Ayana Taketatsu

Ayana Taketatsu is a Japanese voice actress and singer known for her energetic vocal performances and distinctive high-pitched tone. She rose to international prominence through her role as Yui Hirasawa in the hit anime series K-On!. Her career spans over fifteen years with hundreds of roles across anime, video games, and radio dramas.

Today she remains one of the most active voices in the industry while balancing a successful solo music career under King Records. Fans recognize her ability to portray lively youthful characters as well as shy protagonists with equal skill. She continues to perform live concerts and appear at major conventions worldwide. [edit]

Ayana Taketatsu was born on June 23, 1989, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. From a young age she showed a strong interest in performance arts and joined the drama club during high school. This early exposure to acting helped her develop the confidence needed for professional stage work. She did not enter the industry through a traditional talent agency audition but instead focused on specialized competitions designed for voice actors.

In 2007 she entered the 8th MAGES. Voice Actor Audition, a prestigious competition held by the music label MAGES. The contest tested candidates on their singing ability, voice acting range, and personality. Taketatsu stood out among the participants and won the grand prize. This victory secured her a contract with Link Plan talent agency and launched her professional career immediately after graduation.

Her first few years involved taking minor roles in various anime series to build experience. She worked steadily in supporting parts while refining her unique vocal style. The training period allowed her to understand the technical demands of dubbing and recording. By 2009 she had gained enough traction to land significant roles that would define her future success. [edit]

Taketatsu's breakthrough came in 2009 when she voiced Shizuku Mizuno in Aria the Animation. This role showcased her gentle emotional range before she landed the part that made her a household name. Later that same year she was cast as Yui Hirasawa in the anime adaptation of K-On!. The character's band Cagayake! Girls released singles that topped the Oricon charts, making Taketatsu a star in both acting and music circles.

In 2010 she released her first solo single titled Kimi no Koe ga Kikoeru, marking her transition into a full-time solo artist. Two years later she formed the duet unit petit milady with fellow voice actress Aoi Yuuki. Their debut single Sakura no Ki ni Narou became a commercial success and solidified her status as a top-tier idol voice actress. She continued to take on lead roles in major franchises including Sword Art Online as Suguha Kirigaya and Date A Live as Kotori Itsuka.

Her discography expanded with albums like Merry Christmas in 2013 and Himitsu no Hanashi in 2018. Recent projects include voicing Nuwa in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and appearing in the 2025 announcement for Hell Teacher Jigoku Sensei Nube. As of 2026 she remains active in conventions such as Anime Festival Asia Thailand and continues to record new anime episodes. [edit]

Taketatsu projects an image of approachable energy and professionalism. Her signature style features bright colors and casual fashion that matches her cheerful public persona. Media outlets describe her as having a distinctive high-pitched yet expressive voice that suits energetic young women and shy protagonists alike. She is known for being very interactive on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Her content often includes behind-the-scenes photos and direct responses to fan comments. Critics praise her versatility in switching between loud comedic roles and quiet dramatic moments. [edit]

Ayana Taketatsu holds a significant position in the global anime community but does not currently have a published ranking in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings as of October 2026. She is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Despite this lack of formal data placement, her influence remains substantial through decades of consistent work in major franchises.

The fanbase surrounding Taketatsu is highly dedicated though it lacks a single universally official name. Supporters often identify themselves simply as Taketatsu fans or use the hashtag #Ayachi derived from her nickname. Fans organize charity drives in her name and create extensive fan art and fiction collections. The K-On! fandom remains particularly active celebrating anniversaries of the show and her specific roles. Taketatsu engages back with these efforts by sharing personal updates and participating in live events where she interacts directly with attendees. [edit]

Fans often refer to Ayana Taketatsu by the nickname Ayachi, which has become a staple hashtag in online communities. She once won the Nintendo Switch 2 lottery in April 2026 while her co-star Yuichi Nakamura lost, leading to humorous social media exchanges that highlighted her down-to-earth personality. The song Don't Say Lazy from K-On! became a national hit and fans frequently report fainting or screaming during live concerts when she performs as Yui Hirasawa. Her marriage announcement to Yūki Kaji on her 30th birthday set a precedent for how celebrity relationships are handled in the Japanese voice acting sphere. She is also known for her interactive social media presence where she shares behind-the-scenes photos directly with fans. [edit]

Ayana Taketatsu lives in Japan with her husband Yūki Kaji, who is also a prominent voice actor. They announced their engagement and marriage on her 30th birthday, June 23, 2019. In November 2023 the couple welcomed their first child. Taketatsu maintains a close relationship with her family and often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. She values privacy regarding her home life but occasionally discusses her upbringing in Saitama Prefecture during interviews. The couple is frequently referred to as a power couple within the industry due to their shared profession and mutual support. [edit]

Aoi Yuuki, Yūki Kaji, Link Plan, MAGES., King Records. [edit]

Ayana Taketatsu's romantic history remained private until her public announcement in 2019. She met fellow voice actor Yūki Kaji through industry connections and began dating him around 2018. On June 23, 2019, Taketatsu celebrated her 30th birthday by announcing their engagement and upcoming marriage via Twitter. The news sent shockwaves through the anime community as both were established stars. They officially married shortly after the announcement.

The couple welcomed their first child in November 2023, bringing joy to their families and fans alike. As of 2026 they remain happily married with no reported separation or divorce rumors. Their relationship is often cited as a model for power couples in the Japanese entertainment industry. Both continue to support each other's careers while raising their child privately away from the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team analysis of Ayana Taketatsu's earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $2.4 million as of 2026. Her wealth stems from a diverse portfolio of income sources including voice acting salaries, music sales, and convention appearances. She earns significant revenue from her long-running roles in major anime franchises like Sword Art Online and K-On!.

Her music career contributes substantially through album sales, digital streaming, and concert ticket revenue. The duo unit petit milady also generates income from merchandise and live performances. Endorsement deals for games and lifestyle products add another layer to her financial stability. International convention fees from events like Anime Festival Asia provide additional earnings. The estate value remains stable given her continued activity and growing catalog of licensed works. [edit]