One of the most talked-about characters in Chiikawa Movie: Secrets of the Mermaid Island (映画ちいかわ 人魚の島のひみつ) is Siren — a mysterious figure whose beautiful yet melancholic singing voice has left audiences asking, “Who is that voice actress?”

The answer is Suzuki Minori (鈴木みのり), a voice actress and singer who has built an impressive career across some of anime’s most beloved franchises, including Macross Δ, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku, and THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls.

Siren: A Villain With Layers

Chiikawa Movie: Secrets of the Mermaid Island is the first theatrical film adaptation of Nagano’s hit manga Chiikawa, bringing to life the fan-favourite “Siren Arc.” The story follows Chiikawa and friends as they embark on a grand adventure on a mysterious island.

Siren is a gifted singer who threatens the island’s inhabitants — but her actions are driven by a deeply personal anguish, making her far more than a straightforward antagonist. Suzuki Minori has said she focused on prioritising Siren’s own emotions when performing the role, and that nuanced approach has resonated strongly with audiences on social media.

Profile: From Audition to Anime Songstress

Suzuki Minori was born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Her career took off in 2015 when she was cast as Freyja Wion, the heroine of Macross Δ, after winning a competitive audition. Her clear, expressive voice — equally at home in energetic, upbeat roles and emotionally complex ones — quickly won her a devoted fanbase. More recently, she has also become known as the voice of Liko in the Pokémon anime series.

Five Key Roles to Know

1. Macross Δ — Freyja Wion

The seventh entry in the iconic Macross SF-mecha franchise, Macross Δ is the role that made Suzuki Minori a household name. As Freyja Wion, a member of the tactical music unit Walküre, she delivered performances that blended power and charm across multiple songs. The series later expanded into theatrical films.

2. Uma Musume Pretty Derby — Agnes Digital

This multimedia franchise anthropomorphises real-life racehorses as “Uma Musume” girls. Suzuki Minori plays Agnes Digital, a self-described Uma Musume otaku whose bubbly personality and strong vocal performances shine in live scenes and character songs.

3. Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku — Shinonome Ena

In this rhythm-and-adventure game built around Vocaloid music, Suzuki Minori voices Shinonome Ena, a member of the music circle “25時、ナイトコードで。” who creates songs via a voice-chat app. Ena struggles under the shadow of her famous painter father, and Suzuki brings her complicated inner world to life through song with remarkable sensitivity.

4. THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls — Fujiwara Hajime

This smartphone game, which ran from 2011 to 2023, follows ordinary girls chosen for the “Cinderella Project” at 346 Production. Suzuki Minori plays Fujiwara Hajime, a graceful, strong-willed pottery-artist idol from Okayama. Her gentle yet soaring singing voice perfectly complements the character’s quiet determination.

5. Himitsu no Aipri — Nonaka Ema

The latest series in the franchise, airing from April 2026, follows girls who become “Aipri” — singing, dancing idol-princesses. Suzuki Minori plays Nonaka Ema, a character with a mysterious air who conceals warmth and inner strength. Her signature clear voice is a key part of the character’s appeal.

Summer 2026: The Season of Suzuki Minori and Mermaids

In a curious coincidence, Suzuki Minori is also currently voicing Lea, a mermaid and the protagonist’s older sister, in the ongoing anime Sayonara Lala (さよならララ). Between that role and Siren in the Chiikawa movie, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark season for Suzuki Minori — and for fans of her voice in the sea.

If Siren’s singing moved you, now is the perfect time to dive into Suzuki Minori’s back catalogue.