Fan passion can lead some followers to alarming extremes. In Japan’s entertainment industry, voice actors often become targets of public frustration, even without control over a franchise’s future. This is the case of Ayumi Takeo, the talented artist who voiced Iijima Yun in the popular workplace comedy New Game!, who has been forced to speak out after relentless harassment from fans blaming her for the lack of a third season.

The unbearable weight of a retirement

Although the actress formally retired from recording studios five years ago, she has been plagued by aggressive messages. In her recent testimony, she said dozens of users repeatedly message her privately, blaming her departure for the series’ lack of new episodes. Desperate, she posted a message to producers Kadokawa, Houbunsha, and studio Doga Kobo, pleading for them to authorize a sequel. In her emotional statement, she clarified she would be willing to retake her role if the attacks finally stop.

Fan misunderstanding

Her painful confession sparked outrage in Japan. Many users expressed confusion at seeing individuals attack mentally the person who gave identity to one of their favorite characters. Netizens also pointed out the ignorance behind these claims, noting that when a talent retires, production committees simply hire a replacement if they truly want to continue a project. The harsh reality is that the original manga ended in 2021, and commercially, investors likely don’t see the necessary economic incentives to fund another animation stage.

Seeing a retired professional have to beg corporations for mental peace highlights a dark side of fandom. Knowing anime continuation depends on sales and executive decisions, should studios issue official statements to protect actors from harassment, or do social media platforms need stricter filters to curb toxic users?