Ai Kayano expressed her desire to work in a profession that involved “healing people,” leading her to enroll in a vocational school. Initially working in the beauty industry, she became interested in acting after watching Aria. While attending school, Kayano continued working in the beauty industry to cover her school fees.
In 2010, Kayano began her career at Pro-Fit, starring in an OVA titled Princess Resurrection. She also played various background roles in the anime series A Certain Magical Index II, portraying the character Itsuwa.
Throughout her career, Ai Kayano has lent her voice to several anime characters, contributing to the rich tapestry of the anime world.
Anime Characters Voiced By Ai Kayano
1. Menma (Anohana)
Ai Kayano is the voice behind Meiko Honma, also known as Menma, in the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” He won the Best Newcomer Award at the 6th Seiyu Awards in 2012 for his role as Menma.
Furthermore, Ai Kayano Haruka Tomatsu and Saori Hayami sang the series’ ending theme, “Secret Base – Kimi ga Kureta Mono (10 years after Ver.),” a cover of a song by the band Zone.
2. Inori Yuzuriha (Guilty Crown)
Kayano portrays the main heroine, Inori Yuzuriha, in the romantic mecha anime “Guilty Crown.”
Initially, Inori appears emotionless and focused solely on obeying Gai’s commands. However, Inori’s character evolves after encountering and spending time with Shu. She shows more emotions, smiles more often, and even displays embarrassment when she becomes close to Shu.
3. Mashiro Shiina (The Pet Girl of Sakurasou)
Mashiro Shiina leads in “Sakurasou no Pet no Kanojo,” also known as “The Pet Girl of Sakurasou.”
Waifu, played by Ai Kayano, resides in Room 202 of the Sakura Dormitory. Mashiro is a renowned artist on a global scale who transfers to Suiko as a second-year student to focus on studying drawing and pursuing manga creation.
Despite Mashiro’s artistic talents, she heavily relies on others for everyday tasks. This dependence leads Sorata Kanda to take on the responsibility of caring for Mashiro to the extent of helping her with basic tasks like dressing, as otherwise, she might attend school without clothes.
4. Shiro (No Game, No Life)
Shiro is one of the main protagonists of the anime No Game No Life, with Sora played by Matsuoka Yoshitsugu.
Abandoned by his parents, Shiro is an 11-year-old gamer who forms (Blank/Kuhaku) along with his half-sister Sora.
5. Akari Kawamoto (3-gatsu no Lion)
Akari Kawamoto is a key character in the family-centric anime “March Comes in Like a Lion.”
As the eldest sister among the Kawamoto siblings, Akari shoulders the responsibility of looking after her two younger sisters following their father’s departure and the passing of their mother and grandmother.
Akari’s life intersects with Rei Kiriyama’s when she invites him to her home, marking the first time she brought someone there. Upon discovering Rei in a drunken state, Akari offers him refuge, leading to a deeper connection between Akari, her family, and Rei.
6. Darkness (KonoSuba)
Dustiness Ford Lalatina, commonly called Darkness, is among the three primary female protagonists in the KonoSuba series.
Darkness serves as a crusader within Kazuma’s party and exhibits masochistic tendencies.
7. Mamako Oosuki (Okaasan Online)
Mamako Oosuki from “Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?” or “Okaasan Online” is one of the MILF characters featured in the anime.
Mamako is portrayed as a kind, affectionate, and nurturing woman. Her gentle demeanor sometimes makes her overly trusting, as she tends to show kindness to strangers even when they may harbor hostile intentions toward her.
8. Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano)
Kayanon, referring to Ai Kayano, returns to collaborate with Tsugutsugu in the series “Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata” or “Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend.”
Utaha Kasumigaoka is a key character in this series. She is a talented emerging novelist and a student in class 3C who maintains a secret identity as a writer.
9. Alice Zuberg (Sword Art Online: Alicization)
Alice Zuberg is a pivotal character in the Alicization Arc of the series “Sword Art Online.”
As the childhood friend of Eugeo and Kirito, Alice’s life takes a dramatic turn when she inadvertently violates the Taboo Index during her youth. This transgression leads to her capture and subsequent indoctrination as an integrity knight within the Central Cathedral, assuming the identity of Alice Synthesis Thirty.
10. Dominique de Sade (Vanitas no Carte)
Dominique de Sade, known as Domi, features prominently in “The Case Study of Vanitas.”
As a Vampire of the Red Moon, she shares a deep bond with Noé Archivist, her childhood companion whom she met through her grandfather.
Born into the esteemed de Sade family as their youngest member, Dominique embodies a bold and assertive demeanor, assuming the role of Noé’s guardian and protector.