弦奏, The Symphony of Haruhi Suzumiya) 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×Tomorrow's chance3 June 2009 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Tomorrow's chance4:582Sunshine flower5:283Tomorrow's chance (off vocal)4:584Sunshine flower (off vocal)5:28".
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×PRECIOUS ONE23 December 2009 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1PRECIOUS ONE5:242愛とナイフ4:203animand~agitato4:534ステラステージ5:04".
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×Sing All Love17 February 2010 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1覚醒フィラメント4:542Final Moratorium4:323Tomorrow's chance4:584書きかけのDestiny3:575孤独の結晶4:116Love Medicine*5:357雨音のベール4:518tea for two3:579PRECIOUS ONE5:2610サクラピアス4:1911Falling heaven's now4:4912Flame4:5113Perfect energy4:1914sing for you6:09.
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×Freedom Dreamer21 July 2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Freedom Dreamer5:212Best mark smile4:143夏色華日5:06"
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×Defection9 February 2011 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Defection4:122raison pour la saison5:273不確定性原理4:40" and "Key for Life×KEY FOR LIFE9 February 2011 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1KEY FOR LIFE5:152Happy Kaleidoscope4:083ひとりにひとつの永遠5:04"
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×TERMINATED19 October 2011 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1TERMINATED4:202巡り逢い~かけがえのないもの~5:183HYPER NEW WORLD5:29"
2012
On February 29, released the album D-Formation×D-Formation29 February 2012 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1D-FORMATION2:282Dream Wonder Formation5:213嘘ツキParADox5:194Metamorphosing Door4:075Planet patrol4:046KEY FOR LIFE5:177この世界のモノでこの世界の者でない5:098X-DAY4:079Defection4:1510暁月夜6:0111TERMINATED4:1812アイノウタ4:3213夢のmirage5:3514Freedom Dreamer5:19
On March 21, released the single "Celestial Diva×Celestial Diva21 March 2012 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Celestial Diva5:062IDENTITY5:203Celestial Diva (off vocal)5:054IDENTITY (off vocal)5:19"
On July 11, released the single "Zone//Alone×ZONE//ALONE11 July 2012 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1ZONE//ALONE4:452灼熱PARADISE6:083Forever Memories5:20"
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×SELF PRODUCER24 October 2012 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1SELF PRODUCER5:072Secret Season ～桜色の恋人～4:453ひとひらの願い6:354生まれる明日のメロディ4:24"
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 Kōichirō Muroya, who was married at the time. Muroya and Chihara admitted to the relationship, though Muroya claimed they ended their relationship in 2016.

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×Sing All Love17 February 2010 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1覚醒フィラメント4:542Final Moratorium4:323Tomorrow's chance4:584書きかけのDestiny3:575孤独の結晶4:116Love Medicine*5:357雨音のベール4:518tea for two3:579PRECIOUS ONE5:2610サクラピアス4:1911Falling heaven's now4:4912Flame4:5113Perfect energy4:1914sing for you6:09" (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×D-Formation29 February 2012 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1D-FORMATION2:282Dream Wonder Formation5:213嘘ツキParADox5:194Metamorphosing Door4:075Planet patrol4:046KEY FOR LIFE5:177この世界のモノでこの世界の者でない5:098X-DAY4:079Defection4:1510暁月夜6:0111TERMINATED4:1812アイノウタ4:3213夢のmirage5:3514Freedom Dreamer5:19" (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)

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