In case you missed it, miHoYo published a special New Years 2021 illustration featuring Ayaka and the female Traveler in Genshin Impact (PC, PS5, PS4, Mobile, Switch). Together with Xiao, Ayaka is a character who was present in the first Closed Beta Test for Genshin Impact, but has yet to be added in the final game. Moreover, unlike Xiao who appears as an NPC, Ayaka isn't in the game altogether.Ayaka is a key character of the upcoming Inazuma main story chapter. This was made clear multiple times in the past, most notably with the seven regions of Teyvat and story trailer. As you already know, the seven regions of Teyvat in Genshin Impact are all themed around real locations. Mondstadt is based on western medieval Europe. Liyue is based on ancient China. And Inazuma is based on feudal Japan and the Sengoku period.Moreover, Ayaka is voiced by Saori Hayami, which means yet another high-profile seiyuu will be joining the Genshin Impact cast. Following Rosaria voiced by Ai Kakuma, Zhongli voiced by Tomoaki Maeno, or Scaramouche voiced by Tetsuya Kakihara, Saori Hayami is one of the mot popular seiyuu of this last decade. Saori Hayami is known for voicing Shinobu in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Fubuki in One Punch Man. Sachi in Sword Art Online. Emma in the Kiseki /Trails series, Yumeko in Kakegurui. Claris in Sakura Wars. Shana Mia in Super Robot Wars. Manaka Takane in Love Plus. I could go on all day. Anyways, Ayaka is a highly expected character for any Genshin Impact player who's an otaku and understands 2D.

The illustration features Ayaka and the female Traveler doing their first shrine visit of the year while wearing kimono. This is a Japanese tradition and seems it's followed in Inazuma. In the tweet, the Genshin Impact development team thanks everyone for the support and promises exciting content for 2021.

On December 31, another illustration was published as well, for Zhongli's birthday the same day.

Right now, we don't know when Inazuma will be added to the game. miHoYo already confirmed it's the next region in our interview. In-game, Inazuma was later stated to be the next destination of the traveler. For now, the current official Genshin Impact update schedule goes until Version 1.3, releasing sometime in February 2021. This means Inazuma could be added in March 2021 at earliest. Personally speaking, I'm expecting the region to launch in May or June 2021.

Tomorrow, January 12, a new update wiil add the Adrift in the Harbor gacha banner to obtain new character Ganyu. The next big Genshin Impact update in February 2021 will also bring several changes for Zhongli and Geo characters.