The original golf-themed TV anime “Sorairo Utility” has announced that Maria Naganawa will be joining its cast. Naganawa will be voicing the character of Hina Yoarashi, a genius junior high school golfer and a super rich girl living in the United States, starting with episode 10. This exciting news comes as the anime series continues to explore the world of golf through the eyes of its main characters.
Maria Naganawa to Voice Hina Yoarashi
Maria Naganawa, a well-known Japanese voice actress, is set to bring the character of Hina Yoarashi to life in “Sorairo Utility”. Naganawa is affiliated with I’m Enterprise and has voiced several notable roles in popular anime, including:
- Kanna Kamui in Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
- Komekko in KonoSuba
- Laffey in Azur Lane
- Platelet in Cells at Work!
- Komugi Inukai/Cure Wonderful in Wonderful Precure!
Naganawa expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating that Hinata’s sullen expression reveals the complexity of her inner self, making her endearing and likable. She also admires Hinata’s confidence and dedication to golf.
Who is Hina Yoarashi?
Hina Yoarashi is described as a genius junior high school golfer and a super rich girl living in the United States. She will be appearing in the 10th episode of “Sorairo Utility”. Naganawa describes Hinata as still in the process of growing.
What is Sorairo Utility About?
“Sorairo Utility” is a Japanese original anime television series about golf produced by Yostar Pictures and directed by Kengo Saitō. The story follows Minami Aoba, a high school student who is searching for her “special uniqueness”. She stumbles upon a golf practice range and is introduced to the world of golf by Haruka Akane, a part-time worker. Together with Ayaka Hoshimi, who aspires to be an influencer, they seek the moment when they can become the “protagonist”.
The anime premiered on Tokyo MX in December 2021 as a short film. The anime television series, also produced by Yostar Pictures, premiered in January 2025.
Main Characters:
- Minami Aoba: Voiced by Miyu Takagi, Minami is a high school student who feels like a “plain background character”. She discovers golf and begins her journey to find her own uniqueness.
- Haruka Akane: Voiced by Yurina Amami, Haruka is a genius golfer who works part-time at the golf practice range. She introduces Minami to the sport.
- Ayaka Hoshimi: Voiced by Ayasa Goto, Ayaka is an aspiring influencer who joins Minami and Haruka in their golfing adventures.
Supporting Characters:
- Izumi Akina: Voiced by Yumiri Hanamori.
- Masao “Masa” Tadokoro: Voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue.
- Chosuke “Cho” Tanabe: Voiced by Kenyu Horiuchi.
- Tetsuhiro “Tetsu” Tanaka: Voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa.
Themes and Appeal
“Sorairo Utility” is a slice-of-life sports comedy anime that focuses on the themes of friendship, personal growth, and the enjoyment of golf. The anime is accessible for viewers unfamiliar with golf, as Minami’s journey into the sport serves as an entry point for understanding its appeal. The series highlights that winning isn’t everything and that everything related to golf can be enjoyable.
