Voice actor Manaka Iwami, best known as Tohru Honda in "Fruits Basket," Akane Kurokawa in "OSHI NO KO," and Rice Shower in "Uma Musume Pretty Derby," announced on the 13th that she is married and has welcomed her first child.
Iwami shared the news on her official radio show, revealing that her spouse is not a member of the entertainment industry. She also posted the announcement on her personal X account, prompting an outpouring of congratulations from fans.
The 28-year-old Iwami decided to pursue voice acting after being moved by Ai Kayano's performance in "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day." She made her debut in 2017, with Teresa Wagner in "Tada Never Falls in Love" marking her first starring role.
Her other popular roles include Tohru Honda in "Fruits Basket," Mahiru Shiina in "The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten," Akane Kurokawa in "OSHI NO KO," and Rice Shower in "Uma Musume Pretty Derby." In 2024, her performance as Akane Kurokawa earned her the Best Supporting Voice Actor Award at the Seiyu Awards, further cementing her reputation as a standout performer.
Iwami announced the news at the beginning of her radio program, "Manaka Iwami's Radio Tekuteku" (石見舞菜香のらじおてくてく).
She said, "Hello, everyone. It has been a while. This is Manaka Iwami. I would like to take a moment at the beginning of the program to personally share some news with everyone who has always supported me. This is a personal announcement, but I am now married and have welcomed my first child. My spouse is not involved in the entertainment industry."
She continued, "I am truly sorry for surprising everyone with such a sudden announcement. Ever since I began working in this profession, whenever I have made a major life decision that I wanted to share publicly, I have always hoped to explain it in my own words to everyone who cares about and supports me. That is why I wanted to use ManaTeku to formally share this news with you."
Iwami also stressed that her passion for voice acting remains unchanged. "It has now been 10 years since I began working as a voice actor. Every day, I feel grateful for the productions I have had the privilege of joining, the characters I have portrayed, everyone who loves those works, and all the people I have worked alongside. Although my personal life has changed, I will continue giving my all to acting, the work I love most, just as I always have. I also hope that this new chapter of my life will allow me to experience more, enrich me as a person, and help me continue growing both personally and as an actor."
▼ The handwritten announcement later published on the Raccoon Dog agency website.
Iwami also apologized for being unable to attend several events during her pregnancy and childbirth.
She said, "Because of my pregnancy and childbirth, there were events for projects that I very much wanted to attend but ultimately had to miss. I am deeply sorry that personal circumstances prevented me from appearing at some of them. During my time away, I also caused difficulties for those involved with character recording sessions and the programs I host, and I sincerely apologize."