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Voice Actress Izumi Kitta to Narrate Buses in Utsunomiya

Voice actress Izumi Kitta (Tomoko in WATAMOTE, Misaki in Cardfight!! Vanguard, Cordelia in Tantei Opera Milky Holmes) is narrating the "Kibuna" line of city buses in Utsunomiya, a prefectural capital an hour and 40 minutes north of Tokyo, beginning on April 23. The Kibuna — named after a yellow carp toy made in the city — runs on a loop through the center of Utsunomiya. Kitta will announce not only the bus stops, but the tourist sites, culture, history, and restaurants in the area the bus passes through. Her announcements will also play in the bus stops for the benefit of those waiting.

Kitta is from Tokyo, but she loves gyōza, and Utsunomiya is famous for them. Her blog is called "Izu-no Gyōza," she has appeared in a TV show about gyōza, she performed at the Utsunomiya Gyōza Festival, and last year she was even appointed as Utsunomiya's first out-of-town PR representative ("Utsunomiya Pleasant Citizen"). Even her kimono above has a gyōza pattern.

Regarding her new role, Kitta said, "I'm really happy that I can play a part for Utsunomiya using my voice work. Everyone, please try to ride it! I'd like to get involved in a wider variety of things from here on as a voice actress."

Kitta's narration will play until November 30. For 500 yen (or US$4.15), you can buy a ticket that includes a day's ride on the Kibuna along with some gyōza at participating eateries.

[Via Otasuke; Images from Seiyuu Memo-chou and Kumagatani Daini Orikaeshiba]