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Yui Hirasawa
Yui Hirasawa |
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Kanji | 平沢唯 |
Rōmaji | Yui Hirasawa |
Age: | 15-18 |
Birthday: | November 27th, 1991 |
Height: | 156 cm |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Aki Toyosaki |
English | Stephanie Sheh |
Yui Hirasawa (平沢ひらさわ 唯ゆい), is the main protagonist of K-ON! and one of the five main characters of the series. She is the lead guitarist and vocalist of the band Ho-kago Tea Time (Afterschool Tea Time), which she forms alongside her friends in the Light Music Club at Sakuragaoka High School. Yui is known for her cheerful, carefree personality and her air-headed tendencies, which often lead to humorous situations. Despite her lack of musical knowledge at the start, her passion and innate talent for the guitar make her a central figure in the band.
Her voice is provided by Aki Toyosaki in Japanese, and her character has been localized into several languages, with Stephanie Sheh voicing her in the English dub by Bang Zoom! Entertainment.
Background
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Appearance in anime
Yui lives with her parents and her younger sister, Ui Hirasawa, in a modest household. While Yui’s carefree and somewhat scatterbrained nature often causes her to neglect responsibilities, Ui, who is more mature and responsible, often steps in to support her. Their close sibling relationship is one of the highlights of the series.
At the start of her high school journey, Yui has no clear extracurricular interests. Upon seeing a flyer for the Light Music Club, she joins out of curiosity, mistakenly believing it involves light, casual activities rather than playing instruments. Despite her initial cluelessness about music, Yui quickly develops a love for the guitar, especially after acquiring her beloved Les Paul guitar, affectionately named “Gitah”.
Appearance
Yui has short, light brown hair with two small hair clips on the left side, which become a signature part of her look. She has large, brown eyes and a round, expressive face that reflects her cheerful and childlike personality. Yui’s petite stature and soft features further emphasize her endearing and approachable demeanor.
Her school uniform, like the other members of the Light Music Club, is often accompanied by casual clothing and accessories during their band activities. Her outfits off-stage are colorful and quirky, reflecting her playful personality.
Personality
Yui is cheerful, optimistic, and extremely carefree. Her air-headed nature often leads to her being forgetful or easily distracted, but her enthusiasm and energy make her a beloved member of the Light Music Club. She has a childlike wonder and a tendency to procrastinate, often prioritizing fun over responsibilities.
While Yui may lack focus and discipline at times, she is incredibly passionate about music and devoted to her friends. Her natural talent allows her to excel at the guitar, and her vocal performances are full of emotion and charm. Her supportive and affectionate nature also makes her a unifying force in the group, bringing out the best in her bandmates.
Role in the Story
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Formation of Ho-kago Tea Time
Yui’s decision to join the Light Music Club sets the stage for the formation of Ho-kago Tea Time. Her journey from a complete novice to a skilled guitarist is a central theme of the series, showcasing her growth and the bond she shares with her bandmates: Mio Akiyama, Ritsu Tainaka, Tsumugi Kotobuki, and later, Azusa Nakano. -
Performances and Growth
Over the course of the series, Yui learns to balance her carefree nature with her responsibilities as a band member. Her dedication to music shines through during their performances, where her energy and charisma captivate audiences. Yui’s growth is also evident in her ability to support her friends, particularly Azusa, whom she mentors despite her own lack of traditional leadership qualities.
Relationships
Ui Hirasawa
Yui’s younger sister is her polar opposite—mature, responsible, and organized. Ui often takes care of Yui, cooking, cleaning, and ensuring her older sister stays on track. Their relationship is affectionate and heartwarming, with Ui acting as Yui’s biggest supporter.
Mio Akiyama
Yui admires Mio’s musical talent and often looks to her for guidance. Their dynamic highlights Yui’s playful nature contrasting with Mio’s more reserved personality.
Ritsu Tainaka
Yui and Ritsu share a playful and carefree dynamic, often getting into silly situations together.
Tsumugi Kotobuki
Yui enjoys Tsumugi’s sweet and gentle personality, as well as the snacks and tea she provides for the club.
Azusa Nakano
As the junior member of the band, Azusa looks up to Yui, though she is often exasperated by Yui’s antics. Over time, their bond deepens, and Yui becomes a supportive mentor figure for Azusa.