Premiering in July, the TV anime "Yanineko," based on the manga of the same name, has garnered significant attention and praise from fans. The series offers a brutally realistic and gritty portrayal of smokers and various addictions, all wrapped in excellent production and an absurd storyline.
The anime's 10th episode, which aired late on the 11th, featured a surprising voice actress: former Morning Musume and W member Ai Kago. She lent her voice to the "Raptor Woman" character and narrated the end-card animation (Eye Catch), sparking a heated online discussion. Kago herself was previously involved in a controversial "underage smoking incident."
Ai Kago shot to stardom at an astonishing pace, joining Morning Musume at the record-young age of 12 and performing on NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen by the end of the same year. However, her career took a drastic turn at 17 when a weekly magazine exposed her underage smoking, leading to a suspension of activities. A second smoking incident later resulted in her dismissal at 19.
She made a comeback in April 2008 under a different agency, pursuing an independent career. On December 21, 2011, she had a whirlwind marriage to Haruhiko Ando, a repeat offender with Yakuza ties 21 years her senior, with whom she had a daughter. After divorcing due to domestic violence, she remarried an entrepreneur in August 2016, a marriage that lasted only six years before ending in divorce.
In episode 10, Ai Kago voiced the "Raptor Woman" from the landlord's fantasy and also served as the narrator for the end-card animation, delivering the phrase "Yanineko" in various vocal tones.
Following the broadcast, the official "Yanineko" X (formerly Twitter) account shared a message from Ai Kago:
"I was truly moved to see those incredibly cute cats actually become animated, move, and make sounds! I was invited to participate as a voice actress on short notice this time, so please pay special attention to my performance!"
Interestingly, when the 10th volume of the "Yanineko" manga was released, Ai Kago also penned a recommendation for the obi strip, stating: "These cats are so cute, yet their lives are completely messed up by cigarettes! Smoking really can change a person's life..."
Her direct involvement in the anime's main story and the end-card animation came as a surprise to many netizens, who commented: "After more than 20 years, she's still able to use this as her own material," "I think this is really great. Kago-chan and 'Yanineko,' I think it's a fantastic collaboration," "This invitation is too karmic, give her a break," and "I can't believe she accepted this offer."
Furthermore, original author "Nyannyan Factory" posted on their official X, expressing gratitude for Ai Kago's participation: "...So, thank you everyone for watching 'Yanineko' episode 10! We were honored to have Ms. Ai Kago appear in the end-card animation and as the Raptor Woman character this time! It's incredible! Thank you very much...!"
