Masumi Itō, also known under the pseudonym Hikaru Nanase (七瀬 光), is a Japanese singer, composer, and music arranger whose work is strongly tied to anime music. Born in Ibaraki Prefecture and with blood type A, she graduated from Musashino College of Music, where she developed the technical background that supports her blend of vocal performance, composition, and arrangement.
Under her own name, Itō is known for a gentle, melodic vocal style that has been heard in ending themes for series such as 'Beyond the Boundary' (Kyōkai no Kanata) and 'Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid.' Her voice is often associated with a soft, atmospheric approach that fits intimate and emotional anime themes, helping her become a familiar name for listeners who search for anime singers and ending theme artists.
As Hikaru Nanase, she has served as the primary composer for soundtracks including 'Haibane Renmei', 'Canaan', and 'Infinite Stratos.' This side of her career highlights her skill in building mood and texture through music, often combining classical elements, acoustic instrumentation, and intricate vocal harmonies to create a distinctive healing quality.
Beyond her solo work, Itō has also been active in collaborative projects. She formed the duo Oranges & Lemons with Yoko Ueno, known for the 'Azumanga Daioh' opening theme 'Sora Mimi Cake,' and she has also worked in the project Heart of Air. Her deep connection to the Japanese music scene is further reflected in her marriage to Yoshiyuki Itou, a prominent producer at the music label Lantis. Across decades of work, Masumi Itō has remained a versatile and influential figure in anime music, moving between vocals, composition, and arrangement with a consistently recognizable style.
