Minor seiyuu and idol Murata Ayumi announced on her blog on the 31st December 2008 that she is officially ‘taking leave’ from the entertainment business due to ill-health. The post also somewhat bizarrely declares that ‘The one thing I want to make clear is that I’m not married or pregnant, OK?’
The Tokyo-born singer was scouted at age 15 whilst working in her father’s surf shop, but never really hit any heights in her 11-year career. Murata’s most notable works include a role in the Sailor Moon musical as Aino Minako (Sailor Venus), Mochida Hinako in Myself;Yourself and Kurosu Kanata in the Memories Off series. She has also released 3 albums and 10 singles, the most recent of which (Pastel) was the ending theme for the Macademi WAsshoi! anime.
No word on what will happen to some of Murata’s current work commitments, including her PolePole radio show and a presenting spot on AT-X’s promo-X. Her blog however, remains active.
26 seems to be a rather young age to be ‘retiring’… I was never really a fan of Murata’s, but she did have some excellent songs like Shining Star and Drawing Again – I think that was down to songwriter Shikura Chiyomaru though; her singing was dreadful =_= Can’t say I ever noticed her voice acting skills either, but she was a bright and bubbly person from the few radio shows I heard her on. That said, she was never popular so I really doubt she’ll be returning to singing or acting anytime soon…
No idea why Murata chose to declare that she was neither married nor pregnant though, her saying that makes me think that she actually is. Maybe she plans to move into the AV business soon. Uh, get well soon Ayumi!
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