Hiroko Seto, the strict yet deeply caring piano instructor in Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso), is voiced by Saori Hayami in the Japanese version and Erica Lindbeck in the English dub. Hayami’s performance captures Seto’s stern exterior and underlying compassion, making her one of the series’ most emotionally impactful adult characters.
Saori Hayami (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
May 29, 1991
About Saori
Saori Hayami is a highly acclaimed Japanese voice actress and singer affiliated with I’m Enterprise. Renowned for her clear, elegant voice and exceptional emotional control, she is often cast in roles that require a balance of gentleness, authority, and inner strength.
In Your Lie in April, Hayami brings depth to Hiroko Seto, portraying her as both a demanding mentor and a maternal figure shaped by her own past. Her nuanced delivery allows the character’s hidden grief and affection for Kōsei Arima to resonate strongly with audiences.
Beyond voice acting, Hayami is also an accomplished singer, having performed numerous anime theme songs and character tracks.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
Saori Hayami has an extensive portfolio of major roles across anime:
- Hiroko Seto – Your Lie in April
- Yukino Yukinoshita – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Shinobu Kocho – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Ayase Aragaki – Oreimo
- Miyuki Shiba – The Irregular at Magic High School
- Yor Forger – Spy × Family
- Fubuki – One Punch Man
- Rachel Gardner – Angels of Death
Her roles frequently highlight her ability to portray composed, intelligent, and emotionally layered women.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented anime voice acting credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Television Anime
- 2010 – Oreimo (Ayase Aragaki)
- 2013 – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Yukino Yukinoshita)
- 2014 – The Irregular at Magic High School (Miyuki Shiba)
- 2014–2015 – Your Lie in April (Hiroko Seto)
- 2015 – One Punch Man (Fubuki)
- 2018 – Angels of Death (Rachel Gardner)
- 2019–present – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Shinobu Kocho)
- 2022–present – Spy × Family (Yor Forger)
Anime Films
- 2017 – No Game No Life: Zero (Jibril)
- 2023 – Spy × Family Code: White (Yor Forger)
Video Games (Selected)
- Genshin Impact (Kamisato Ayaka)
- Fire Emblem Heroes (various characters)
- Azur Lane (various roles)
Critical Reception
Saori Hayami is widely regarded as one of the most talented voice actresses of her generation. Critics consistently praise her vocal clarity, emotional precision, and ability to convey subtle internal conflict.
- Anime News Network frequently highlights Hayami’s performances as standout elements in ensemble casts, particularly in emotionally driven series (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
- Reviews and fan discussions on platforms like MyAnimeList often describe her voice as “soothing yet powerful,” noting her impact in roles such as Yukino and Shinobu (https://myanimelist.net/)
Her role as Hiroko Seto is often singled out for adding emotional gravity to Your Lie in April, especially in key backstory and mentorship scenes.
Social Media
X: @hayami_official (https://x.com/hayami_official)
Erica Lindbeck (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
May 29, 1992
About Erica
Erica Lindbeck is an American voice actress known for her wide vocal range and strong emotional performances across anime, video games, and Western animation. She has become one of the most recognizable voices in English dubbing, often cast in roles that require both emotional vulnerability and commanding presence.
As Hiroko Seto in Your Lie in April, Lindbeck delivers a layered performance that captures the character’s strict, no-nonsense teaching style while gradually revealing her deep care and personal history. Her portrayal emphasizes Seto’s complexity as both a mentor and a maternal figure, aligning closely with the tone of the original Japanese performance.
Hometown
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Career Highlights
Erica Lindbeck has voiced many prominent characters across anime and gaming:
- Hiroko Seto – Your Lie in April
- Futaba Sakura – Persona 5
- Magilou – Tales of Berseria
- Jessie Rasberry – Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Black Cat – Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)
- Mordred – Fate/Apocrypha
- Cheelai – Dragon Ball Super: Broly
- Loona – Helluva Boss
Her performances often stand out for their emotional authenticity and strong character presence.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented voice acting credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2014–2015 – Your Lie in April (Hiroko Seto)
- 2017 – Fate/Apocrypha (Mordred)
- 2018 – Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online (Elsa Kanzaki / Pitohui)
- 2019 – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Daki)
- 2020 – The Promised Neverland (Isabella – select dubs/versions)
Video Games
- 2016 – Persona 5 (Futaba Sakura)
- 2017 – Tales of Berseria (Magilou)
- 2020 – Final Fantasy VII Remake (Jessie Rasberry)
- 2018 – Marvel’s Spider-Man (Black Cat / Felicia Hardy)
- Fire Emblem Heroes (various characters)
Animation & Web Series
- 2019–present – Helluva Boss (Loona)
Critical Reception
Erica Lindbeck is widely praised for her expressive voice and ability to convey complex emotional states. Critics and fans frequently highlight her performances in both anime and video games as standout contributions.
- Anime News Network and dub-focused reviews often commend her versatility and emotional delivery in roles like Hiroko Seto and Mordred (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
- Coverage and fan discussions on sites like IGN and MyAnimeList frequently praise her performance as Futaba Sakura for its authenticity and relatability (https://www.ign.com/, https://myanimelist.net/)
Her performance as Hiroko Seto is appreciated for preserving the character’s emotional weight in the English dub while making her accessible to a broader audience.
Social Media
X: @ericalindbeck (https://x.com/ericalindbeck)
Instagram: @ericalindbeck (https://www.instagram.com/ericalindbeck/)
