Akari Kito, the voice actress known mainly for her role as Nezuko in Demon Slayer, updated her Twitter account on the 16th, answering and denying rumors stating she is dating fellow voice actor Yuya Hozumi.

Akari Kito and Yuya Hozumi relationship rumor explained

Akari Kito is currently one of the most popular seiyuu (Japanese voice actresses and actors). As the voice of Nezuko in Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba, her popularity exploded in 2019 with the anime's first season. Akari Kito is now appearing in several radio shows and also launched a singing career in October 2019 on top of her anime roles.

Early on August 16, 2021, popular magazine Bunshun Online shared pictures of Akari Kito and Yuya Hozumi leaving a taxi together and heading to Kito's apartment. Interviewed by Bunshun Online's journalist, they stated they aren't dating but only became close friends recently. A few hours later, Akari Kito denied the boyfriend rumors on Twitter and again stated Yuya Hozumi is one of her close friends:

Akari Kito: "Regarding a certain rumor, just as I reported to my office, Hozumi is one of my close friends. I apologize for making you worry and for the inconvenience caused. I will keep doing my utmost as a seiyuu and I hope you'll keep supporting my activities."

More on Akari Kito and the seiyuu industry

Among average seiyuu enjoyers, Akari Kito is known as one of the perfect examples showing how hard life as a seiyuu is unless you've got tons of gigs. Such as radio shows, on top of regularly coining big anime and mobile game roles.

One of Akari Kito's first named roles as a seiyuu was Aika Maki in the 2014 anime series Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? (Invaders of the Rokujouma!?). Akari Kito already mentioned several times in radio shows that back then, as a newcomer seiyuu, since she didn't have any major roles or opportunities, she could only afford to eat cup noodles and bean sprouts. She was also working part-time at a ramen restaurant because she liked the ramen there, and the boss would make her dinner for free every day. She also worked part-time as a dental assistant and as an illustrator assistant.

With more popular roles such as Kaho Hinata in Blend S (2017) and later on her role as Nezuko in Demon Slayer starting April 2019, and her major debut single in October 2019, she managed to get many more jobs as a seiyuu. Appearing in radio shows, streams, etc. She's currently affiliated with the seiyuu agency she debuted with, Pro-Fit.

Recently, Akari Kito also voiced Seiun Sky ni Uma Musume by Cygames, which is currently the most popular mobile gacha game in Japan. Meanwhile, Yuya Hozumi is a more low-profile seiyuu and is mainly known for voicing Uta Outa in Actors -Songs Connection-, and Keyaru in Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi (Redo of Healer).

Akari Kito and her position as a Love Live idol seiyuu

Moreover, it's also important to note that since 2017, Akari Kito voices Kanata Konoe, one of the most popular characters in Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club. Long story short, Love Live is one of the particular idol seiyuu franchises where the characters and the seiyuu are marketed as one and the same.

As such, there are some fans who consider the fact that a seiyuu is dating means that the character is in a relationship as well, and is a mark of betrayal toward their trust and love. This is why Akari Kito's boyfriend rumor is making so much noise and trending on Twitter besides the fact that she's a popular and talented seiyuu. With that said, I've mainly seen messages of support on Japanese Twitter so far by searching her name in Japanese, see the 鬼頭明里 tag.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba The Hinokami Chronicles will be launching worldwide on October 15, 2021. The game is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, and Steam. Meanwhile, Demon Slayer season 2 will start in October 2021 as well.

Love Live Superstar, the newest iteration of the Love Live franchise, just got a TV anime as well, which started airing in July. Last but not least, you can always reach me on Twitter @A_iyane07 to discuss the seiyuu industry.