Renowned voice actress Nao Tōyama has been officially cast in the upcoming Koupen-chan short TV anime, taking on the role of Mizuiro no Koupen-chan (Light Blue Koupen-chan). The announcement adds another prominent name to the anticipated adaptation of Rurutea’s popular social media mascot.
The Koupen-chan anime, which began broadcasting in Japan on TV Asahi on April 6, 2025, brings to life the endearing world of the baby emperor penguin.
Nao Tōyama’s Role and the Koupen-chan Universe
Nao Tōyama will voice Mizuiro no Koupen-chan, a light blue baby emperor penguin that is expected to return to its original color. This character is part of the charming Koupen-chan franchise, which originated from Rurutea’s illustrations in 2017. The series is known for its focus on spreading unconditional positive energy and follows the everyday adventures of Koupen-chan and its friends as they appreciate the simple joys in life.
The Expanding Cast of Koupen-chan
The Koupen-chan short TV anime has steadily revealed its cast. Prior to Tōyama’s announcement, Ayaka Saito was confirmed to voice the titular Koupen-chan, the main baby penguin character. Saito also lends her voice to Yokoshima Enaga-san. Other confirmed cast members include Sachi Kokuryu as Otona no Penguin-san (Grown-up Penguin-san), Junji Majima as Adelie-san, and Kazuya Ichijo as Oshietekureru Type Shirokuma-san (Willing-to-teach type Polar Bear-san).
Production Details and Creative Team
The Koupen-chan short TV anime is directed by Kyo Yatate, with Yoichi Kato handling the series composition. Hazamu Sakuta serves as the chief episode director, and Akiyuki Tateyama is responsible for the music. Animation production is being handled by Lesprit. The series is based on the original work by Rurutea, whose illustrations first gained popularity on social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram.
Nao Tōyama’s Extensive Voice Acting Career
Nao Tōyama is a highly prolific Japanese voice actress and singer. Debuting as a voice actress in 2010, she gained her first leading role as Kanon Nakagawa in The World God Only Knows. Her extensive filmography includes numerous iconic roles, showcasing her versatility.
Some of her most recognized roles include:
- Chitoge Kirisaki in Nisekoi
- Yui Yuigahama in My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
- Chiho Sasaki in The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
- Tomoe Koga in Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
- Karen Kujō in Kin-iro Mosaic
- Rin Shima in Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp)
- Ruka Sarashina in Rent-A-Girlfriend
- Nozomi Kasaki in Sound! Euphonium
Tōyama’s talent extends beyond voice acting, as she also has a successful music career, having debuted as a solo singer in 2017. She was also a member of the music unit Walküre from the Macross franchise. Her addition to the Koupen-chan cast is expected to further enhance the charm of the short anime series.
