Marika Kōno cancels May 2025 events after receiving threat |
Voice actress Marika Kōno, famous for her roles in Uma Musume Pretty Derby and ONIMAI: I’m Now Your Sister!, has announced the cancellation of her appearances at two major anime events in May 2025. The decision comes after Kōno’s agency, Aoni Production, received a threatening email warning of harm to her life and body. In response to this serious threat, the agency immediately contacted the police and provided all digital records from the email to assist in the investigation.
Aoni Production emphasized that the safety of Kōno, the staff, and fans is their top priority. As a result, the agency made the difficult decision to cancel Kōno’s planned appearances at these public events. Despite this, Kōno continues her regular work at the agency and will continue to voice her characters in various anime projects. The agency apologized to fans for any worry or disappointment caused by the event cancellations, acknowledging how much excitement surrounded these gatherings.
The threatening email was received on April 2, 2025. Aoni Production acted quickly, filing a report with local police and submitting the email’s log data for investigation. The agency also stated that they would fully cooperate with law enforcement to track down the individual responsible and take legal action if necessary. Aoni also reassured fans that they will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all the talents under their management, making it clear that threats and harassment against voice actors will not be tolerated.
Marika Kōno may events postponed
Two important public events featuring Marika Kōno have been affected by the cancellation. The first is the Voice Actor Card Collection Vol. 15 event scheduled for May 10, 2025. This event, where Kōno was set to meet fans and celebrate her career, has been officially postponed. The second event, the Onsen Festival 2025 stage at Machi Asobi Vol. 28, scheduled for May 11, has also been canceled, as Kōno was scheduled to attend as a guest.
These changes were made to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including Kōno, the event staff, and the attendees. While new dates for these events have not been confirmed, Aoni Production promised to provide updates when the situation improves and it is safe to reschedule. Fans have expressed their understanding and support for Kōno, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Marika Kōno anime roles and 2025 projects
Marika Kōno is one of Japan’s top voice actresses, renowned for her versatility and skill. Her voice can be heard in several popular anime, with notable roles including Silence Suzuka in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Mahiro Oyama in ONIMAI: I’m Now Your Sister!, and Mizuki Yuiga in We Never Learn. She also plays Flamme in the new series Synoduality: Noir.
In Spring 2025, Kōno is starring as Seiha Shiunji in The Shiunji Family Children, an anime that began airing on April 8, 2025. Despite the recent cancellations, Kōno’s dedication to her craft and her ongoing projects continue to bring joy to her many fans worldwide. The support she’s received highlights her importance in the anime industry and the bond she shares with her audience.
