Asami Imai

Asami Imai (今井 麻美, Imai Asami, born May 16, 1977 in Tokyo) is a Japanese voice actress and singer affiliated with Early Wing.[1][2] She debuted as a voice actress in 1999 and as singer in 2009 by releasing her first single "Day by Day / Shining Blue Rain" under the 5pb. Records label. She is also well known for giving voices to Chihaya Kisaragi in THE IDOLM@STER (all related productions, except for IDOM@STER: Xenoglossia), Kurisu Makise in Steins;Gate, Tsubaki Yayoi in BlazBlue, and Ayumi Shinozaki in Corpse Party. She along with Eri Kitamura formed the music unit Artery Vein which is also under the 5pb. label.

Asami Imai
今井 麻美
Imai in 2016
Born	(1977-05-16) May 16, 1977 Tokyo, Japan
Alma mater	Meiji University
Occupation	Voice actress singer
Years active	1999–present
Agent	Early Wing
Musical career
Genres	J-Pop
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2009–present
Labels	5pb.
Associated acts	Artery Vein (Eri Kitamura), Yukari Tamura
Website	5pb.jp/records/sp/asami/

Biography

Early life

Born in Tokyo in 1977, Imai moved from Shibuya to Tokuyama City (currently Shūnan City) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, when she was eight years old. However, it is stated in her official profile that she was born in Yamaguchi Prefecture.[3] She has stated that she graduated from Tokuyama High School, was vagabond for around a year, before entering Meiji University's School of Arts and Letters, majoring in Drama and Theatre Arts.[4]

Career

In 1998, Imai won the Grand Prize for the Voice Actress category at the ENIX Anime Awards (エニックスアニメ大賞) while she was still studying. Subsequently, she debuted in the following year in the drama CD Toki no Daichi〜Hana no Ōkoku no Majo〜. In 2001, she was chosen as an assistant of the radio show, Tomokazu・Miki's Radio Big Bang. At one point of time in 2006, Imai once thought of giving up her job as a voice actress, but could not bear to leave the voice acting of her role as Chihaya Kisaragi in The Idolmaster to others.[5]

Imai left her agency ArtsVision on April 5, 2007. She then free-lanced under the agency Kaleidoscope for 7 months. On April 22, 2009, Imai released her first major debut single, "Day by Day / Shining Blue Rain" under the 5pb. Records label. In the same year, she transferred to her current agency, Early Wing on December 1. She landed her first lead role as Kiiko Kawakami in the OVA Kuttsukiboshi in 2010.[2] As she began expanding her singing career, she held her first solo live concert on December 25, 2010, and has since held concerts around the period of her birthday in May, as well as December.

On April 18, 2012, Imai was awarded the Best Female Character Voice award at the Famitsu Awards in 2011.[6]

Imai is one of two members of the musical duo Artery Vein, along with Eri Kitamura. The unit mainly performs theme songs for the Corpse Party series.[7] Imai's song "World-Line" is used as the second ending theme to the 2018 anime series Steins;Gate 0.[8] Her song "Believe in Sky" was used as the opening theme to the 2019 anime series Pastel Memories.[9]

Filmography

Animation

List of voice performances in animation

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Source[2]
2000	Platinumhugen Ordian	Nao Kozuki		[10]
2001	Touch: Cross Road	Girl C		[10][11]
2001	Prétear	Eiko		[10][11]
2001	Galaxy Angel	Boy B		[10][11]
2001	Steel Angel Kurumi 2: Expression	Junior, Student, Clerk		[10]
2001	Figure 17	Nanami Nakajima		[10]
2001	Mahoromatic	Ando-san		[10]
2002	Pita-Ten	Ken		[10]
2002	Shrine of the Morning Mist	Kukiko Sonoda		[10]
2002	Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan	Student, Reporter		[10]
2002	Petite Princess Yucie	Student		[10]
2002	GetBackers	Nurse		[10]
2003	Da Capo	Students, Children		[10][11]
2003	Kaleido Star: New Wings	Woman		[10]
2003	Bottle Fairy	Fossil Director		[10]
2004	This Ugly Yet Beautiful World	Woman		[10]
2004	Hanaukyo Maid Team La Verite	Comiket customer		[10]
2004	Doki Doki School Hours	Schoolgirl		[10]
2004	Midori Days	Lovers		[10]
2004	Burst Angel	Schoolgirl		[10]
2004	Desert Punk	Daughter		[10]
2005	Lime-iro Ryūkitan X	Shuro Naoe		[10]
2008	Hell Girl: Three Vessels	Momota Masako		[10]
2008–10	Kiss x Sis series	Yūzuki Kiryū	OVA and TV	[10][11][12]
2009	Fight Ippatsu! Jūden-chan!!	Bloody Selica		[10][11]
2009	Needless	Solva		[10][11][13]
2009–10	Koihime Musō series	Kakuka		[10][11]
2010	Shukufuku no Campanella	Chelsea Arcot		[10][11][14][15]
2010	Yumeiro Patissiere SP Professional	Gabriel		[10]
2010	Princess Jellyfish	Classmate		[10]
2011	Megane na Kanojo	Aya Ichinohe		[16]
2011	Steins;Gate	Kurisu Makise		[10][11][17]
2011	Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi	Orders manager		[10]
2011	The Idolmaster	Chihaya Kisaragi		[10][11][18][19]
2011	Sengoku Paradise Kiwami	Hideaki Kobayakawa		[10][20]
2012	Place to Place	Schoolgirl		[10]
2012	Sengoku Collection	The Splendor Katakura Kojūrō		[10]
2012	Love, Election and Chocolate	Michiru Morishita		[10][21]
2013	Senran Kagura: Ninja Flash!	Ikaruga	Also Estival Versus OVA in 2015	[10][11]
2013	Sunday Without God	Tanya Swedgewood		[10][11][22]
2013	Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation	Noire / Black Heart		[10][11][23][24]
2013	Walkure Romanze	Rena F. Avery		[10]
2013	BlazBlue Alter Memory	Tsubaki Yayoi		[10][11]
2014–15	Noragami series	Mayu	Also Aragoto in 2015	[10][25][26]
2014	Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life	Chihaya Kisaragi	Guest appearance	[10]
2014	Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster	Chihaya Kisaragi, Chihya		[10][11][27]
2014	Locodol	Aoi Anan		[10][11]
2014	Momo Kyun Sword	Kijigami		[10][11][28][29]
2014	Girl Friend Beta	Yukie Yatsuka		[10][11]
2017	Granblue Fantasy The Animation	Vira		[30]
2018	Steins;Gate 0	Kurisu Makise		[31]
2019	Afterlost	Tsuki		[32]

Film

List of voice performances in film

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Source[2]
2008	Strait Jacket	Rachel Hammond		[10]
2011	Hotarubi no Mori e	Masked child (younger brother)		[10][33]
2013	Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryōiki no Déjà vu	Kurisu Makise		[10]
2014	The Idolmaster Movie: Beyond the Brilliant Future!	Chihaya Kisaragi		[10]

Live action

• Ultraseven X (2007): Soul of Light (ep 6.)[34]

Video games

List of voice performances in video games

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Source[2]
2002	The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
2003	Muv-Luv	Archery junior 1	PC adult game As Keiko Horikoshi	[10]
2004	Flame of Recca: Final Burning	Kirito	PS1/PS2	[10]
2005–present	The Idolmaster (series)	Chihaya Kisaragi	All except Xenoglossia	[10][11]
2007	Princess Maker 5	Hiroko Sakakibara	PC	[10]
2007	Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka	Minato Nagase	PC adult game	[10]
2008	Lux-Pain	Lil	DS	[10]
2008	Luminous Arc 2	Fatima	DS	[10][11]
2008–10	Twinkle Crusaders	Amyrina, Chelsea Akotto (Starlit Brave)	PC adult game As Hikōkai	[10]
2008	To Love-Ru: Exciting Beach School Version	Mei	PSP	[10]
2008–10	Koihime Muso	Kakuka	PC adult game As Namiko Yamazaki	[10]
2009–10	Shukufuku no Campanella	Chelsea Arcot	PC adult game Also as Natsuki Miyagawa	[10]
2009-present	Puyo Puyo (series)	Ringo Andou	DS, PSP, Wii, 3DS, PS3 (since Tetris)	[10]
2009–present	Steins;Gate (series)	Kurisu Makise		[10]
2009	BlazBlue: Continuum Shift	Tsubaki Yayoi	Arcade	[10]
2010	No Fate! Only the Power of Will	Mutsuki 睦月	PSP	[10]
2010	Prism Rhythm	Caroline Marigold	PC adult game As Mikage Haida	[10]
2010	Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland	Cecilia Helmold	PS3	[10]
2010–present	Corpse Party (series)	Ayumi Shinozaki	5pb. publisher	[10][35]
2010–present	Hyperdimension Neptunia (series)	Noire / Black Heart		[10][36][37]
2010	Kurohyō: Ryū ga Gotoku Shinshō	Chiaki	PSP	[10]
2010–12	Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi	Minato Nagase (from Akaneiro)	PC adult game As Hikaru Mizusawa	[10]
2010	Love, Election and Chocolate	Michiru Morishita	PC adult game as Riko Inohara Also Portable in 2012	[10]
2011	Disgaea 4	Emizel	PS3 Also Return in 2014	[10][38]
2011–present	Senran Kagura (series)	Ikaruga		[10][39]
2011–12	Hakuisei Renai Shoukougun	Sayuri Sakai	PSP Also Re:Therapy	[10]
2011	Ragnarok Tactics	Cynthia	PSP	[10]
2011	Walkure Romanze: Shōjo Kishi Monogatari	Rena F. Avery	PC adult game As Natsuki Hasegawa	[10]
2012	Maji de Watashi ni Koishinasai!! S	Jinchu Lee	PC adult game As Maki Nishioka	[10]
2012	Nendoroid Generation	Kurisu Makise	PSP from Steins;Gate	[10]
2012–13	Root Double: Before Crime * After Days	Mashiro Toba	Also Xtend edition in 2013	[10]
2012	Borderlands 2	Lilith		[10]
2012	Girl Friend Beta	Yukie Yatsuka		[10]
2013	JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle	Sex Pistols	PS3	[10]
2013	Phantom Breaker: Extra	Kurisu Makise	from Steins;Gate	[10]
2013–15	BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma	Tsubaki Yayoi / Izayoi	Also Extend and 2.0	[10]
2014	The Awakened Fate Ultimatum	Jupiel Soraumi	PS3	[10][40]
2014	Granblue Fantasy	Vira, Friday	Mobile / Browser / PC
2015	Toukiden: Kiwami	Mio		[10]
2015	White Coat Love Addiction	Kaede Ohara 大原かえで		[10]
2015	Trillion: God of Destruction	Levia		[10]
2016	Hero Must Die	Angel Yulia	PS Vita version	[10]
2016	Skullgirls 2nd Encore	Valentine		[10]
2016	MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies	Noire/Black Heart		[41]
2016	Mary Skelter: Nightmares	Cinderella
2018	BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle	Izayoi
2018-present	Azur Lane	Noire / Black Heart, HMS Drake	iOS, Android	[42]
2019	Arknights	Lappland	iOS, Android

Drama CD

List of voice performances in drama CD

Title	Role	Notes	Source[2]
Aki Sora	Sora		[43]
Fullmetal Alchemist	Elisa エリサ	CD audio	[10]
Kiss x Sis series	Yūzuki Kiryū		[11]
Metal Slader Glory	Kisaragi Yayoi 如月やよい	CD audio	[10]
Witch of the Kingdom of the time of the earth flower 刻の大地 花の王国の魔女	Nanami Nakajima 中島七海	CD audio Debut work	[10]
Scrapped Princess	Merchant 町人	CD audio	[10]

Discography

Asami Imai

Solo Singles

• "Day by Day /Shining Blue Rain", released April 22, 2009
• "Strawberry 〜Amaku Setsunai Namida〜", released October 21, 2009
• "Horizon", released April 21, 2010
• "Shangri-La", released July 22, 2010
• "Frame Goshi no Koi", released February 23, 2011
• "Enrai", released May 25, 2011
• "Hana no Saku Basho", released August 3, 2011
• "Hasta La Vista", released April 25, 2012
• "Limited Love", released July 25, 2012
• "Dear Darling", released March 27, 2013
• "Hoshikuzu no Ring", released June 26, 2013
• "Shikkoku no Sustain", released March 26, 2014
• "Tsuioku no Itoguruma", released July 30, 2014
• "Venus no Harmonia", released August 27, 2014
• "Asayake no Starmine", released June 3, 2015
• "BABYLON 〜 before the daybreak", released July 22, 2015
• "Sabaku no Ame", released July 27, 2016
• "Reunion -Once Again-", released October 26, 2016
• "World-Line", released August 29, 2018

Solo Albums

• "COLOR SANCTUARY", released November 23, 2010
• "Aroma of happiness", released November 30, 2011
• "Precious Sounds", released November 28, 2012
• "Kono Kumo no Hate", released November 27, 2013
• "little legacy", released November 26, 2014
• "Words of GRACE", released February 24, 2016
• "rinascita", released May 16, 2017

ARTERY VEIN

Singles

• "Confutatis no Inori", released August 25, 2010
• "Last Judgement", released April 20, 2011
• "Pandora no Yoru", released August 24, 2011
• "Kagerou", released August 8, 2012

Albums

• "ARTERY VEIN", released March 7, 2012

References

1. Doi, Hitoshi (June 14, 2016). "Imai Asami (今井麻美) – Personal Information". Hitoshi Doi's Seiyuu Database. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
2. 今井 麻美のプロフィール. Early Wing (in Japanese). Japan. May 28, 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
3. "Label profile" (in Japanese). 5pb. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
4. 今井麻美：大好きな歌が仕事になるとはうれしい誤算【エンジェル・ボイス アゲイン (in Japanese). Famitsu. November 19, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
5. "2016年6月：★UBIQUITOUS★ASAMI IMAI - ライブドアブログ" (in Japanese). June 26, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
6. "Monster Hunter 3 G Takes Top Prize in Famitsu Awards". Anime News Network. Anime News Network. April 18, 2012. Archived from the original on April 20, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
7. "Profile" (in Japanese). 5pb. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
8. "Steins;Gate 0 Anime Reveals Visual for 2nd Half". Anime News Network. July 14, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
9. "Pastel Memories Anime Reveals January Premiere, Visuals, Theme Songs". Anime News Network. October 5, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
10. "声優さん出演リスト 個別表示：今井麻美(asami imai)＝遠山枝里子＝赤城ひより＝塚本由美＝伊勢由子＝灰田みかげ＝堀越恵子＝鹿地薫＝瀬戸野蛍子＝芹沢せいら＝九重くるみ＝酒井みすず＝桜庭翡翠＝佐野由綺奈＝時坂セリ香＝水沢光＝宮川なつき＝宮部るい＝山崎波子＝悠木舞＝雪平雫＝井ノ原理子＝時坂セリ香＝葛西優美" [Voice actor's appearance list individual display: Asami Imai]. Voice Artist Database (in Japanese). GamePlaza-HARUKA-. April 6, 2016. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
11. Doi, Hitoshi (June 14, 2016). "Imai Asami roles". Hitoshi Doi's Seiyuu Database. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
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13. "Microsoft's Bing Search Engine Enlists Japanese Voices". Anime News Network. December 21, 2009. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
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19. "Idolm@ster Cast Recreates Gero-Gero Kitchen in Live-Action". Anime News Network. September 29, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
20. "Sengoku Paradise Mobile Game Community Gets TV Anime". Anime News Network. September 11, 2011. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
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24. "Hyperdimension Neptunia Anime Ad Features Opening Song". Anime News Network. June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
25. "Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Uchida, Yuuki Kaji Lead Noragami Anime's Cast". Anime News Network. September 30, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
26. "Noragami Supernatural TV Anime Gets 2nd Season". Anime News Network. March 31, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
27. "Puchimas! -Petit Idolm@ster- DVD Bundled with Dengeki Maoh". Anime News Network. September 26, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
28. "Folklore-Inspired Light Novel Momo Kyun Sword Gets Anime". Anime News Network. January 17, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
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30. "Asami IMAI". Anime News Network. June 17, 2003. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
31. "Kurisu Voice Actress Asami Imai Performs 2nd Steins;Gate 0 Anime Ending Song". Anime News Network. May 29, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
32. "Shōmetsu Toshi Anime Reveals 7th Visual, 2 More Cast Members". Anime News Network. February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
33. Hotarubi no Mori e (DVD) (in Japanese and English). Aniplex. 2011. ASIN B0092EXBP6.
34. James Ballard (2007-12-22). "ULTRASEVEN X Series Guide". www.scifijapan.com. Retrieved 2016-09-14.
35. "Corpse Party: Tortured Souls Anime's 3rd Promo Streamed". Anime News Network. June 28, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
36. Hyperdimention Neptunia Mk2 characters:
    * "Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2". Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 official English website. NIS America. Retrieved March 16, 2016. Select date of birth. Click Characters and select icon to see picture and description.
    * "Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2 Sisters Generation – Characters". Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth2 Sisters Generation official English website. Idea Factory. Retrieved March 16, 2016. Click Characters and select icon of a character to see picture and description.
37. "Compile Heart's Noire RPG Slated For May 29 With New Game World". Anime News Network. November 27, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
38. "Disgaea 4 Return's 2nd Promo Video Previews New Character". Anime News Network. November 28, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
39. "Senran Kagura 2, Deka Mori Senran Kagura Games' Promos Streamed". Anime News Network. March 30, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
40. "Sequel to The Guided Fate Paradox PS3 Game Confirmed". Anime News Network. March 4, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
41. "MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune Vs. Zombies". Idea Factory. 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
42. "♚Drake♚". Azur Lane Official. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
43. "Aki Sora's 3rd Manga Volume to Bundle Anime DVD (Updated 2)". Anime News Network. July 11, 2009. Retrieved June 16, 2016.

External links

• Official website at 5pb records. (in Japanese)
• Artery Vein official website at 5pb. records (in Japanese)
• Asami Imai at Anime News Network's encyclopedia